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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a passport required for entrance into Canada?
Passports are not required for travel with Victoria San Juan Cruises during our 2008 season. For U.S. born citizens you can take our cruise from Bellingham to Victoria and get into Canada with just photo ID (like a driver's license) and proof of citizenship (like a birth certificate). Citizens of other countries generally require a passport (for some countries a visa may also be required). Children are also required to carry proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate).
Where is Bellingham?
Bellingham is in Washington State, 80 miles north of Seattle and 22 miles south of the US/Canadian border. See the map to the lower right.
What is the population of Bellingham?
Approximately 74,770 people, as of 2006.
What is there to do in Bellingham?
There are PLENTY of things to do in Bellingham! The city is located on Bellingham Bay, so there are numerous water-related activities, as well as a great variety of waterside dining options. Mount Baker, Mt. Shuksan and the Cascade Mountains are also nearby, just a short drive away on the Mt. Baker Highway. Downtown Bellingham is home of the Whatcom Museum, antique shops on Holly Street, Mindports, the American Museum of Radio & Electricity and much more. The Bellingham Cruise Terminal, where are boats and office are located, is just down the hill from the historic Fairhaven district, where turn-of-the-century brick buildings house a variety of great shops and restaurants. The best resource for Bellingham/Fairhaven information is the Bellingham CVB - their website is at www.bellingham.org.
How do I get to your office?
From Interstate 5, take Exit 250. Turn west onto Old Fairhaven Parkway and follow the signs to "Alaska Ferry" and "Fairhaven Terminal". See the map below.
What is there to do in Friday Harbor / Victoria?
Hopefully you'll find lots of ideas for things to see and do throughout our website. However, good sources for online information are the Friday Harbor/San Juan Island Web Directory at www.friday-harbor.net and Tourism Victoria's website at: www.tourismvictoria.com.
Are your vessels available for private charters?
Yes! The Victoria Star 2, the Island Commuter 2 and the M/V Fairhaven are all available for private charters. The vessels can accommodate 149, 66 and 49 passengers respectively. In the past we have done 3 hour Bellingham Bay tours, dinner charters, cocktail cruises, weddings, wedding rehearsal dinners, trips to Sucia Island, 4th of July cruises, Christmas parties and many other types of tours. For information on rates and/or availability please call us at 1-800-443-4552 or (360) 738-8099.
What is the weather like in Bellingham / San Juan Islands / Victoria?
During our operating season (May through October) it is usually fairly dry, with temperatures in the mid-60's through mid 80's (fahrenheit). The San Juan Islands and Victoria are in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, which means these areas normally get less rain and have slightly higher temperatures than Bellingham.
Which San Juan Island is the biggest?
Orcas Island is the largest island geographically at 58 square miles, with San Juan Island a close second at 57 square miles. However, the population of San Juan Island is greater than the other islands and Friday Harbor, on San Juan Island, is the largest town in the San Juan Islands.
Where is Victoria Island?
With all of this talk about Victoria and the San Juan Islands, it's understandable that some people might think that the city of Victoria is located on Victoria Island. However, the city is actually located on Vancouver Island (not to be confused with the city of Vancouver, British Columbia, which is not on an island and is located about 75 miles east of Victoria, British Columbia). There is actually a Victoria Island in Canada, but it is located in the Northwest Territories with a population of about 1,700 people.
How big is your boat? Will I get seasick?
The Victoria Star 2, which goes between Bellingham and Victoria is 100 feet long and licensed for 149 passengers. The Island Commuter 2, which goes between Bellingham and Friday Harbor, is 50 feet long and licensed for 66 passengers. Since we only operate during the summer months, when the weather is nice and winds aren't too strong, the water is usually calm. Also, our cruises go through the protected waters of the San Juan Islands, so there is very little open water that we are going through and the islands provide a natural buffer from the elements. It is very rare for people to get seasick on our cruises. |
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