Anacortes Ferry- How to Get to the San Juan Islands and Beyond
The Anacortes Ferry Terminal is very busy all throughout the year especially during the Summer season. Tourists and residents alike line up in their cars or simply walk on to the ferry to enjoy a wonderful ride through the beautiful San Juan Islands.
The Ferry schedule changes from season to season, so remember to check the schedule to make sure your stop is on the way.
In the busy season it is best to make Ferry reservations if you are taking your car on the Ferry. With reservations you have first priority on the Ferry. Not a bad idea even in the off season. Check the Ferry Cameras to see the lines.
There are several stops on the ferry, although depending on the schedule you will not stop at all of them.
There is also an inter-island ferry route that goes between Friday Harbor (San Juan Island), Shaw Island, Orcas Island and Lopez Island. Once you are at one of the islands you can catch the inter-island to all of the islands in one day or over a long stay.
Lopez Island is the first stop on the Washington State Ferry from Anacortes.
The island is 15 miles long and 8 miles wide, with 2,400 year round residents. The Ferry terminal is approximately 4 miles from Lopez Village so you will need transportation or good walking shoes to get there.
Lopez Village is well worth the visit. On Saturday mornings they have their weekly Farmers Market from May till September. Have lunch at one of the many gourmet restaurants, visit the bakery for a fresh croissant, enjoy a Latte at the funky coffee shop and just enjoy the waterside atmosphere.
Shaw Island is one of the stops for the Inter-Island Ferry. There is a General Store at the Ferry landing where you can purchase a yummy ice cream while waiting for the ferry. Shaw Island is only 10 square miles. If you are a biker or hiker this is the place to visit for a wonderful scenic day trip.
Orcas Island is a very popular destination and is one the largest islands of the San Juan Islands Group. If you are travelling by car, the Orcas Island Ferry Terminal and Cameras will give you an up to minute view of ferry lines.
The ferry landing boasts a well stocked grocery store and a coffee and gift store. to get around, it is best to take your car or bike to Orcas Island as there are no bus services at this time. You can however, rent a car or van with advance reservations.
My favorite place is Eastsound Village which is the heart of Orcas Island. Lots of wonderful shops, restaurants, gourmet food, galleries, a farmers market and even a well stocked pet store and much much more.
Friday Harbor (San Juan island) is the most popular destination of all the San Juan Islands. The town of Friday Harbor is right at the Ferry Terminal which boasts a wide range of shops, restaurants, book stores, galleries and coffee shops to tempt any visitor.
You can enjoy waterfront dining and watch the ferries and other boats going in and out of the harbor and marina.
The Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal and cameras gives you a good idea of the waiting line for ferries in the busy season.
Sidney, BC. This ferry goes between Anacortes and Sidney twice per day in the summer season, once per day in the Fall and Winter seasons. However, the service stops from January to March each year.
The Sidney BC Ferry Terminal is located just a short walk or ride to downtown Sidney. The trip over there is a magical ride through the San Juan Islands with a short stop at Friday Harbor to pick up passengers.
Even a day trip to Sidney (when the ferry is running twice a day) is well worth your time. Just walk or drive on to the ferry in Anacortes and 2 hours and 40 minutes later you arrive in Sidney.
Important: Don't forget to take your passport or a valid Enhanced Driver's License or Nexus card, as you have to pass through Customs and Immigration at both ends or your journey. Check out the Customs regulations on what goods are prohibited from taking into Canada and/or back to the USA.
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