If you’re looking for a weekend getaway from the city, the Pacific Northwest delivers culture and adventure just a ferry ride away.

Victoria, British Columbia has long been one of the most charming tourist destinations of the Pacific Northwest. The capital city is nestled at the tip of Vancouver Island. But because there are no bridges or tunnels connecting the island to mainland Canada or Washington, a ferry is an essential part of planning your visit.

There are usually three main ferry routes to Victoria. The Black Ball Ferry Line from Port Angeles is the quickest ferry route, taking just 90 minutes to cross the water. Additionally, there is a state-run ferry from Anacortes through the San Juan Islands or a passenger-only clipper from Seattle. All three routes were shut down in 2020 due to international travel restrictions related to COVID.

Twenty months after the pandemic closed international borders, the Black Ball Ferry Line is the only ferry route that has reopened for direct travel to Canada. When the route reopened on November 8^th, 2021, the local community in Port Angeles welcomed the first passengers from Canada with signs and cheering. 

The Black Ball Ferry Line has been a mainstay for the peninsula for 60 years, connecting the communities across the border with a single vessel, the M.V. Coho. More than just transit, the connector provides a significant economic boost to both cities when in service. It’s a responsibility the Black Ball Ferry Line takes seriously, emphasized co-owner and VP of Marketing, Ryan Malane.

According to a 2019 Economic Impact Study, in times of normal operation, the M.V. Coho route infuses an average of more than 5 million dollars a month into Clallam County. Furthermore, every person employed by the Black Ball Ferry Line supports the employment of an additional 9.7 people locally.

“It was important for us to maintain a crew to keep the M.V. Coho in top operating condition, even when we were shut down,” explained David Booth, CFO and co-owner of Black Ball Ferry Line. “We would take the boat out every six weeks and work the machinery so we would be ready to go as soon as the border reopened.”

During the pandemic, First Fed Bank helped small businesses take advantage of government assistance through Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and the Main Street Lending Program. Headquartered in Port Angeles for nearly 100 years, the First Fed team understood the importance of the ferry line to the local economy.

“It’s important to us to support local businesses that build up our communities,” noted Andrew Korchemniy, First Fed Commerical Relationship Manager. “Black Ball Ferry Line provides a significant service to the Olympic Peninsula and our neighbors in Canada. We were honored to help facilitate their loans to support them during the pandemic.”

After working with First Fed on the lending programs, Black Ball Ferry Line switched their payroll and direct deposit accounts to First Fed as well.

“We loved the commitment First Fed has to investing in community enterprises,” recalled Malane. “They were extremely welcoming and attentive, which is not something we had found with other banks.”

As COVID concerns continue, more rural nature destinations are a tempting choice. The Olympic National Park on the peninsula offers mountains, rainforests, and beaches to safely enjoy for Canadians taking the ferry to Washington. Likewise, King County residents heading to Port Angeles for the ferry can find attractive vacation spots on both sides of the border. 

On the Canadian side, Victoria sports scenic walking areas full of quaint shops, restaurants, and Insta-friendly architecture including Fan Tan Alley, Canada’s narrowest street. In the afternoon, enjoy classic tea service at the historic Empress Hotel. Nearby Butchart Gardens is a world-renowned visual feast with 55-acers of themed gardens, fountains, sculptures, and even a carousel for kids.

 Upon return to Port Angeles, the Olympic Peninsula offers an array of natural attractions to enjoy before heading back to Seattle. Beaches from Cape Flattery to La Push offer iconic rock formations to photograph and explore. Hiking trails for all levels give everyone a chance to enjoy the rainforests and scenic lakes in the Olympic National Park. Stay in one of the park lodges or choose an historic hotel in quant downtown Port Townsend.

As you plan your trip, the Black Ball Ferry Line website offers more than just a convenient place to make reservations and buy tickets for the ferry. It is kept up to date with the latest COVID-testing requirements for crossing the border to ensure a smooth travel experience. They also provide travel packages and services for your trip once you land.

“You can get some of the best deals you'll ever see on stays in Victoria right now through our package deals,” noted Malane. “The hotels have really embraced the US market returning to Victoria. They're offering some phenomenal pricing to us that we pass through to the customer.”

The M.V. Coho is currently operating on a normal winter schedule, two round trips per day. While it is important to exercise caution when traveling, proper planning can help ensure both a safe and fun experience. The folks at Black Ball Ferry Line are happy to answer questions and help you plan your next Victoria trip.

First Fed is a Member FDIC and equal housing lender. Learn more about their business partnerships at ourfirstfed.com/business.