When traveling to the San Juans, by ferry,  the most important thing to remember is Do Not Yell at the people wearing the orange vest.  It's not their fault, whatever it is, it's not their fault.  Besides, they are your best chance at getting on the boat.  Make friends, bring coffee, ask how they are, they should be your friends, they have control over who gets on and when.  When is important when you can sit in line for oh eight hours and that's normal. 

Yes, the ticket is expensive and if you don't come soon it's going to be even more, prices will not drop down.  But a word for the wise you only pay coming to the island, not also when leaving, so when someone approaches you to offer to sell you a ticket in the other direction when leaving don't believe them, the tickets don't exist.

Be prepared, when they say get in line early, they mean it, even more so in the summer.  There is a bathroom, but I'ld bring food and things to occupy small children...for hours.  Yes, there is a small snack area at the main ferry landing, but the food is way overpriced and the wait in line can be looong. 

The ferry ride itself can be fun for the first few times after that....the real islander's take advantage of the downtime and sleep.  Once again bring food, you can't count on the diner area even being open and once again the prices are amazing!  Even at the machines a single can of soda was last I checked $2.00 and often the machinces were out of order.

Just a small reminder the ferry traveling to Canada whether coming or going you and your vehicle will be passing through customs, and can be searched.   So don't bring anything you don't want them to know you have...yes, even though you are a U.S. citizen traveling in the U.S. they can still search you and your vehicle.

My favorite ferry employees, the ones who smile and are so cheerful, helpful and friendly....you must hunt down and say "Hi, you have a nice butt!" to are Kevin and Jered.  Please trust me, this will be really appreciated and make their day.  I mean by all means if the mood hits you amoung any of the other ferry workers go right ahead, who am I to stop you from sharing your vacation joy.  But, if it can only be one ferry worker it must be Kevin or Jered.

Dawn