Canada: Spring ferry-hotel package puts Victoria within reach

Victoria, British Columbia, pops with blooms in spring. Tulips, cherry trees and more can be seen around the Canadian city and at Butchart Gardens. Clipper Vacations has a ferry and hotel package that’s good for visitors short on time and money. Prices start at $138 a person for round-trip ferry from Seattle to Victoria and two nights in a hotel.

The deal: The Springtacular Sale is based on double occupancy and includes two round-trip Victoria Clipper ferry tickets plus two nights in the Harbour Towers Hotel. Package prices start at $138 per person, including tax and fuel surcharge.

Upgrades for other hotels are available for more money. The Fairmont Empress, for instance, is $218 per person, including tax and fuel surcharge. U.S. residents need to bring passports to make this trip.

Extra savings tip: “Like” the Victoria Clipper on Facebook and get 10% more off the package. (It comes with a code to use when booking online or by phone.)

When: The offer is good until March 15 for travel by May 18.

Tested: I found availability for the package on several weekends in spring (April 13-15 and May 4-6) for $138 per person or $276 for two. Sample boat times: 8 a.m. departure from Seattle on May 4 and a 7 p.m. return boat on May 6.

The savings on this package are good. I did the math to see what costs would be without the package for the two-day May stay I tested above. The total came to $476 to $496 for two: $97 to $107 each for ferry tickets and $141 a night for a standard room at the Harbour Towers.

Contact: Clipper Vacations, (800) 888-2535