There hasn't been a ferry from downtown Victoria to Vancouver in many years due to the long circuitous route. If your wife doesn't want to fly on a floatplane, the next option is helicopter. Slower options are ground to YYJ, flying to YVR, and ground transport from there.

Otherwise, the last direct option is ground to Swartz Bay, ferry to Tsawwassen, and ground to Vancouver. Easiest way would probably be by PCL.