HOW TO GET TO
VICTORIA, VANCOUVER ISLAND & THE GULF ISLANDS
BRITISH COLUMBIA

Victoria is on Vancouver Island (there is no Victoria Island) and between Vancouver Island and Vancouver BC are the Gulf Islands which are another popular destination. This page is a detailed guide to assist you in getting to and from Vancouver Island and in using ground transportation while on the Island. There is no bridge, tunnel or train to Vancouver Island. To get here, you must travel on the water or in the air.  One of the best parts of getting to our wonderful Island is the journey here. The Ferry routes are exceptional and the air travel is low enough to see the beautiful scenery. Whether you are looking for convenience, affordability or comfort, your options are wide open. Check Below:

The Gulf Islands: The most common way to get to the Gulf Islands is to use BC Ferries. From Victoria, the Ferry rides range between 40 minutes and 90 minutes approximately, depending on which of the Gulf Islands you wish to visit. You can get to Salt Spring Island from Vancouver and Victoria and all other Islands are accessed from Victoria. You can also travel from the Mainland to Nanaimo and Comox by BC Ferry and you can get to Vancouver Island from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy. The best thing to do if you are planning on Ferry service is to go to the BC Ferry Web site.

If you are travelling to Vancouver Island or the Gulf Islands by private boat then you might want to check the Marina page.

By AIR:

A number of major airlines fly to Victoria: Due to schedule changes, route changes, etc. please check to see with each carrier to determine which is your best way to get to your favourite Vancouver Island or Gulf Island Destination.

Westjet - Air Canada - Alaska Air (Horizon) - West Coast - Harbour Air - Kenmore Air - Pacific Coastal and Seair Seaplanes fly to Victoria, Nanaimo and many of the Gulf Islands from the Sea Plane Terminal in Vancouver. Some of the float planes land in the heart of Victoria at the Inner Harbour which is right downtown. Harbour Air, Click here for the Harbour Air route map.

Helijet Airways also will fly you to Vancouver Island by Helicopter. The Helijet landing pad is 5 minutes by car or taxi from downtown.

By FERRY:

British Columbia Ferries, Washington State Ferries and the Coho Ferry bring you by car, bike, recreational vehicles, or as a walk-on passenger . There are passenger only Ferries coming to Victoria from Bellingham (San Juan Shuttle Ferry), Port Angeles (Victoria Express) and Seattle (Victoria Clipper).

By BUS:

If you choose the bus option, your bus will travel on one of the BC Ferries.

Pacific Coach Lines travel to Victoria from the Vancouver Bus Depot and the Vancouver Airport(YVR).

Tofino Bus Island Express provides daily transportation to Tofino, Ucluelet and Port Alberni from Parksville, Nanaimo Vancouver and Victoria. Access all the major points along the Victoria - Nanaimo - Parksville - Port Alberni - Ucluelet - Tofino highway with Tofino Bus Island Express.

IslandLinkBus provides passenger express bus service between most Vancouver Island points and BC Ferries’ services at Nanaimo Departure Bay. Other services offered by IslandLinkBus are: AirportLinkBus provides bus transportation between Horseshoe Bay ferry and Vancouver Airport/hotels. SkytrainLinkBus provides bus transportation between Horseshoe Bay ferry and all three Skytrain lines.

IslandLink Bus offers daily scheduled Vancouver Island bus service between Nanaimo's Departure Bay ferry terminal and Victoria, Mill Bay, Duncan, Chemainus, Ladysmith, Parksville, French Creek, Qualicum Beach, Fanny Bay, Buckley Bay, Cumberland, Courtenay, Black Creek and Campbell River.

IslandLinkBus connects with AirportLinkBus Lower Mainland bus services via BC Ferries’ sailings between Nanaimo's Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay. Bookings recommended, online only.  

Greyhound Canada
Scheduled bus service to most Vancouver Island locations. In communities where Greyhound does not provide service there is often a shuttle/connector service transporting passengers to the nearest Greyhound stop. Contact Greyhound for details.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION:

While on Vancouver Island you can travel around most communities by using BC Transit. If you would like to know how far it is from one community to another in BC and on Vancouver Island, please use our handy distance calculator.

Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is 18 km north of Victoria on Hwy. 17 (Pat Bay Highway).  It is about 2 km south of Sidney by the Sea and about 7 km south of the Ferry Terminal at Swartz Bay.

CAR RENTALS:

You can rent a car and bring it to Vancouver Island by Ferry or you can come here and rent cars. Most major centres on Vancouver Island have Car Rental Companies. If you are looking for a car rental company, use your search engine and search for Car Rental Companies in.....Victoria, Nanaimo or whatever community you wish to rent in.

TAXI SERVICE:

Most major centres on Vancouver Island have Taxi Service or Shuttles. If you are looking for a taxi, plan ahead or use you computer search capabilities to find a taxi company or look in local phone books or use your search engine and search for Taxi Companies in.....Victoria, Nanaimo or whatever community you wish to rent in. If you wish to rent a limousine, you can use a similar process. In Victoria you may wish to choose this local quality Limo Company:

ROYAL LIMOUSINE & VAN SERVICE:  Victoria, B.C., Phone: 250-389-0004, fax: 250-658-5311, Email: royal-limousine@shaw.ca

We take people on totally personalized sightseeing tours, in immaculate Cadillac sedans, superstretched limousines, and eleven passenger luxury vans. We have P.A. systems, and we provide a commentary.There are tinted windows as well as FULL AIR-CONDITIONING IN ALL THE VEHICLES. Our professional chauffeurs take you on a scenic drive through Victoria; then to Butchart Gardens and back through the scenic routes. Travel the Malahat Drive to the Native Heritage Center, and Chemainus' City of Murals. Airport, ferry tours. Call Marguerite for a quote.

RECREATIONAL VEHICLE RENTALS:

Recreational Vehicles can also be rented in a number of larger centres on Vancouver Island. You may choose to use this one in Victoria.

TRAINS: 

The train station is on the corner of Pandora and Store street, right next to the Blue Johnson Street Bridge.

Via Rail  phone 1 888 842-7245 Note: CURRENTLY NOT OPERATING
Via Rail operates a daily service between Victoria and Courtney (part way up Vancouver Island). This is a great way to see some of the beauty of the Island and avoid the busy Island Highway. Many Victoria residents take Via Rail to Chemainus, spend the day shopping or touring and then return on the evening run. The train leaves Victoria each morning around 8:15 a.m. (call to check the schedule).

COMMON QUESTIONS ASKED IN VICTORIA:

This section has special directions to specific locations.

How do I (foot passenger) get from the BC Ferry Terminal to Butchart Gardens?
The simpliest and fastest way is to call a cab.
You can take the local transit bus by catching the number 70 bus to Sidney. Ask the bus driver to tell you when you are at James White and 5th because you want to transfer to 75 downtown, which will take you to Butchart Gardens. (Approximate time 40 min).

How do I (foot passenger) get from the BC Ferry Terminal to the Victoria International Airport. Again, use a taxi (about 7 km, 4 miles or so) or take the BC Transit, #70 downtown. Be sure to ask the bus driver as you board or while you are waiting to make sure you have the right bus.

Victoria Harbour Authority:
If you are coming into Victoria Harbour by boat, contact the Victoria Harbour Master 363-3578 or emergencies...388 6275 or phone 380 8177

Getting To Victoria By Cruise Ship:

Victoria is a port of call for hundreds of Alaskan cruises ships annually. Victoria’s cruise ship season runs from April to October so you will get to experience our temperate climate at its best. We have much less rainfall than both Vancouver, BC and Seattle, Washington. All Cruise Ship passengers are welcomed by a special team of greeters as you get off your ship at the Ogden Point Terminal.

At the Ogden Point Terminal you will discover many transportation options. A shuttle bus leaves every 20 minutes or less to escort you to downtown Victoria in less than ten minutes. Buses also go to Butchart Gardens. You will also find pedicabs, taxis, limos, tour and shuttle buses to major attractions and destinations. If you are in a group, consider a taxi or limo as the cost might be much less and you will get there quicker.

If you prefer to walk to Victoria’s scenic Inner Harbour it takes about 20 minutes. Along the picturesque walk check out Fisherman’s Wharf and enjoy Barb’s world famous fish and chips or Jackson's Ice Cream. From Fisherman's Wharf you can hop aboard a Harbour Ferry for an harbour tour or to downtown, or continue your journey on foot. Walking routes are available in free publications you can pick up at the cruise ship terminal.

One thing for sure, when you are done your visit to Victoria you will wish you could have stayed a whole lot longer, guaranteed!

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO YOU NEED TO ENTER CANADA? 

• A valid passport is needed to enter Canada at all border crossing.  Information specific to US travellers can be found below.
• Travellers from other countries may require a VISA. 
• To find out if you need a visa to enter Canada, please click here
• For more information on applying for a visa to enter Canada, please click here 

Documents Required For US Travellers

Always check this site for current details - Canada Border Services

You may also wish to check with US Border Services if you will be going to the US or if you are a US Citizen and you will be returning to the US after a visit outside your country.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)

On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government implemented the full requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, including land, sea and air access. U.S. citizens 16 years of age or older entering the United States at all ports of entry must have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland SecurityA valid passport is required to enter Canada at all customs crossingIf you are traveling by AIR between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda, you must present a valid passport.

Requirements for Children

U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 are able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.

How to Apply for a U.S. Passport

For detailed information about obtaining or renewing your U.S. passport, visit the U.S. Department of State, Passport Services Office website, or access U.S. passport application services from the United States Postal Service.

NEXUS Program

NEXUS membership fulfills the travel document requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. The NEXUS program is limited to citizens of Canada and the United States, lawful permanent residents of the United States and permanent residents of Canada. For information on how to apply visit: www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/trusted_traveler/nexus_prog/.

Destination Access from Seattle USA: Once you have reached Seattle, you can get to Vancouver Island by going to Anacortes and taking the Washington State Ferry to Sidney BC, just north of Victoria, or you can take the Coho Ferry from Port Angeles to Downtown Victoria. There are passenger only Ferries coming to Victoria from Bellingham(San Juan Shuttle Ferry), Port Angeles (Victoria Express) and Seattle (Victoria Clipper).

You can also travel by Air from Seattle to Victoria by using Alaska Air (Horizon) or Kenmore Air... Harbour Air,Harbour Air, Click here for the Harbour Air route map.

or you can travel north to Vancouver British Columbia and use BC Ferries or the air services described above. These are the most common ways.