Victoria Island is serviced by Victoria International Airport, which is located 22 kilometres north of the city near the Sidney ferry terminal. Most of the flights into Victoria originate regionally, so some international travellers may need to fly into Vancouver (Canada) or Seattle (US) and then make a connection to Victoria. Air Canada, Horizon Air and WestJet all provide regular daily service to most major Canadian cities and several northern US cities.

Victoria Airport’s terminal is modern and efficient. It has all the facilities necessary to get started in Canada, such as money exchange booths, sundry shops and a useful information desk.

An economical and convenient way to get from the terminal to your destination is on the Akal Airporter shuttle bus which runs to most downtown hotels. The shuttles depart every 30 minutes from 04.30 to 00.00. Some of Victoria’s nicer hotels have their own courtesy shuttles, so check with your hotel. Taxis are the most expensive option, but they run around the clock.

Most travellers who don’t fly into Victoria take a ferry from Vancouver or the US. Pacific Coach Lines runs buses from Vancouver several times a day, and will pick you up at most downtown hotels. BC Ferries is the main car and passenger ferry from Vancouver to Victoria. They operate three routes throughout the year, but in summer you should make a reservation. The Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay ferry is the most direct route to Victoria, crossing every hour from 07:00 to 21:00. Ferries also run from the US cities of Port Angeles, Bellingham and Seattle right to Victoria’s inner harbour.

The downtown, old town and inner harbour districts are largely pedestrianised and easy to walk thanks to the city’s flat topography. To go farther afield, BC Transit operates 40 bus routes around greater Victoria daily from 06:00 until midnight. Fares are calculated by zones, and the DayPass, which can be bought at the Tourism Victoria Visitor Centre, is the best ticket deal as it offers unlimited travel for a day.

Taxis and peddle-cabs offer quick transport around the downtown area, and renting a car is a good idea if you plan to tour the surrounding countryside. Cars can be rented at the airport or in the city.