Getting Here
Posted on July 30, 2018
Transportation is a key logistical component to consider when choosing your next meeting location, and as an island destination, we understand the importance of accessibility. At 31,285 square kilometers, Vancouver Island is similar in size to countries like Belgium and Taiwan and is well serviced by multiple transportation providers and access points. Whether you decide to travel by air or sea, from the moment you depart, you will understand what makes the journey to Victoria, B.C. so special.
1. UNPARALLELED EXPERIENCE
Getting to Victoria and Vancouver Island becomes a sightseeing tour of the Pacific Northwest. Catch a glimpse of whales from the ferry deck or watch eagles soar from high above in a plane or helicopter. As you enter British Columbia’s capital city, it is easy to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding Salish Sea and Olympic mountain range on the horizon.
Photo Credit: Mike Ogilvie
2. UNPARALLELED EASE
No matter your departing location, there are many options for your delegates to choose from when travelling to Victoria, B.C.
FLY INTO VICTORIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (YYJ)
Victoria International Airport recently made CNN’s Top 10 List of “Most Loved Airports in the World”, and for good reason. Known for its efficiency and friendliness, you’ll be welcomed to British Columbia’s capital with open arms. The airport is regularly serviced by WestJet, Air Canada, Delta Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and Pacific Coastal Airlines. Groups can utilize the YYJ Airport Shuttle for quick service to downtown Victoria (25-30 minutes) or work with transportation partners like L.A. Limousines, The Wilson’s Group or CVS Tours for charter services.
Direct flight access is available from:
Canada: Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal, Kelowna, Whitehorse, Prince George, Abbotsford
USA: Seattle
Mexico: Cancun, Los Cabos, Puerta Vallarta
DEPARTING FROM VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA
FLY
Arrive from downtown Vancouver by seaplane or helicopter to the heart of Victoria. Perfect for incentive groups, fly your top performers in with Harbour Air Seaplanes or Helijet for a memorable adventure.
SAIL
BC Ferries operates the largest and most sophisticated ferry system in the world, with multiple daily sailings between Tsawwassen, 45 minutes south of Vancouver, and Swartz Bay, 40 minutes’ drive north of Victoria. Drive-on daily coach service between Vancouver and Victoria is available with BC Ferries Connector bus. Total sailing time is 1 hour 35 minutes.
V2V Vacations operates March 15 – October 31 and offers daily luxury, passenger-only cruise service between downtown Vancouver and Victoria. Meander through the Gulf Islands during the 3-hour sailing, which can accommodate up to 256 passengers.
Prince of Whales combines the best of transportation and wildlife viewing, offering downtown Vancouver to downtown Victoria service aboard their whale watching catamaran, Salish Sea Dream.
DEPARTING FROM SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
FLY
Kenmore Air operates scenic, 45-minute seaplane flights from Lake Union, Seattle to Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
SAIL
Clipper Vacations has deployed a new and improved vessel, the Clipper V, to their existing passenger-only service. Holding 440 passengers, the high-speed catamaran connects downtown Victoria and Seattle in less than 3 hours.
DEPARTING FROM PORT ANGELES, WASHINGTON
SAIL
Black Ball Ferry Line (Coho Ferry) provides vehicle/passenger ferry service between Victoria’s Inner Harbour and Port Angeles, Washington, the gateway to Olympic National Park.
3. UNPARALLELED OFFERS
Several of our transportation partners provide preferred rates for meetings and events. For more information, check out Victoria’s group transportation offers or contact the Business Events Victoria team.
For more great insight, visit our Capital Ideas Blog!