How to Get from Vancouver to Victoria BC Canada: Best Routes and Options

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Empty ferry deck on the Faroe Islands, showcasing lifeboats and lush hillside views.
Credit: pexels.com, Empty ferry deck on the Faroe Islands, showcasing lifeboats and lush hillside views.

Getting to Victoria, BC from Vancouver is a breeze, and there are several options to choose from. The most popular route is by ferry, which takes around 1 hour and 35 minutes from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay.

You can drive your car on the ferry, or park it in Tsawwassen and take a shuttle to the ferry terminal. The ferry company, BC Ferries, operates multiple sailings a day, depending on the season.

Another option is to take a float plane, which takes around 35 minutes from Vancouver Harbour to Victoria Harbour. This is a great option if you're short on time or want to see the city from a different perspective.

The float plane service is operated by Harbour Air and Westcoast Air, and tickets can be booked online or at the airport.

Transport Options

Victoria is just 107 km southwest of Vancouver, making it a relatively short trip. You can't drive directly to Victoria from Vancouver, but there are four transportation options to get you there quickly.

A mother and child share a moment by the sea with a ferry in the background.
Credit: pexels.com, A mother and child share a moment by the sea with a ferry in the background.

The Seaplane is the fastest and most scenic option, but it's not the most affordable. The ferry + bus combo is the most widely used option, taking around 4 hours and costing $79 CAD for a one-way ticket.

If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car in Vancouver and drive onto the ferry. The cost to bring a car onto the ferry is around $65 CAD, not including the cost of each person's ticket.

Seaplane: Fastest Way

If you're looking for a fast and convenient way to get to Victoria from Vancouver, consider taking a seaplane. The Vancouver to Victoria seaplane is the fastest way to make the trip, taking just 30 minutes.

You'll depart right downtown at the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre, skipping the hassle of airport check-in procedures. The flight offers stunning panoramic views of the Vancouver skyline, the North Shore Mountains, Stanley Park, and the Lions Gate Bridge.

Credit: youtube.com, Seaplane as a quick, non-intrusive way of transporting people over challenging terrain

One of the best things about seaplane travel is the convenience it offers. You can arrive only 25-30 minutes before your flight for check-in, making it a great option for those with tight schedules.

Here are some of the perks you can expect from seaplane travel with Harbour Air:

  • Free WiFi and charging terminals
  • Complimentary hotel shuttle (Monday-Friday)
  • Free coffee/tea/baked goods (in the terminal)
  • Newspapers/magazines
  • 50 lbs baggage allowance

The cost of seaplane travel is comparable to commercial flights, but you'll save about 2 hours on your trip.

Renting a Car

Renting a car is a great option if you don't have your own vehicle. We recommend Discover Cars for car rentals as they have fair price points and tons of options.

You can rent a car in Vancouver and drive right onto the ferry, allowing you to start your Vancouver Island road trip as soon as you get to Victoria. The cost to bring a car onto the ferry is around $65 CAD, not including the cost of each person's ticket.

A Rent A Car Business Along An Asphalt Road
Credit: pexels.com, A Rent A Car Business Along An Asphalt Road

If you're flying into the Vancouver airport, follow the signs to the rental car area and rent a car once you arrive. Booking in advance is a good idea, especially during peak season from May to September.

Renting a car when you arrive in Victoria might be a cost-effective option if you don't need a car in Vancouver. The cost of bringing a car onto the ferry can be avoided, saving you around $65 CAD.

Another option is to rent a campervan or motorhome, which can be a stunning way to see Canada. You can often camp for free or very cheap in beautiful places with a motorhome.

Coach Bus Transfer

Victoria is just 107 km southwest of Vancouver, on beautiful Vancouver Island. You can't drive directly to Victoria from Vancouver.

The coach bus transfer is a convenient option that takes you from Vancouver to Victoria via a bus and ferry. This option is perfect for those who don't want to deal with renting a car and driving themselves.

Capturing a rain-soaked urban street in Vancouver with a bus and masked pedestrians.
Credit: pexels.com, Capturing a rain-soaked urban street in Vancouver with a bus and masked pedestrians.

The bus pick-up is in downtown Vancouver and takes you to the ferry terminal, where you can get off and take in the views on the inner or outer decks. The ferry ride itself is around an hour and 35 minutes, which is a great amount of time to walk around, take photos, and grab a bite to eat.

This option takes a total of around 4 hours, making it ideal for those planning to spend a night or two in Victoria. You can buy the coach tickets online for an easy way to get from Vancouver to Victoria.

The coach bus transfer tickets from Vancouver to Victoria are $79 CAD for the one-way trip, and you can also buy a ticket for the return trip at the same price.

Getting Around Without a Car

If you're planning to visit Victoria without a car, you're in luck because buses from Vancouver to Victoria run multiple times a day.

Credit: youtube.com, How Do I Get Around Vancouver Island Without A Car? - Canada Explored

These convenient tickets include coach transport and ferry tickets all in one, departing from downtown Vancouver.

The buses leave from Pacific Central Station at 9:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm, so be sure to book in advance as spaces are limited.

Alternatively, the ferry + bus combo is the most affordable and widely used option, handled by the BC Ferries Connector, which takes care of everything from bus to ferry to transfer.

Bus: Best Way Without a Car

Getting to Victoria without a car is easier than you think. You can take a bus from Vancouver that includes coach transport and ferry tickets all in one. These convenient tickets must be booked well in advance, especially during peak season.

The bus departs from Pacific Central Station at 9:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm. It's a hassle-free option for travelers who want to sit back and relax. You can book your tickets with no money down and enjoy free cancellation and unlimited changes.

Captivating view of fog enveloping Vancouver skyline and bridge at sunrise.
Credit: pexels.com, Captivating view of fog enveloping Vancouver skyline and bridge at sunrise.

If you're short on time, the Seaplane is a faster option, but it's also more expensive. The ferry + bus combo is the most affordable and widely used option, but it takes longer. Either way, Victoria is worth the trip.

Here are the bus schedules you need to know:

The bus takes about 40 minutes to reach the ferry terminal, and then you'll need to purchase your ticket for Victoria. The ferry ride takes about an hour and 40 minutes, and then you'll board the #70 Downtown Express bus, which takes about an hour to reach Victoria.

Getting Around Without a Car

If you're planning to visit Victoria, there's no need to worry about driving - guided tours can get you there hassle-free. Guided tours from Vancouver to Victoria are a great option, offering a stress-free experience.

You can choose from a day-trip or an overnight option, both of which include a visit to Butchart Gardens, a must-see botanical garden outside of Victoria. Butchart Gardens is a must-see, no matter what season you're visiting.

Booking a guided tour is easy - just grab a spot online for a day trip to Victoria.

Get to BC from Arrivals

A scenic view of a ferry cruising across the water on a clear day, showcasing a popular mode of transportation.
Credit: pexels.com, A scenic view of a ferry cruising across the water on a clear day, showcasing a popular mode of transportation.

If you're at the Arrivals area of an airport, getting to British Columbia (BC) is relatively easy. You can take a taxi or shuttle to the SkyTrain station, which is a convenient option.

The SkyTrain is a rapid transit system that connects the airport to the city center, and from there, you can transfer to the West Coast Express, which goes to the city of Squamish in BC.

One option is to take the SkyTrain from the airport to the Waterfront station and then transfer to the SeaBus, which goes to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver, BC.

However, if you're in a hurry, you can take a taxi or shuttle directly to the Trans-Canada Highway, which takes you straight to BC.

Taking the Ferry

Taking the ferry is a scenic and convenient way to get from Vancouver to Victoria. The ferry ride to Victoria is spectacularly scenic, so relax and enjoy the view for the 1 hour and 35-minute sailing.

Credit: youtube.com, Tips and Tricks when taking BC FERRIES | Victoria to Vancouver

You can choose from various ferry options, including driving yourself, taking a rental car, or traveling as a foot passenger. The cheapest and most popular way to get from Vancouver to Victoria is aboard the ferry, with fares starting from around $19 CAD for a person traveling with no vehicle.

To ensure a smooth journey, it's recommended to book your ferry ride in advance to avoid waiting at the terminal for multiple sailings. You can check the ferry schedules on the BC Ferries website and book your tickets online using the BC Ferries booking platform.

Ferries: Common Way to Get There

Taking the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria is a scenic and convenient way to get to the island. The ferry ride takes around 1 hour and 35 minutes, offering stunning views of the water and surrounding landscape.

You can catch the ferry from the Tsawwassen ferry terminal in Vancouver, which is 38km south of downtown Vancouver. To get to the terminal, you can drive, take public transit, or use the BC Ferries Connector bus service.

Credit: youtube.com, We took a ferry to Vancouver Island | Vancouver to Victoria | 2 Day Trip in Victoria, BC

The ferry operates on a regular schedule, with multiple sailings throughout the day. You can check the schedule on the BC Ferries website to plan your trip. The direct ferry from Vancouver to Victoria leaves from Tsawwassen and arrives at the Swartz Bay ferry terminal in Victoria.

The cost of the ferry ride varies depending on the type of vehicle you're bringing. For a person traveling without a vehicle, the fare is around $19 CAD, while a vehicle and two passengers can cost between $100-$150 CAD.

If you're planning to travel with a vehicle, it's best to book your ticket in advance to ensure availability. You can book online using the BC Ferries booking platform or at the terminal.

The ferry also offers Saver fares for select off-peak sailings, which can help reduce lineups during peak hours. Additionally, walk-on passengers can make free reservations for certain routes to avoid sailing waits.

Here are the three ways to get from downtown Vancouver to Tsawwassen Terminal:

  • Driving: Follow the route on Google Maps and you'll be there in 35 minutes.
  • Public Transit: Canada Line of Skytrain to Brighouse, then bus #620 to Tsawwassen.
  • Bus: The BC Ferries Connector offers service from downtown Vancouver or Vancouver International Airport directly to Victoria via Tsawwassen Terminal.

Once you arrive at the Swartz Bay ferry terminal, you can catch the 70 Downtown or 72 Downtown buses to get to downtown Victoria. The 70 bus operates as an express, while the 72 bus makes more stops along the way.

Seaplane

Catalina Seaplane Wreckage, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
Credit: pexels.com, Catalina Seaplane Wreckage, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia

The seaplane is a fantastic alternative to taking the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria. It's a quick and easy option that offers stunning views of the Salish Sea and the Gulf Islands.

You'll fly over the Strait of Georgia, which separates Vancouver from Vancouver Island, and see over 200 Gulf Islands from above. The views are absolutely remarkable, and it's a great way to experience the Pacific Northwest vibe.

The seaplane leaves from Vancouver's downtown inner harbor and flies right into the inner harbor in Victoria, making it a convenient option. You don't have to worry about travel time getting to and from a traditional airport, which is especially nice since Victoria doesn't have Uber or Lyft.

Tickets are $268 CAD per adult, $147 CAD for kids 2-11, and free for infants. There are multiple departure times hourly from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, so you can choose a time that fits your schedule.

Credit: youtube.com, A seaplane takes off behind the ferry between Port Angeles, Washington and Victoria, Canada.

If you're short on time or don't want to deal with the hassle of taking the ferry yourself, the seaplane is an incredible option. And, as a bonus, there's a great restaurant called Flying Otter Grill right beside the harbor airport, so you can walk off the plane and grab a bite to eat!

Alternative Options

If you're looking for an alternative to driving from Vancouver to Victoria, you can take the BC Ferries route, which takes around 1 hour and 35 minutes.

There are two main routes to consider: the Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay route and the Horseshoe Bay-Bowen Island-Swartz Bay route. The Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay route is the most popular, with multiple departures throughout the day.

You can also take a flight from Vancouver International Airport to Victoria International Airport, which takes about 40 minutes. However, this option is more expensive and may not be suitable for those with large amounts of luggage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth going to Victoria from Vancouver?

Yes, visiting Victoria from Vancouver is worth considering for its stunning scenery, rich history, and relaxed atmosphere. A scenic ferry ride and beautiful views of the Gulf Islands make it a great day trip option.

Felicia Larson

Writer

Felicia Larson is a seasoned writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for logistics. Her work focuses on the intricate world of shipping companies, where she delves into the complexities of global logistics and supply chain management. Through her articles, she aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the industry, from the latest technological advancements to the challenges faced by shipping companies.

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