MileHacker Logo
How to Get to Vancouver Island

How to Get to Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island British Columbia, Canada Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports & Services

Vancouver Island hosts several airports, each with distinct capabilities and connections.

Airports

  • Victoria International (YYJ): Main airport for the capital region, north of downtown Victoria.
  • Nanaimo Airport (YCD): Serves the central island, near Nanaimo, with regional connections.
  • Comox Valley Airport (YQQ): Access point for mid-island and northern Vancouver Island, including Courtenay.

Flight Options & Transfers

Most international travelers fly into Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on mainland British Columbia. From YVR, connections to Vancouver Island are available.

Connectivity & Seasonality

  • Domestic: Regular flights connect Vancouver Island airports to major Canadian cities (e.g., Vancouver, Calgary).
  • Seasonal Variability: More direct flights and higher frequencies during summer (June-September), with peak prices.
  • Transfer Options: Airport shuttle services, public transit, taxis, ride-sharing, and car rentals are available at major airports.

Airline Services

Air Canada/Express, WestJet/Encore offer flights from major Canadian cities. International access is mainly via Vancouver (YVR).

Typical Routes

Most flights originate from major Canadian cities. YYJ has limited direct flights to US cities like Seattle.

Floatplane Options

Harbour Air Seaplanes/Seair Seaplanes offer scenic direct services from Vancouver Harbour to Victoria's Inner Harbour.

Air Travel Tips

Booking & Savings

  • Consider Dollar Flight Club for flight deals.
  • Compare prices on flight search engines like Skyscanner.
  • Travel during shoulder or low season for better flight prices.
  • Book flights well in advance, especially for summer travel.

Airport Facilities

  • Major airports offer car rental desks, taxi services, and shuttle buses.
  • ATMs, restaurants, cafes, shops, and free Wi-Fi are generally available.
  • Victoria International Airport (YYJ) has specific shuttle services to downtown Victoria hotels.
  • Public transit connects YYJ to various parts of Victoria for economical travel.

Border Crossing & Train Connections

Land Borders

No land border crossings directly onto Vancouver Island. If driving from the US, take a ferry from Washington State to the island or from the Vancouver mainland.

Train Service

Currently, no active passenger train service operates on Vancouver Island. Future plans for a new rail service remain uncertain.

Ferry Terminal Connections

Upon arrival at BC Ferries terminals, various options exist for onward land transportation, including public transit, taxis, and car rental agencies.

Land Transportation

Long-Distance Bus Options

Bus services present connections between mainland British Columbia and Vancouver Island, as well as between communities on the island.

Bus Companies

  • BC Ferries Connector: Offers bus travel from downtown Vancouver and YVR directly to Victoria, including the ferry crossing.
  • Island Link Bus: Connects various communities throughout Vancouver Island, like Victoria, Nanaimo, and Tofino.
  • Wilson's Transportation: Operates the BC Ferries Connector and also provides charter and tour bus services.

Self-Driving Considerations

Renting a car has the most flexibility for exploring Vancouver Island, especially for multiple towns or remote natural attractions.

Driving Requirements & Laws

  • Requirements: Valid driver's license from your home country or state. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English or French.
  • Driving Side: Drive on the right-hand side of the road, similar to the United States.
  • Laws: Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour.

Road Conditions and Safety

Travel Advice

  • Winding Roads: Highway 4 (to Tofino/Ucluelet) can be winding and mountainous. Allow ample travel time.
  • Wildlife: Deer, elk, and occasionally bears may be present on roads, especially at dawn/dusk. Drive cautiously.
  • Winter Driving: Snow and ice can occur inland or at higher elevations. Winter tires or chains are required on certain highways from Oct 1 to Apr 30.

Sea/River Arrivals

Sea travel shapes a significant part of the Vancouver Island experience, with ferry services connecting it to the mainland and the United States.

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

  • BC Ferries: The main mode of sea transport to and from Vancouver Island, with routes like Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay (Victoria) and Horseshoe Bay-Departure Bay (Nanaimo).
  • International Ferries: The Black Ball Ferry Line connects Port Angeles, WA to Victoria. Washington State Ferries links Anacortes, WA to Sidney.
  • Cruise Ports: Victoria's Ogden Point serves as a popular cruise ship stop, mainly for vessels on Alaska cruises.

Departure Information

  • No specific exit fees or taxes are imposed beyond those typically included in airline ticket prices or ferry fares.
  • For international flights, arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before departure. For domestic flights, 1-2 hours prior is generally adequate.
  • If traveling with a vehicle on BC Ferries, arrive at least 30-60 minutes before scheduled departure time.
  • Check in online if your airline permits to save time at the airport.
  • Airport facilities include security screening areas, duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, and airline lounges.
  • Ferry terminals offer waiting areas, basic food services, restrooms, and some have small gift shops.

Sea/River Arrivals

BC Ferries Overview

BC Ferries operates a comprehensive network across the region. It is the main mode of sea transport to and from Vancouver Island.

Routes & Reservations

  • Tsawwassen (south of Vancouver) to Swartz Bay (Victoria area): Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
  • Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) to Departure Bay (Nanaimo): Also about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
  • Tsawwassen to Duke Point (Nanaimo): Approximately 2 hours.

International Ferry Services

Two major international ferry services connect Vancouver Island with the United States.

Cross-Border Connections

  • Black Ball Ferry Line (MV Coho): Connects Port Angeles, Washington (USA), directly to Victoria's Inner Harbour (1h 30m).
  • Washington State Ferries: Operates from Anacortes, Washington (USA), to Sidney, BC (near Victoria), via the San Juan Islands (3+ hours).
  • Customs and immigration procedures are conducted upon arrival in Victoria or Sidney for international ferries.

Reservations

Highly recommended for vehicle travel during peak season (summer) or holidays on BC Ferries. Secures your spot and avoids long waits.

Walk-on Passengers

Walk-on passenger service is always available on BC Ferries. You can arrive closer to departure time, but allow time to purchase tickets and board.

River Transportation

Vancouver Island does not feature significant public river transportation services for tourists. Most water-based travel occurs on the ocean or lakes.

Departure Information

Exit Fees or Taxes

Canada does not impose specific exit fees or taxes for departing tourists, beyond those typically included in airline ticket prices or ferry fares. The prices you pay for your flight or ferry ticket cover any applicable fees.

Departure Procedures for Air Travel

  • Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before your scheduled international flight.
  • For domestic flights, arriving 1-2 hours prior is usually adequate.
  • Check in online if your airline permits to save time at the airport.

Airport Facilities & Services

All major airports on Vancouver Island present various facilities and services for travelers, making your departure comfortable.

Amenities for Departing Travelers

  • Security screening areas and duty-free shops.
  • A selection of restaurants and cafes.
  • Free Wi-Fi generally available in the terminals.

Ferry Terminal Departure Procedures

Vehicle Travel

If traveling with a vehicle, arrive at the BC Ferries terminal at least 30-60 minutes before your scheduled departure time, or as advised by BC Ferries, especially with a reservation.

Walk-on Passengers

Walk-on passengers can arrive closer to departure, but allow enough time to purchase tickets and board.

Terminal Facilities

Ferry terminals offer waiting areas, basic food services (cafeterias), and restrooms. Some terminals have small gift shops to make waiting time more comfortable.

Final Check

Confirm your flight or ferry schedules for any last-minute changes. Allow ample time for transit to the airport or terminal.

← Previous
What to Pack for Vancouver Island
← Back to Vancouver Island
Next →
Getting Around Vancouver Island

Next Up: Getting Around Vancouver Island. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Continue to Getting Around Vancouver Island