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Harbour Air Seaplanes flight lands on the Inner Harbour in Victoria, BC
The FRS Clipper in Victoria's Inner Harbour
Kenmore Air seaplane flight lands on the Inner Harbour in Victoria, BC
Plan Your Trip

Travel to Greater Victoria

There’s nothing to stop you from making Greater Victoria your next great adventure. Choose a nonstop flight to Victoria International Airport, catch a bird’s-eye view from a floatplane or helicopter, or enjoy the scenery from aboard a relaxing ferry.

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Getting here from Washington State

As an island destination, getting to Victoria is straightforward and surprisingly easy. Regular ferries, direct flights, and seaplanes connect the city to Seattle and Washington State, making the journey simple to plan and enjoy. However you arrive, by air or by water, you’ll reach Victoria feeling relaxed and ready to explore.

Let's go!
The FRS Clipper, a walk-on ferry, navigating the Inner Harbour of Victoria, BC

Helping You Plan

A green Victoria Harbour Ferry departing from the dock at Fisherman's Wharf, a colourful float home community, in Victoria, BC
Getting AroundVictoria is truly walkable. The Inner Harbour and downtown core are best explored on foot, but there are several other types of transportation.
From the top of Mount Douglas in Victoria, BC
Maps & GeographyDownload a detailed map of the Greater Victoria area and the downtown core and discover insights to the region's geography.

A couple exiting the Visitor Centre in Victoria, BC
Visitors CentreLet our knowledgeable and friendly Visitor Centre team assist with your planning.

Getting to Victoria, BC

As an island destination, getting here is part of the adventure. And though we might be a little further out, getting here is quicker, easier, and more scenic than you might think.

By seaplane

Getting to Victoria by seaplane is as exciting as it is efficient. Whether you’re coming from Vancouver or Seattle, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Salish Sea as you soar into Victoria.

A couple disembarks a Harbour Air Seaplanes flight on a dock in Victoria's Inner Harbour

Seaplanes from Vancouver

• Harbour Air provides downtown to downtown seaplane service in 35 minutes.

• Seair Seaplanes provides downtown to downtown seaplane service in 30 minutes.

A Kenmore Air seaplane flight taxis across the Inner Harbour of Victoria, BC while a Victoria Harbour Ferry passes in behind it.

Seaplanes from Seattle

• Kenmore air provides seaplane service from Lake Union to downtown Victoria in 45 minutes.

• Harbour Air provides Lake Union to downtown seaplane service in 30 minutes.

By ferry

As an Island destination, Greater Victoria is deeply connected to the waters that surround us. Enjoy a ferry a ride across the Salish Sea and write your story in the region’s maritime legacy.

A BC Ferries vessel sails between the Southern Gulf Islands on route to Victoria, BC

Ferries from Vancouver

The British Columbia Ferry Service connects the BC Mainland to Vancouver Island welcoming vehicles, walk-on visitors, and cyclists. Your journey will weave through the Southern Gulf Islands as you cross the Salish Sea, offering tremendous photo opportunities.

• BC Ferries provides direct service from Tsawwassen Terminal to Swartz Bay Terminal in Greater Victoria in 1 hour 35 minutes.

A couple walks hand-in-hand along the deck of the Black Ball Ferry Line's Coho ferry enroute to Victoria, BC

Ferries from Washington State

There are two ways to get to Victoria from Washington State, the pedestrian only FRS Clipper or the Black Ball Ferry Lines, which welcomes vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.

• FRS Clipper provides downtown to downtown service between Seattle and Victoria in 2 hours 45 minutes.

• Black Ball Ferry Lines provide downtown to downtown service between Port Angeles and Victoria in 90 minutes.

By airline

Whether you’re coming from farther afield, looking to spend those airline points, or perhaps bringing a little more with you, Victoria’s award-winning airport welcomes airlines from across North America.

An Air Canada flight arriving at YYJ Victoria International Airport in Victoria, BC

Airlines from across Canada and the US

• Fly direct between YVR (Vancouver) and YYJ (Victoria) in 30 minutes.

• Fly direct between SEA (Seattle) and YYJ (Victoria) in 55 minutes.

• Fly with as little as one layover between SFO (San Francisco) and YYJ (Victoria) in 3 hours.

• Fly direct between YYZ (Toronto) and YYJ (Victoria) in 5 hours 15 minutes.

• Fly direct between (YYC) Calgary and YYJ (Victoria) in 1 hour 40 minutes.

By helicopter

Flying by helicopter is unlike anything else. It’s fast, luxurious, and incredibly scenic.

A Helijet helicopter boards passengers as they depart for Victoria, BC

Helicopter from Vancouver

• Helijet provides direct service from downtown Vancouver to James Bay in Victoria in 35 minutes.

Already on the Island?

Adding Victoria to your Vancouver Island itinerary? Voted the Best Small City in the World three years in a row by Condé Nast Traveler Readers, Victoria is a must-see stop any trip to the Island.

A person walks across a suspension bridge in the rainforest in Victoria, BC

Getting here from Vancouver Island communities

• The drive time from Nanaimo to Victoria is 1 hour 25 minutes.

• The drive time from Tofino to Victoria is 4 hours 10 minutes.

• Harbour Air provides direct downtown to downtown seaplane service under 1 hour.

FAQs

Download Victoria's Vacation Guide

Destination Greater Victoria is honoured to be based on the traditional territory of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples of the Songhees Nation and Xwsepsum Nation, whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.