Here's something nobody tells you before you land in Victoria: the airport and the big BC Ferries terminal aren't actually *in* Victoria. They're up the Saanich Peninsula, a good half-hour drive north. When I first arrived I assumed I could just stroll to the ferry. Spoiler: you can't. (You *can* stroll to the Coho, though. More on that below.)
The good news is that getting to all three is very doable on public transit, and kind of scenic too. Here's the real-world rundown.
Before you go: a few transit basics
- BC Transit runs our buses. The Victoria Regional Transit System covers downtown, the peninsula, the airport area and Swartz Bay.
- You can pay cash on board, but bring exact change. Drivers can't break bills. Day passes exist and are handy if you're hopping around.
- Check current fares and options at bctransit.com/victoria or ask us at the front desk. We won't print numbers here because they change.
- Use the trip planner. Routes and schedules get tweaked seasonally, so plug your trip into the BC Transit planner (or your usual map app) the day before. Don't rely on memory, mine or yours.
- Luggage is fine as long as you can manage it yourself and keep the aisle clear. Big suitcase plus a backpack? Totally normal on the ferry routes.
Downtown to Swartz Bay (BC Ferries to Vancouver & the Gulf Islands)
This is the one most of our guests need, and honestly it's the easiest.
By bus
- Buses run directly from downtown to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal. Look for the routes signed Swartz Bay. At the time of writing, the 70 (the quicker, express-style one) and the 72 do this run, but double-check on the trip planner.
- You can catch them along Douglas Street downtown, an easy walk from Ocean Island.
- Budget roughly an hour on the bus, more at rush hour. Then give yourself extra time at the terminal to buy your foot-passenger ticket and find your gate.
- The bus drops you right at the terminal, so walk-on passengers have it easy.
By bike (my favourite, weather permitting)
- The Lochside Regional Trail runs pretty much all the way from Victoria up the peninsula to Swartz Bay. It's mostly flat and passes farmland, ocean views and the occasional very judgmental heron.
- It's a long-ish ride, so leave plenty of time. You can wheel your bike onto the ferry as a foot passenger. Check bcferries.com for current bike policies.
- Tired legs? BC Transit buses have bike racks on the front, so you can bike part way and bus the rest.
Tips
- Check sailing times at bcferries.com. In summer and on long weekends the terminal gets busy, even for walk-ons.
- Arriving at Tsawwassen on the Vancouver side? That terminal has its own transit connections into the city. That's a Vancouver problem, but worth planning ahead.
Downtown to Victoria International Airport (YYJ)
The airport is near Sidney, on the way to Swartz Bay but not quite at it.
By bus
- Transit to the airport usually involves a transfer. Typically you ride a peninsula-bound bus north from downtown and connect to the route that serves the airport terminal.
- This is the trip where the trip planner really earns its keep. Connections and frequency vary by time of day, and the airport route isn't as frequent as the downtown ones.
- Give yourself lots of buffer, especially for early-morning flights. If your flight leaves at 6am, transit may simply not be running early enough, so check before you commit.
- More info on getting to and from the terminal is at victoriaairport.com.
Other options
- Airport shuttles run between downtown and YYJ. Check the airport's website for current ground transportation options, or ask us and we'll point you in the right direction.
- Taxis and rideshares are the fastest door-to-door option, typically around 30 minutes depending on traffic. They're handy if you're splitting with a friend or travelling with a pile of gear.
- Cycling is possible via the Lochside Trail, but unless you're packing ultra-light and riding a bike you're happy to box up, it's more of a fun-day-ride idea than a catch-your-flight plan.
Downtown to the Coho (Black Ball Ferry to Port Angeles, WA)
This one's the sweet surprise. You can walk there.
On foot
- The Coho leaves from right on the Inner Harbour, near the BC Parliament Buildings and the Royal BC Museum.
- From Ocean Island it's a pleasant walk through downtown and along the harbour, roughly 15 to 20 minutes with a rolling suitcase and a coffee stop.
- If it's pouring (we get a lot of rain, won't lie), a short taxi hop or a downtown bus gets you close.
Don't forget
- This is an international crossing. You'll need your passport or other valid travel documents, and you clear U.S. customs before boarding in Victoria.
- Because of customs, arrive well ahead of sailing time. Check cohoferry.com for the recommended arrival window, current schedules and any seasonal changes. The sailing schedule changes through the year.
- Once you land in Port Angeles, you're right on the doorstep of the Olympic Peninsula. Not a bad day out.
Quick cheat sheet
- Swartz Bay (BC Ferries): direct bus from downtown, about an hour. Or the Lochside Trail by bike.
- YYJ airport: bus with a transfer, a shuttle, or a taxi or rideshare. Plan ahead for early flights.
- Coho to Port Angeles: walk to the Inner Harbour, bring your passport, arrive early.
For events and things to do once you're back in town, tourismvictoria.com is a good bookmark.
Still not sure which bus to grab or how early to leave? Swing by the Ocean Island front desk. We'll happily help you map it out so you can relax and actually enjoy the trip.
