Leaving Victoria is always a little bittersweet — trust me, I've had that feeling more times than I can count. The good news is that getting from downtown to the airport or either ferry terminal is genuinely doable without a car, and cheaper than most visitors expect. Here's how it works.
✈️ Victoria International Airport (YYJ)
YYJ is about 26 km north of downtown — roughly a 30–40 minute drive depending on traffic. By transit, it takes longer, but it's straightforward.
By BC Transit
BC Transit runs a direct airport route (Route 88 — Airport Flyer) that connects downtown Victoria to YYJ. You can catch it from several stops along Douglas Street and it runs regularly throughout the day.
- Pay cash on board — bring exact change, as drivers don't give change
- Day passes are available if you're making multiple trips
- Check the BC Transit trip planner for the latest schedule and any route updates
- Build in a bit of extra time — this is transit, not a taxi
Our tip: ask at the Ocean Island front desk about current schedules and whether any express options are running. We track this stuff so you don't have to.
⛴️ BC Ferries — Swartz Bay Terminal
Swartz Bay is the main BC Ferries terminal for sailings to Tsawwassen (Vancouver area) and the Gulf Islands. It's about 32 km north of downtown, and yes — you can get there on public transit.
By BC Transit
Route 70 (Swartz Bay Express) runs directly from downtown Victoria (Douglas Street) to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal. It's timed reasonably well with ferry sailings, but not perfectly — so check both schedules.
- BC Ferries schedules — look up your sailing time first, then work backwards
- BC Transit Route 70 schedule — to plan your bus departure
- The ride is roughly 50–60 minutes depending on stops
- Again: exact change for the bus
Pro move: BC Ferries sailings fill up fast in summer, especially on long weekends. If you're a walk-on passenger (no vehicle), it's usually much easier — but still worth arriving with time to spare.
🚢 The Coho Ferry — Port Angeles, WA (USA)
The Coho is the classic crossing to Port Angeles on Washington State's Olympic Peninsula — a beautiful trip across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This one departs right from the Inner Harbour, which makes it the most convenient of the three for anyone staying at Ocean Island.
Getting There
The Coho terminal is about a 10-minute walk from Ocean Island Inn — straight down to the Inner Harbour waterfront. No transit needed for this one; just grab your bag and go.
- Check sailing times and booking at cohoferry.com — reservations are strongly recommended in summer
- The crossing takes approximately 90 minutes
- You'll clear US Customs in Port Angeles, so have your passport ready
- Walk-on passengers are welcome (no vehicle required)
Heads up: the Coho doesn't run year-round on the same schedule — winter sailings are reduced. Always confirm before you show up at the dock.
Quick Reference
| Destination | Best Transit Option | Approx. Travel Time | |---|---|---| | YYJ Airport | BC Transit Route 88 | ~50–70 min | | Swartz Bay (BC Ferries) | BC Transit Route 70 | ~50–60 min | | Coho Ferry (Inner Harbour) | Walk from Ocean Island | ~10 min |
A Few Things Worth Knowing
- Luggage on the bus — BC Transit buses don't have luggage holds. Manage-able rolling bags and backpacks are fine; mountains of luggage, less so.
- Check schedules the night before — especially for early-morning departures. Routes run less frequently in the early hours.
- Passports — required for the Coho crossing into the US. Have it accessible, not buried in your bag.
- Ferry reservations — walk-on passengers for BC Ferries don't always need reservations, but it's worth confirming on bcferries.com for busy routes and times.
Not sure which option works best for your trip? Swing by the Ocean Island front desk — we're happy to help you map out the timing, point you to current schedules, and make sure you catch your ride without any last-minute scrambling.
