Getting out of Victoria without a car is totally doable — and honestly, once you know the routes, it's pretty painless. Whether you're flying home from YYJ, hopping a BC Ferries sailing to the mainland, or crossing to Port Angeles on the Coho, here's how locals (and savvy travellers) make it work.
Victoria International Airport (YYJ)
YYJ is about 25 kilometres north of downtown — not walkable, obviously, but well within reach on public transit.
By Bus (BC Transit)
BC Transit runs service between downtown and the airport. The route involves a connection in Sidney, so give yourself more time than you think you need — especially with luggage. Check the BC Transit trip planner for the most current schedules and route numbers, as these can shift seasonally.
- Pay cash on board with exact change, or grab a day pass if you're making multiple trips
- Buses run regularly but not around the clock — check the last departure times if you have an early morning or late-night flight
- Allow extra time for connections; this is transit, not a taxi
A Few Practical Tips
- Check in online before you leave the hotel — it saves time at the terminal
- YYJ is a small, relaxed airport, but security lines can still catch you off guard on busy summer mornings
- If your flight is at an hour when transit isn't running, ask at the Ocean Island front desk — we can point you toward practical options
BC Ferries — Swartz Bay Terminal
Swartz Bay is BC Ferries' departure point for Tsawwassen (Metro Vancouver), the Southern Gulf Islands, and beyond. It's about 32 kilometres north of downtown, right past Sidney.
By Bus (BC Transit)
This is the classic budget-traveller move, and it works well. A BC Transit bus — the 72 Patricia Bay Highway route — runs between downtown Victoria and the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal. It's a direct route and one of the more reliable transit connections in the region.
- Buses time roughly around ferry sailings, but don't cut it too close — missing a ferry means waiting for the next one, which can be a couple of hours
- Check BC Ferries for sailing schedules and book ahead in summer; the boats fill up fast on long weekends
- Travel light if you can — managing big bags on a bus and then a ferry is do-able but less fun than it sounds
Getting to the Terminal Early
BC Ferries recommends arriving at least 30–60 minutes before your sailing. Factor in your bus ride from downtown (roughly 45–55 minutes) and you'll want to be at the bus stop in plenty of time.
The Coho Ferry — Port Angeles, Washington
The Coho / Black Ball Ferry Line runs between Victoria and Port Angeles, Washington — a brilliant way to cross into the US without flying. The crossing takes about 90 minutes each way.
Getting to the Coho Dock
This one's easy: the Coho dock is right on the Inner Harbour, about a 10-minute walk from Ocean Island. You don't need transit at all — just pack your bags and stroll down.
- The Coho runs multiple crossings daily in peak season; check cohoferry.com for current schedules — sailings are more limited in winter
- You'll need your passport (or other accepted NEXUS/WHTI documents) to cross into the US
- US Customs happens on the Port Angeles side; Canadian customs clears you on the way back in Victoria
- Book ahead in summer — this ferry is popular and sells out
Quick Comparison
| Destination | Distance from Downtown | Main Transit Option | |---|---|---| | YYJ Airport | ~25 km north | BC Transit (with connection in Sidney) | | Swartz Bay (BC Ferries) | ~32 km north | BC Transit Route 72 (direct) | | Coho Dock (Port Angeles) | Inner Harbour | Walk from Ocean Island (~10 min) |
A Few General Tips
- Check current fares and schedules at bctransit.com, bcferries.com, and cohoferry.com — things shift seasonally and we'd hate for you to rely on outdated numbers
- Book BC Ferries and the Coho in advance, especially in July and August. Walk-on passengers usually have more flexibility than vehicles, but sailings can still fill up
- Travel light where you can — buses don't have luggage racks, and you'll be happier with a manageable bag
- If your timing is awkward or you just want a stress-free option, the Ocean Island front desk is happy to help you figure out the best plan
Not sure which route makes the most sense for your schedule? Swing by the front desk — we've helped guests navigate every one of these connections and we're always happy to talk it through over a map.
