Frequently asked questions & answers regarding travel to Victoria

Q. How long is the flight to Victoria?
A. The flight to Victoria International Airport from Vancouver or Seattle takes approximately 30 minutes. Flights are frequent and operate daily from these two cities.
If not renting a car at the airport, taking the Akal Airport Shuttle is a great alternative. The fare is $15. CD each way and the closest drop-of would be at the nearby Swan Hotel just a block and a half away. You don’t have to be a hotel guest to use this service. Call 250-386-2525 or go to www.victoriaairportshuttle.com. When returning to the airport just call ahead and reserve your pick-up time. They are very reliable. Otherwise taxicabs are usually available.

Q. How long is the ferry ride to Victoria?
A. Sailing from the Vancouver port of Tsawwassen to Schwartz Bay (30 minutes north of Victoria on Vancouver Island) via BC Ferries takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Buses are available to take you from Schwartz Bay into Victoria. Traveling can be as easy as catching the Pacific Coach Lines (www.pacificcoach.com) bus from Downtown Vancouver or from Vancouver Airport. It drives onto the ferry and gets you directly into the downtown Victoria station in about 3 hours. From there, a very short taxi ride to Mermaid Wharf. This is a very reasonably priced and hassle-free way to go.
Sailing from Seattle into downtown Victoria via the high-speed Clipper ferry takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. Port Angeles, WA to downtown Victoria via the Coho takes 1 hour and 40 minutes (These are passenger only ferries). You will disembark and the Empress Hotel will be just on your right. From disembarking, it is either a 20-minute walk, a 10-minute water taxi ride (the water taxi stop is near the Clipper and there is a water taxi stop directly in front of the Mermaid Wharf building), or you can take a traditional cab.

Q. Do I need a car?
A. While private parking is available with your condo, renting a car isn't necessary in Victoria. It is a great walking city. You also may use the Harbour Ferry (water taxi (www.victoriaharbourferry.com) located just outside the front door, take a cab, bus or bicycle! If you want a car for a day or so, all the major car rental companies, including Budget and Avis, have agencies just behind the Empress Hotel. It is usually easy to rent short term. It is about a 20-minute walk from the condo to the car rental places.