Getting to Victoria
Victoria is located on Vancouver Island, B.C. There are many options available for travel to Vancouver Island and lots within the city of Victoria once you are here.
By Air
Victoria International Airport is serviced by major the Canadian carriers Air Canada, WestJet and Air Transat. It is also serviced by other major carriers such as Sunwing, Horizon Air, Alaska Airlines, Vivo and Flair Air. There are many direct flights to Victoria through Calgary or Toronto in Canada, and daily service from the Seattle airport as well for those connecting through major American carriers.
From the airport you can:
- Ride the YYJ Airport Shuttle to downtown Victoria
- Take a taxi (Yellow Cab of Victoria; 1-800-808-6881)
- Rent a car from the airport
- Rideshare with another ABLE attendee
Victoria Inner Harbour Airport is Canada’s busiest air route by number of weekly flights. This is a floating international terminal staffed with Canadian Border Services agents. This water airport is for floatplanes and seaplanes, which land directly in the Victoria’s Inner Harbour and is within walking distance to several of the suggested hotels.
By Land/Ferry
Victoria is located on Vancouver Island and is accessible by car via several major ferry terminals.
Car and Passenger Ferry options:
- BC Ferries go from Vancouver (Tsawwassen terminal) to Swartz Bay (located near the Victoria International Airport). It is a 30 minute direct drive from Swartz Bay terminal to downtown Victoria or UVic.
- (Sadly cancelled for 2022) M.V. Coho Ferries go from Port Angeles, Washington on the scenic Olympic Peninsula to downtown Victoria. This ferry lands in the Victoria Inner Harbour and is within walking distance to several of the suggested hotels.
By Passenger Ferry
For those traveling on foot and wishing for a fun boat ride from Seattle, Washington, you can go via the passenger-only ferry service called Clipper Vacations. This ferry leaves from the waterfront in downtown Seattle and arrives in downtown Victoria, B.C. This terminal is walking distance to several of the suggested hotels.
Getting around Victoria
By Bus
This is the most cost effective way to travel from downtown Victoria to the University of Victoria. Several BC Transit bus routes regularly service UVic.
By Bike
Victoria is well set up for cyclists! There is a large network of bike lanes throughout the city. It is certainly a place you could travel by bike. If you are not so capable on the hills, we recommend renting an electric bike to get around as UVic is situated atop a hill. Check out the city map of bike lanes if you are planning to commute through the city by bike.
There are several places to rent bikes regardless of whether you are looking for a city cruiser, hybrid, road or e-bike. These were selected for their location close to downtown Victoria.
UVic also has a bike loan program. We will update you on this information once the centre is open and offering services again.
Parking on campus
There are several places to park on campus, however all parking is located outside of the core of the campus. You will have to walk 7-10 minutes from your car to the buildings. Please let us know if you need accessible parking options and we will coordinate with our parking services department. Parking costs in Canadian dollars are: $2/hr or $9/day or $36/week.