Whether you're catching a flight home, hopping over to the BC mainland, or crossing to Washington State, Victoria's actually pretty easy to leave — even without a car. Here's the local rundown.
Victoria International Airport (YYJ)
YYJ is about 25 kilometres north of downtown, up on the Saanich Peninsula. It's not walking distance, obviously, but you've got a couple of solid options.
By Bus (BC Transit)
BC Transit runs service that connects downtown Victoria to the airport. You'll typically need to transfer — the exact route can shift with schedule updates, so check the BC Transit trip planner or Google Maps before you go. Buses run throughout the day, but service thins out in the evenings, so if you've got an early-morning or late-night flight, plan carefully.
- Pay cash on board (exact change) or load up a Umo card for convenience — ask at the front desk if you want a quick orientation on how the system works
- Check bctransit.com for current schedules and trip planning
By Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshares are available from downtown. Quick, door-to-door, no transfers — good call if you're running tight on time or wrestling with luggage.
BC Ferries — Swartz Bay Terminal
BC Ferries' Swartz Bay terminal connects Victoria to Tsawwassen (on the Lower Mainland, south of Vancouver) and to the Gulf Islands. It sits at the very tip of the Saanich Peninsula, roughly 30 kilometres from downtown.
By Bus (BC Transit)
This is genuinely one of the smoother transit connections in the region. BC Transit Route 70 runs between downtown Victoria and Swartz Bay — direct, no transfer needed. It coordinates reasonably well with ferry sailings, which is a nice touch.
- Buses depart from downtown (near the Bay Centre area) and take roughly 45–55 minutes depending on traffic
- Check bctransit.com or the BC Ferries schedule to time your bus with your sailing
- Book your BC Ferries sailing in advance — especially in summer. Walk-on passengers are usually fine, but it's worth confirming at bcferries.com
Tips for the Swartz Bay Run
- Give yourself buffer time — missing a sailing because your bus was five minutes late is a pain nobody needs
- The terminal has a café and waiting area if you arrive early
- Walk-ons board separately from vehicles, and the process is pretty smooth once you know where to go
The Coho Ferry — Port Angeles, Washington
The Coho (operated by Black Ball Ferry Line) is the classic cross-border crossing — it runs between Victoria's Inner Harbour and Port Angeles on Washington's Olympic Peninsula. About 90 minutes each way, and the views are genuinely lovely.
Getting to the Coho Dock
Here's the good news: the Coho dock is right on the Inner Harbour, an easy walk from Ocean Island. If you can make it downtown, you can make it to the ferry.
- On foot: If you're travelling light, it's a comfortable walk from Ocean Island — ask at the front desk for the quickest route
- By bus: Several BC Transit routes pass through downtown and near the Inner Harbour
- By bike: Totally doable; the waterfront pathway connects right to the area
Coho Booking Tips
- The Coho runs seasonally — check cohoferry.com for current schedules and to book ahead
- Passports are required — US/Canada border crossing applies, so make sure yours is handy
- The Coho carries vehicles too, but as a walk-on passenger the boarding process is relaxed and scenic
Quick Comparison
| Destination | Transit Option | Approx. Travel Time | |---|---|---| | YYJ Airport | BC Transit (with transfer) | ~50–70 min | | Swartz Bay (BC Ferries) | BC Transit Route 70 (direct) | ~45–55 min | | Coho Dock (Port Angeles ferry) | Walk or short bus/bike ride | ~10–20 min from Ocean Island |
Not sure which option works best for your timing, or want to know about current fares and schedules? Swing by the Ocean Island front desk — we're happy to help you figure out the smoothest way out of town. (And an equally smooth way back, whenever you're ready.)
