Getting to Vancouver Island

Reaching Vancouver Island is part of the adventure. You can take one of several scenic ferry routes from mainland BC, most notably from Vancouver to Swartz Bay (near Victoria) or to Nanaimo.

Consider flying into Victoria International Airport or taking a floatplane directly into the harbour for a quicker trip. Regardless of your arrival, you'll be greeted with spectacular ocean views and the promise of memorable experiences.

By Ferry

The ferry routes to Vancouver Island are the most popular mode of travel and the most scenic.

British Columbia’s ferry system connects the mainland with multiple ferry terminals on Vancouver Island, and the journey itself is breathtaking. As the ferry cuts through the calm waters of the Strait of Georgia, you’re often treated to views of rugged coastline, small islands, and maybe even a whale or two!

Key Ferry Routes and What to Expect

• Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay (Victoria area): This is the most popular route, connecting Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Victoria's Swartz Bay terminal. It’s a 90-minute ride with departures every couple of hours. Expect onboard amenities like restaurants, shops, and plenty of seating, including outdoor decks for taking in the views.

• Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay (Nanaimo): This route connects North Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Nanaimo, making it ideal for exploring the Cowichan Valley before heading to Victoria. The ferry ride is 1 hour and 40 minutes.

• Tsawwassen to Duke Point (Nanaimo): This is another option for reaching Nanaimo from the mainland. It is slightly longer but often less busy than the Horseshoe Bay route. It takes approximately two hours and offers scenic views along the way.

• Downtown Vancouver to Nanaimo (Hullo Ferry): The Hullo Ferry offers a direct connection from downtown Vancouver to downtown Nanaimo, providing a convenient and quick option for foot passengers. The trip takes just under 70 minutes. 

• Washington State Ferries: For those coming from the U.S., Washington State Ferries connects with Vancouver Island via Victoria.

Insider Tip: No matter which ferry you choose, for the best views and an enjoyable ride, sit by a window or up on the upper deck and look for marine wildlife. The captain will often announce if a whale is spotted.

Tips for a Smooth Arrival

• Book in Advance: Ferries fill up quickly in the summer months and on weekends, so I always recommend getting a reservation, especially if you're bringing a vehicle.

• Arrive Early: To ensure your reservation is valid, arrive at the terminal a minimum of 30 minutes before your sailing time. If you don’t have a reservation, arrive at the terminal at least an hour before your sailing time.

• Expect Delays: The ferries are notoriously late, and travellers underestimate how long it takes to get off the boat. So plan accordingly. 
  

• BC Ferries Connector: If you are a walk-on passenger, you can utilize the BC Ferries Connector services. They offer daily year-round scheduled service between the Vancouver International Airport and Victoria, as well as the Cruise Ship terminal and Victoria. https://bcfconnector.com/

To learn even more about our ferry systems on Vancouver Island, you can read Getting to Vancouver Island

Tips for Connecting from YVR to BC Ferries

To travel from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, which serves BC Ferries routes to Vancouver Island, you have several transportation options:

1. Direct Shuttle Service:

• YVR Skylynx / BC Ferries Connector: This service offers direct coach transportation from YVR to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes. However, departures are limited, with only two scheduled trips per day at 9:40 AM and 3:40 PM. Tickets can be purchased online or at the airport.
  YVR Skylynx

  • Pickup Location: The shuttle departs from International Arrivals, Level 1. Look for the Universal Coach Lines Skylynx Kiosk at the bottom of the escalator.
    

  • Fare: Approximately CA$30 for a one-way trip.
     

2. Public Transit (SkyTrain and Bus):

• Canada Line SkyTrain: From YVR, board the Canada Line SkyTrain to Bridgeport Station. The station is accessible from the airport; follow signs for the "Canada Line." Trains depart every 6 minutes during peak hours.
  

• Bus #620 to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal: At Bridgeport Station, transfer to bus #620, which provides direct service to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. The bus departs from Bay 4. The combined journey (SkyTrain and bus) takes about 1 hour.
   

3. Taxi or Ride-Sharing Services:

• Taxi: Taxis are readily available at YVR. The journey to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Fares vary but expect to pay around CA$70–$90. Note that taxis departing from YVR are subject to a CA$3 airport toll fee.

• Ride-Sharing: Services like Uber and Lyft operate in Vancouver. Pickup locations are designated at the airport. Fares and availability can be checked via their respective apps.

Additional Tips:

• Luggage: All mentioned transportation options can accommodate luggage. Ensure your belongings do not obstruct aisles or exits, especially on public transit.

• Schedules: Verify the latest schedules for the SkyTrain, bus #620, and shuttle services to ensure they align with your arrival time at YVR.

• Tickets: For public transit, tickets can be purchased at SkyTrain stations. For shuttle services, booking in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons.

You can efficiently travel from Vancouver International Airport to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal by selecting the option that best fits your schedule and budget.

Using Transit to Get to Vancouver Island

If you are a traveller arriving by air at the Vancouver Airport (YVR), you can easily get to Nanaimo using the Skytrain and Hullo Ferry services. This allows you to pick up your rental vehicle in Nanaimo and saves you the cost of the expensive BC Ferry vehicle crossing.

To travel from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to the Hullo Ferry terminal in downtown Vancouver via the SkyTrain, follow these steps:

1. Locate the Canada Line Station at YVR:

• From Domestic Arrivals: Proceed to Level 3 and walk towards the International Terminal. In the Link Building between the terminals, follow signs for the "Canada Line" and take the escalator or elevator to Level 4, where a covered walkway leads to the SkyTrain station.

• From International Arrivals: Go up to Level 3 and exit the terminal. Cross the street via the covered walkway to reach the Canada Line station.

2. Purchase a Ticket: 

• Use the ticket machines on the station platform. A one-zone fare from YVR to downtown Vancouver costs *$7.75, which includes a $5 YVR AddFare. Tickets are valid for 90 minutes and can be used for transfers within that time.

*current rate as of January 2025

3. Board the Canada Line Train:

• All trains departing from YVR Airport Station head towards downtown Vancouver. Board the next available train. Trains run approximately every 6 minutes during peak hours and every 10 minutes during late-night hours.
  

4. Travel to Waterfront Station:

• Stay on the train for 12 stops until you reach Waterfront Station, the final stop. The journey takes about 25 minutes.

5. Walk to the Hullo Ferry Terminal:

• Exit Waterfront Station: Follow signs to the main concourse and exit onto West Cordova Street.

• Proceed to Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre: Head northwest on West Cordova Street towards Burrard Street. Turn right onto Burrard Street and continue to Canada Place. The Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre, located at 1055 Canada Place Unit 28, houses the Hullo Ferry terminal. The walk is approximately 7 minutes.

Additional Tips:

• Luggage: The SkyTrain and Hullo accommodate luggage, including larger items like skis or golf clubs. Ensure your belongings don't obstruct aisles or doors. There is an additional luggage fee for large items on Hullo.

• Schedule: The Canada Line operates from early morning until after midnight. Check the latest schedules to plan your trip accordingly.

• Tickets: Keep your ticket handy during your journey, as fare inspections can occur.

Getting to Vancouver Island By Air

Flying to Vancouver Island offers a quick and direct option for those short on time. 

• Victoria International Airport (YYJ): Located about 25 minutes from downtown Victoria, this is the main airport for the southern part of the island. Flights arrive here from major Canadian cities and some U.S. destinations.

• Seaplane Options: 

  • Harbour Air offers scenic flights from Vancouver and the Lower Mainland to Victoria, Nanaimo, and the Gulf Islands.

  • Kenmore Air offers seaplane flights from Seattle's Lake Union Seaplane Base to Victoria's Inner Harbour. These flights are convenient and scenic.
    

• Helicopter: Nothing says style like arriving by helicopter. Helijet offers services between the Vancouver International Airport and Victoria Harbour and from the Vancouver Harbour to Victoria Harbour.

Car Rentals and Public Transit

Once you arrive on Vancouver Island, you’ll have several options for getting around:

• Car Rentals: Renting a car is a great way to explore the island at your own pace. Major car rental agencies are available at both the Swartz Bay and Nanaimo ferry terminals and the Victoria airport, making picking up a vehicle upon arrival easy.

  Rental Cars

• Public Transit: BC Transit operates public transportation throughout Vancouver Island, including bus routes connecting major towns and attractions. In Victoria, the public transit system is extensive and user-friendly, allowing you to explore the city without a car. There are also private bus companies that help people to navigate to the smaller city centres.

  Navigating Transit on Vancouver Island