How To Travel Across Canada to BC’s Garden City

There’s something otherworldly about Victoria, British Columbia, yet it remains distinctly Canadian. It’s known as “The Garden City” for its lush landscapes and mild climate, but people come back for its old-world vibe and glacial pace of life time and time again. Since it’s located on Vancouver Island, getting here requires a little planning, but once you arrive, it’s the perfect place to switch off and tune out from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. For Canadians, it feels like a duty to visit Victoria and check out all the amazing things here at least once in a lifetime, no matter how far one travels. In this guide, we’ll dive into what makes Victoria so special, the best ways to get there, and insider tips to make your journey as smooth as possible.

Why Visit Victoria, BC?

Victoria is like no other place in Canada. It’s an island that offers a laid-back lifestyle and slightly bohemian approach to things, but there’s still the staggering landscapes and lush foliage you’ll find on the mainland. Here are just a few reasons to add Victoria, BC, to your Canada bucket list: 

• The Gardens: Oh, The Gardens! Victoria isn’t called ‘The Garden City’ for nothing. The city blooms year-round, with highlights like the world-famous Butchart Gardens. We’re talking about a 55-acre floral wonderland that dazzles in every season.

• Historic Charm: We’ve all seen photos of the stately Fairmont Empress Hotel; now you can stay there yourself! Tour the British Columbia Parliament Buildings and marvel at the fascinating blend of Victorian and Edwardian architecture. It is a sight to behold. 

• Outdoor Adventures: The surrounding ocean, mountains, and forests create an adventure playground where you can kayak, hike, and cycle to your heart’s content. Oh, and there’s also an abundance of whale-watching! 

• Mild Weather: Victoria boasts some of the most temperate weather in Canada, making it a four-season destination.

Best Ways To Travel Across Canada to Victoria

Given its island location, reaching Victoria requires a bit more planning than reaching mainland cities, but the extra effort makes it so exciting. Here are your main options:

1. Air Travel

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Victoria from elsewhere in Canada.

• Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is the main airport serving the region. It handles flights from major cities such as Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto, which was recently ranked as Canada’s best airport.

• Connecting Flights: If there's no direct flight from your departure city, you'll usually connect through Vancouver (YVR) or Calgary (YYC).

• Floatplanes: For a memorable arrival, you can also take a Harbour Air seaplane from downtown Vancouver directly into Victoria’s Inner Harbour — it’s quick, scenic, and an experience.

Tip: When booking your flights, check if your airline offers through-ticketing with ferry transport if your final destination is downtown Victoria (some packages combine air and ferry connections).

Private Air Travel

For VIP tourists, travelling by private plane is the only real choice when visiting Victoria, BC. Victoria International Airport (YYJ) has full-service facilities for private aviation, including customs services, FBOs (Fixed-Base Operators), and luxury amenities. Private helicopter transfers are also available from Vancouver or Seattle and can land conveniently close to the city centre. Getting to Victoria from Vancouver International Airport takes just under half an hour. 

Approximate flight times from major Canadian Airports: 

• Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Victoria (YYJ): 1 hour 30 minutes

• Edmonton International Airport (YEG) to Victoria (YYJ): 1 hour 40 minutes

• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Victoria (YYJ): 5 hours 15 minutes

• Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Victoria (YYJ): 5 hours 20 minutes (usually with one connection)

• Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Victoria (YYJ): 5 hours 45 minutes (usually with one connection)

• Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG) to Victoria (YYJ): 3 hours 10 minutes

2. Rail and Ferry Combination

Train travel across Canada can be a spectacular option for those seeking a slower, scenic route.

• Via Rail's "The Canadian" offers service from Toronto to Vancouver. From there, you can catch a ferry to Victoria. This takes around four days, providing a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

• BC Ferries offers frequent sailings from Tsawwassen (south of Vancouver) to Swartz Bay (north of Victoria). The ferry trip is about 90 minutes and winds through stunning Gulf Islands scenery.

3. Driving

A road trip to Victoria can be an incredible experience, especially if you're coming from western or central Canada. Some people might be put off driving by the sheer distance if travelling from further afield, but it’s still an option for the adventurous among you. 

• From the West (Alberta or Interior BC): Drive westward to Vancouver, then catch a BC Ferry to Vancouver Island.

• From Eastern Canada: A cross-country road trip is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure but a serious commitment. Driving from Toronto to Victoria, for instance, takes around 45 hours (not including stops).

Tip: If you're driving to catch the ferry, book your ferry slot ahead of time. BC Ferries allows vehicle reservations, saving you hours of waiting in high season.

Start Planning Your Victoria Visit Today

Now that you’ve got all the information to plan your Victoria, BC adventure, there are no excuses to head on over. This irresistible mix of natural beauty and old-world charm will have you returning time and time. No matter how you travel across Canada to reach this Garden City, remember that the journey is always a part of the experience. However you decide to travel — by plane, ferry, rail, or private jet — ensure you arrive on the island refreshed and ready to explore. ‘The Garden City’ awaits your visit.