Is there a direct flight?

No, all flights from Victoria to Saint John require at least one connection.

What is the best way to travel?

Flying is the most practical for time, while driving is best for sightseeing.

You will need a ferry to leave Vancouver Island, such as BC Ferries from Swartz Bay.

Is Saint John expensive?

It is generally more affordable than major cities like Vancouver or Toronto.

Saanichton

Saint John

Flight Driving

Saanichton to Saint John

Updated: 27 May 2026

The journey from Saanichton to Saint John covers the breadth of Canada, requiring either a multi-leg flight or a multi-day road trip. You will likely fly from Victoria International Airport to Saint John Airport (YSJ) via a connection in Toronto or Montreal. If driving, you will follow the Trans-Canada Highway through the Rockies and across the Canadian Shield. Saint John is the oldest incorporated city in Canada, located on the Bay of Fundy. This route is ideal for those looking to experience the full scale of the Canadian landscape.

Total Distance: Driving distance 6,020 km; straight-line air distance 4,420 km.

Fastest Way

Flight from Victoria (YYJ) to Saint John (YSJ) is the fastest, typically taking 10 hours.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the most economical if traveling with a group of three or more people.

Compare Saanichton to Saint John Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	10 hours	70 hours
Avg Price	$700 - $1,300	$1,000 - $1,600
Operator	Air Canada	Personal Vehicle
Route	YYJ to YSJ via YYZ.	Hwy 1 to Trans-Canada Hwy.
Tip	Saint John Airport is small; ensure your connection allows enough time for baggage transfer.	Plan for overnight stops in major cities like Calgary, Winnipeg, and Ottawa.

Travel Tips

Booking
Use flight aggregators to compare prices between Air Canada and WestJet.
Luggage
Check your airline's baggage policy, as regional flights often have stricter weight limits.
Accommodation
Book hotels in advance if driving during the peak summer tourist season.
Navigation
Download offline maps for the remote stretches of Northern Ontario.
Hydration
Keep a reusable water bottle handy for the long flight or drive.

Safety Tips

Road Conditions
Check 511 services for every province you pass through to stay updated on construction.
Cell Service
Expect limited cell service in parts of Northern Ontario and the Prairies.
Vehicle Check
Get an oil change and tire inspection before starting your cross-country drive.
Rest Stops
Use designated rest areas to avoid fatigue-related accidents.