How do I get to Victoria from Vancouver?

You can take a BC Ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay or fly directly to Victoria Airport (YYJ).

Is there a bridge to Victoria?

No, Victoria is on an island and is only accessible by air or sea.

How long is the ferry?

The ferry crossing takes approximately 95 minutes.

Do I need a car in Victoria?

Not necessarily, as the downtown area is very compact and walkable.

What is the best airport?

Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is the primary gateway to the city.

Victoria

Flight Ship

Saint-Sébastien to Victoria

Updated: 28 May 2026

Reaching Victoria from Saint-Sébastien involves a cross-country flight followed by a ferry crossing or a short connecting flight. You will fly from Montreal to Vancouver, then take a ferry or a seaplane to Victoria. This journey takes you from the St. Lawrence River to the Pacific Ocean and finally to Vancouver Island. It is a multi-modal trip that showcases the beauty of the Canadian coast.

Total Distance: Driving distance is 4,850 km (including ferry); straight-line air distance is 3,750 km.

Fastest Way

Connecting flight from Montreal to Victoria (YYJ) via Vancouver.

Cheapest Way

Flight to Vancouver followed by the BC Ferries bus-ferry connection.

Compare Saint-Sébastien to Victoria Routes

	Flight Connecting	Ship Connecting
Duration	8 hours	10 hours
Avg Price	$400 - $850	$100 - $200
Operator	Air Canada	BC Ferries
Route	YUL to YVR, then connecting flight to YYJ.	Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Victoria (Swartz Bay).
Tip	Connecting flights to Victoria (YYJ) save time compared to the ferry.	The ferry ride is 95 minutes and offers spectacular views of the Gulf Islands.

Travel Tips

Ferry Reservations
Always book your BC Ferries reservation in advance, especially during summer weekends.
Seaplane Option
Consider a seaplane flight from downtown Vancouver to downtown Victoria for a unique experience.
Walking City
Victoria is very walkable; you may not need a rental car if staying downtown.
Whale Watching
Book your whale watching tour in advance to ensure availability during peak season.
Weather
Victoria has a mild climate, but always carry a light jacket for the ocean breeze.

Safety Tips

Ferry Safety
Follow all crew instructions during the ferry crossing, especially when on the vehicle deck.
Water Safety
If kayaking or boating, always wear a life jacket and check marine weather forecasts.
Emergency Prep
Familiarize yourself with the local emergency evacuation routes in coastal areas.
Sun Protection
The sun can be strong on the water; use sunscreen even on cloudy days.