Do I need a car in Victoria?

Not necessarily, as the downtown core is very walkable and transit is reliable.

How long is the ferry?

The crossing takes approximately 95 minutes.

There are no direct flights from Toronto to Victoria; you must connect in Vancouver or Calgary.

Is Victoria on an island?

Yes, it is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island.

What is the best way to get to downtown?

The BC Ferries Connector bus provides direct service from the ferry to downtown.

Stevensville

Victoria

Flight Ship

Stevensville to Victoria

Updated: 28 May 2026

Reaching Victoria from Stevensville requires a multi-modal journey. You must first fly from Toronto (YYZ) to Vancouver (YVR). From Vancouver, you can either take a connecting flight to Victoria International (YYJ) or take the SkyTrain to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. The BC Ferry ride to Swartz Bay is a scenic 95-minute crossing. Victoria is located on Vancouver Island and offers a distinct island atmosphere.

Total Distance: Driving distance is 4,450 km; straight-line air distance is 3,400 km.

Fastest Way

Connecting flight from Toronto to Victoria International (YYJ) is the fastest.

Cheapest Way

Flying to Vancouver and taking the bus/ferry is usually cheaper than a direct flight to Victoria.

Compare Stevensville to Victoria Routes

	Flight Connecting	Ship Direct
Duration	7 hours	1 hour 35 mins
Avg Price	$400 - $800 CAD	$20 - $80 CAD
Operator	Air Canada	BC Ferries
Route	YYZ to YVR to YYJ	Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay
Tip	Connecting flights are often easier than coordinating ferry schedules.	Book your ferry reservation in advance during peak summer weekends.

Travel Tips

Ferry Reservations
Always book your ferry spot online to avoid long wait times at the terminal.
Transit
BC Transit operates buses from Swartz Bay ferry terminal to downtown Victoria.
Walking
Downtown Victoria is very compact and best explored on foot.
Afternoon Tea
Experience the traditional afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress.
Weather
Victoria has a milder climate than the rest of Canada, but still bring a rain jacket.

Safety Tips

Ferry Safety
Follow all crew instructions during the ferry crossing, especially regarding vehicle decks.
Wildlife
If hiking on the island, be aware of cougar and bear safety protocols.
Emergency
Victoria has excellent medical facilities, including the Royal Jubilee Hospital.
Navigation
Download offline maps as cell service can be spotty on some island roads.