Getting here

We acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the university stands, and the Lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.

Victoria is the capital of British Columbia, Canada. The city is located on Vancouver Island, 44km (27 miles) off the coast of mainland British Columbia.

Weather

Located in a sub-Mediterranean zone, Victoria boasts the mildest climate in Canada and receives an average of 2,183 hours of sunshine each year, with flowers in bloom year-round and an eight-month frost-free season. Spring is mild and can arrive as early as February. In April, cherry blossoms flood city streets and temperatures are an average of 14°C (57°F).  

The following is a list of options that may be of interest, not an endorsement.

By ground

From Vancouver: The BC Ferries Connector offers daily bus service between downtown Vancouver and downtown Victoria. This trip involves taking the ferry from Tsawwassen on the mainland to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. Your bus will drop you off in downtown Victoria where you'll have access to local transportation options (see "Getting Around").

By air

Victoria International Airport is located approximately 30 minutes from the University of Victoria. Flights arrive daily from across Canada, the US, and Europe.

A taxi to the University from the airport will cost approximately $$50-60 CAD. Public transit information can be found in "Getting Around."

Float plane service is available from Vancouver (Harbour Air) and Seattle (Kenmore Air) to Victoria's Inner Harbour. Helicopter service between Vancouver and Victoria's downtown Inner Harbour is also available.

By sea

There are regular vehicle ferry services to Greater Victoria from Vancouver (BC Ferries), Anacortes (Washington State Ferries), and Port Angeles (Coho). Additionally, there is passenger ferry service from Seattle's downtown to Victoria's Inner Harbour (Victoria Clipper).