Transportation on Vancouver Island
from WorldWeb.com Travel Guide

Vancouver Island is a land of dark blue seas, rugged coastlines, lush-green old growth forests, mountainous islands carving their silhouettes into distant shadows, the sight of rare orca whales leaping in arcs out of the water, and long stretches of white sandy beaches meeting the ocean.

This abundance of natural beauty draws thousands of tourists annually to Vancouver Island. It's also what makes getting to, and around, Vancouver Island half of the adventure.

From the bustling, flower-lined streets of Victoria, to the isolated, rugged beauty of towns like Port Hardy (which serve as launching points for outdoor activities), to the surfer-friendly beaches of Tofino, the Island has plenty of exciting destinations. This may be why many visitors to Vancouver Island choose not to visit just one city, but to explore the entire region.

Luckily, transportation both to and around Vancouver Island is quick, easy and efficient. Modes of transport vary from the traditional motorcoach, ferry, plane or train ride, to more unique options like helicopter, horse-drawn carriage or hot air balloon. But whatever mode of transport visitors choose, they are sure to be immersed in the stunning scenery of this unique part of the world.

(Click here for a Map of Vancouver Island.)

GETTING TO VANCOUVER ISLAND

Ferries

	A ferry near Vancouver Island

Frequent ferry service from Vancouver to Victoria and Nanaimo allows for easy access to the abundance of activities that Vancouver Island offers. Large boats operated by BC Ferries transport passengers and vehicles from the ports of Tsawwassen (just outside of Vancouver) to Swartz Bay, 30 minutes from downtown Victoria, or to Duke Point in Nanaimo. The West Vancouver port of Horseshoe Bay runs frequent ferries to Departure Bay in Nanaimo.

Exploring the Sunshine Coast is made easy with frequent BC Ferries routes such as Horseshoe Bay to Langdale, or from Sechelt to Powell River. The wilderness scenery surrounding the Gulf Islands is also at arm's reach, with ferry routes offered from the Nanaimo Harbour to Gabriola Island, Horseshoe Bay to Bowen Island, Campbell River to Quadra Island and from Port McNeill to Sointula.

Daily ferries are also available from Washington to Vancouver Island through several private companies, transporting passengers from downtown Seattle, U.S.A. to Victoria's Inner Harbour.

Air
One international airport and several municipal airports make Vancouver Island very easy to reach via plane. The Victoria International Aiport services daily flights from Vancouver and Seattle, as well as direct flights from cities throughout Canada and the U.S.A. The airport is actually located in Sidney, which is about a half-hour drive from downtown Victoria, but an airport shuttle is available from downtown Victoria, with stops at most major hotels. The Nanaimo Cassidy Airport, located about 18 km (11 mi)south of downtown Nanaimo, is the main port of entry via air to the rest of Vancouver Island. Frequent commercial flights serve Vancouver Island, and charter flights are available for booking as well.

	A float plane in the Tofino Harbour

Other municipal airports, much smaller in size than Nanaimo and Victoria, but with a range of flight routes, include the Campbell River Municipal Airport, the Port Hardy Airport, Qualicum Beach Airport and Tofino Municipal Airport.

Private charter flights from the mainland to the island are a convenient way to travel, especially because they work with an individual schedule, and many offer aerial view tours of the island, fly-in fishing trips, vacation packages to remote wilderness areas, as well as regular air service from the mainland to communities on the island.

GETTING AROUND VANCOUVER ISLAND

Visitors have plenty of choices when it comes to getting around on Vancouver Island. Whether they choose to use public transportation such as bus or ferry, or whether they prefer renting a vehicle and exploring the island on their own, transportation infrastucture is easy to navigate and provides an opportunity to observe the natural beauty of the region.

Motorcoaches, shuttles and buses
Probably the most popular mode of transportation around Vancouver Island is by bus. With several motorcoach companies offering transportation between cities and towns on Vancouver Island (Greyhound, Gray Lines and Pacific Coach Lines are some of the main ones), service is frequent, and buses provide a convenient, quick way for visitors to get around.

Special shuttle bus services are also common around the Island. Many shuttles take surfers and other travellers from Victoria or Nanaimo to Long Beach. Other shuttles are specifically catered towards hikers, dropping them off at the West Coast or Juan de Fuca trailheads, and picking them up at the end of the hike and transporting them back to their vehicle at the trailhead.

Public transportation on Vancouver Island is efficient and easy to navigate. Victoria has extensive routes with frequent schedules. A transit guide with schedules and route information can be picked up for free from merchants and information booths around the city. Nanaimo, Parksville and Qualicum Beach are serviced by the Regional Transit system of the Regional District of Nanaimo and BC Transit.

By Car

From Victoria to... Driving distances from Victoria Average Driving Time km mi Campbell River 264 165 4 hours Courtenay 219 137 3.5 hours Duncan 60 38 55 minutes Gold River 355 222 5.5 hours Ladysmith 88 55 1.25 hours Lake Cowichan 90 56 1.5 hours Nanaimo 111 69 1.75 hours Parksville 147 92 2.25 hours Port Alberni 195 122 3 hours Port Alice 512 320 8 hours Port Hardy 502 314 7.75 hours Port McNeill 463 289 7 hours Qualicum Beach 158 99 2.5 hours Sidney 26 16 .5 hours Sooke 37 23 .6 hours Tofino 316 197 5 hours Ucluelet 291 182 4.5 hours Zeballos 460 287 7 hours

Driving Distances from Victoria

Road tripping around the highways and roads of Vancouver Island is an adventure, featuring winding roads through forests, highways hugging the shores of the ocean and beautiful wilderness scenery. Those wishing to explore the island via car can opt to rent from one of the major vehicle rental companies on the Island, which normally have outlets in all major Vancouver Island cities and airports.

While Highway 19 is the main highway intersecting the Island, there are also secondary highways, which provide scenic alternatives to the main road. Highway 19A, the Oceanside Route, is an especially scenic, and hence popular, route to access area parks, beaches and golf courses. Beginning just south of Parksville, the highway follows the rugged coastline through farming and artisan communities, stretching up to Campbell River.

The North Island Route is another scenic stretch of highway. Extending from Campbell River to Port McNeill and on to Port Hardy, this drive provides glimpses of pristine forested areas.

Taxis and Charter Transport
For those visitors needing to get around within major cities or towns, taxis are available to hire at aiports, bus stations and around the downtown area of major cities and towns.

A convenient mode of transportation around Vancouver Island is by water taxi or charter boat. Many water taxi companies double as charter operators from Vancouver Island to the Gulf Islands.

TRANSPORT AND SIGHTSEEING
From museums and Victorian buildings, to old growth forests, beaches and First Nations historical sites, Vancouver Island has got it all in terms of attractions. There are also many different ways to observe these attractions. Whether it's by train or by kayak, visitors are sure to find a sightseeing vehicle that is right for them.

Rail Tours
The VIA Rail E&N Railiner offers a train ride experience unique to any other across Canada. This passenger rail service, called The Malahat, stops at Chemainus, Nanaimo, Parksville and Qualicum Beach on its route from Victoria to Courtenay. Passengers can opt for a pass that allows them unlimited stopovers from their departure point to destination. The Malahat is a popular option for sightseeing on the Island.

Water Experiences
For those wishing to explore the waters around Vancouver Island, an abundance of boat tours are available, from sailboat tours, to scuba diving or fishing excursions, to more luxurious yacht charters to the Gulf Islands or other nearby areas.

	Victoria's Inner Harbour

Tourist cruises, or harbour ferry tours give visitors a look at the region and a chance to spot some of the orca whales or marine life that inhabit the waters. Circle Tours, which take visitors around the Island and along the Sunshine Coast, are very popular with visitors.

Kayaking and canoeing tours are also popular choices for exploring the Island. Guided single or multi-day trips and equipment rentals are available from outfitters around the Island.

In the Sky
For something a little more adventurous, visitors may want to check into one of the helicopter tours offered, such as companies which transport visitors to isolated locations for fishing or other sports.

Or for those in the mood for something more unique, a balloon tour may be the route to go. From Victoria, visitors can take an hour-long balloon ride over the city, complete with a glass of champagne.

Horse
In Victoria, visitors have the chance to explore Victoria's historic downtown in an appropriately elegant mode of transportation, a horse-drawn carriage. Several major tour companies offer carriage tours around Victoria's downtown and Inner Harbour areas, to the Chemainus Murals or around the streets of Sidney.

Another unique way to explore the island's beautiful wilderness areas is via horseback. Many companies offer guided horseback riding tours around the Pacific Rim (or West Coast) region, in such areas as Tofino, Clayoquot Sound and Long Beach.

Other popular areas for equestrian tours include the Saanich Peninsula, located just north of Victoria, the Cowichan Valley, where adventurers will find contrasting landscapes to explore, the Comox Valley, where riding tours encompass forested trails, alpine meadows and stunning mountain views, and the seaside village of Comox, which serves as a gateway to stretches of isolated sandy beaches.

Bike
A number of companies offer guided cycling tours around Vancouver Island. Some longer bicycle tours are escorted by a van and some offer to arrange accomodations as part of the tour. Tours can also be arranged in combination with another outdoor activity, such as cycling and kayaking excursions.

Mountain Bike Parks and Trail

	A cyclist on Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is cyclist-friendly, with kilometres of bike trails snaking their way through Victoria and through the island's varying landscapes of old growth forests, rivers, coves, canyons and beaches.

Cyclists are permitted to take their bikes on the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria–in fact, they are given priority, with assured passage on the first available ferry and the ability to board the ferry before other passengers. When they disembark, well marked trails lead to the Lochside Trail bike route, which intersects with the Galloping Goose Trail.

Formerly a railway line, the 60-km (37-mi) Galloping Goose Trail winds its way from Sooke to Victoria, with numerous access points along the trail. Cycling, walking, running, jogging, in-line skating and horseback riding are permitted.

Two of the most popular cycling routes in the city of Nanaimo are the Parkway and Railway trails. Some other favourite bike trails on the Island include the 25-km (16-mi) Log Train Trail in Port Alberni, which takes cyclists through Alberni Valley and to the McLean Mill Historic Site, and the wilderness bike path from Ucluelet to the Pacific Rim National Park.

Nicknamed the Cycling Capital of Canada, Victoria is easily accessible for cyclists. With a mild year-round climate, designated cycling lanes on major roads and bicycle storage at many of the city's major hotels, biking is a popular mode of transportation for both locals and visitors.