One of the best things about Victoria as an incredible island destination is the journey itself. The only tough part is having to leave.
Whether you’re looking for convenience, affordability or comfort, Victoria and Vancouver Island are well served by transportation carriers. Go the ferry route for a relaxing, scenic cruise, hop on a float plane or helicopter and enjoy breathtaking aerial views, or fly directly to the Victoria airport—one of the world's friendliest.
Direct Air Transportation Options
Air Canada: Air Canada is Canada’s flagship legacy carrier providing service to Victoria with three direct flights a day through Canada’s largest hub, Toronto Pearson and twelve flights daily from Vancouver International Airport. Air Canada is a member of the global Star Alliance network.
WestJet: Westjet is Canada’s second largest airline and offers flights from Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. Westjet is interlined with Delta Air Lines.
Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines offers service from its hub at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Victoria International Airport. The flight frequencies vary. We are currently on the winter schedule with one flight daily. During summer months, there are typically 4 flights daily.
Connect from Seattle
Spend the prior weekend in Seattle experiencing all that the destination has to offer. Tammy Canavan of Visit Seattle has organized a weekend of activities immediately prior to the CEO Summit.
Transfer to Victoria: Since getting here is part of the journey and travelling together is part of the fun, we have organized truly unique ways for attendees to travel together as a group on Monday, April 3rd in truly unique Pacific Northwest style. Departing at 8:30 am on Monday, April 3, hop aboard the FRS Clipper - a super comfortable high speed catamaran ferry - and travel in comfort from downtown Seattle to Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Departure is 8:30 am and arrival in Victoria is at 11:00 am. Luggage transfer to official hotels will be arranged allowing free time to organized optional tours. When you book, please use booking code DI2023 and FRS Clipper will make a donation to Destinations International Foundation with every booking. The Clipper has a return option to Seattle on Thursday, April 6 departing Victoria at 1:30 PM.
Want more time in Seattle Monday morning? Try Kenmore Air Floatplane - a one-of-a-kind experience. Kenmore Air is a Seattle based float plane company offering service from Seattle’s Lake Union to Victoria’s Inner Harbour with a flying time of 30 minutes. Arrival is on Victoria’s Inner Harbour, a five-minute walk to the Fairmont Empress Hotel. When you book, please use booking code DICEO23 and Kenmore Air will make a donation to Destinations International Foundation with every booking.
Curated Tours and Experiences in Greater Victoria
We have worked with Destination Greater Victoria to curate a selection of tours and experiences in Greater Victoria on the weekend prior, through and also immediately after the CEO Summit.
Greater Victoria has worked with the experiences below to include a donation to the Destinations International Foundation with every booking. We encourage you to experience the top quality and sustainable business practices of the many tour operators available.
Sightseeing Touring
The Pedlar offers a range of guided bike tours that showcase Victoria; its scenic views, its history, and its artisan food and drink. Our city tours are moderately paced so you can enjoy the city as well as the ride. They offer e-bike tours as well, and are happy to customize tours for your family or group. Victoria's oldest and largest bike tour company! Booking code: DICEO2023 including a donation to the DI Foundation.
The world-famous Butchart Gardens is a wonderland of spectacular themed gardens, exotic plants, streams, ponds and fountains - sure to create a lasting impression! Sightseeing Victoria offers comfortable round-trip transportation between downtown Victoria and The Butchart Gardens onboard modern coaches with narration from our experienced drivers. Your ticket includes admission into the Gardens for convenient access. Booking code: DICEO2023 including a donation to the DI Foundation.
Unlimited Sightseeing stops at the best attractions around the city – is there a better way to explore Victoria? Experience Victoria like no other: aboard one of the open top double-decker buses! Truly the best way to discover Victoria’s must-see points of interest! Booking code: DICEO2023 including a donation to the DI Foundation.
Whale Watching
One of the unique bucket list items in Greater Victoria is whale watching. Majestic mammals and marine wildlife abound in the waters surrounding Victoria, including the orca, or killer whale, and gray, humpback, and minke whales. Other aquatic neighbors include sea lions, seals, porpoise and many marine birds. Cruise with local certified naturalists and experts for a guided marine adventure to discover, observe and learn about these enchanting creatures up-close. Most voyages include a trip to Race Rocks Ecological Reserve, the southernmost part of Vancouver Island (and Canada) on the Pacific coast. The reserve is Canada’s first Marine Protected Area and home to an abundance of rare marine life.
Orca Spirit Adventures Whale Watching: 30% discount on retail rates for the covered vessel tour with 10% of the ticket sale going towards Destinations International Foundation.
Five Star Whale Watching: 20% discount for the tours with 10% of the ticket sale going towards Destinations International Foundation.
Eagle Wing Whale and Wildlife Tours: 10% discount off regular pricing with 10% of the ticket sale going towards Destinations International Foundation.
Prince of Whales: 10% discount with 10% of the ticket sale going towards Destinations International Foundation.
Questions
If you need any further information, the team at Destination Greater Victoria is happy to help. Email Courtney Walsh, Business Events Coordinator at [email protected] or +1.250.818.9905.