Dollar Car Hire
Victoria

The Dollar car hire desk is conveniently located inside the main terminal building at Victoria International Airport. After you collect your luggage from the baggage reclaim carousels, you'll find the hire desks just a short walk away in the arrivals area. The process is designed for traveller convenience, avoiding the need for any shuttle services or long walks. Once you complete your paperwork, the hire cars are parked in a designated area of the car park, which is immediately adjacent to the terminal.

Arriving late at YYJ is generally straightforward as the airport is compact and easy to navigate. The quickest way to get on the road is to head directly to the hire desks in the arrivals hall after you land. Having your driving licence and reservation details ready will help speed up the check-in process with the agent. From the desk, it's a very short, well-lit walk to the hire car parking area, allowing you to get settled in your vehicle and start your journey promptly.

The most straightforward and direct route into downtown Victoria is via the Patricia Bay Highway, also known as Highway 17 South. This is the main road leading directly from the airport, and it is very well signed. You'll stay on this highway for the majority of the drive, which eventually becomes Blanshard Street as you enter the city centre. This route avoids complex interchanges and residential streets, making it the preferred and least confusing option for visitors.

The drive from the airport to the Inner Harbour can vary significantly depending on the time of day. During mid-day or later in the evening, the trip is typically quite quick and straightforward. However, during weekday rush hours, particularly between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM, you should plan for considerable delays as you approach the city due to commuter traffic. It's always good practice to check a real-time traffic app before you leave the airport to get the most accurate estimate for your specific travel time.

When driving from the airport, continue on Blanshard Street until you reach the downtown core near the Inner Harbour. A simple approach is to turn right onto Belleville Street, which runs along the south side of the harbour. From Belleville you can easily access main streets in the James Bay neighbourhood, such as Government Street or Menzies Street. Most hotels in this area have designated passenger loading zones out front, allowing you to pull over safely to unload your luggage before you find long-term parking.

Downtown Victoria features a grid system with several major one-way streets that are important to be aware of, such as Yates Street and Johnson Street running east-west. It's highly recommended to use a GPS navigation app, which will correctly route you along these one-way corridors. When heading to a specific hotel or car park, it's helpful to review the final few turns on a map beforehand. Paying close attention to street signs is key to navigating the downtown core smoothly.

For first-time visitors, the most challenging area to drive can be the immediate downtown core during peak hours, especially around the Johnson Street Bridge and busy junctions of Douglas, Blanshard and Fort streets. In contrast, the scenic routes are much calmer and more enjoyable for exploring. Driving along Dallas Road on the waterfront, through the residential streets of Oak Bay, or exploring the Saanich Peninsula offers a more relaxed experience with significantly less traffic congestion.

A very practical strategy is to use one of the city's multi-storey public car parks. The Broughton Street or View Street car parks are excellent choices, offering central locations and reasonable rates for all-day parking. By leaving your car there, you can comfortably explore Government Street, the Inner Harbour, Old Town and Chinatown on foot. This approach eliminates the stress of searching for limited on-street parking and worrying about time limits.

On-street parking in Victoria typically requires payment at a nearby pay station or through a mobile app, with posted signs indicating the maximum allowable time. Time limits are strictly enforced, so it's crucial to note how long you are permitted to stay. Visitors are often caught off guard by residential-only parking zones, which are common just outside the main commercial core. Always read all the signage on the block where you park to avoid a ticket.

Visiting Butchart Gardens from the airport is very convenient as it's located nearby. The easiest route is to take Highway 17 South from YYJ and take the Keating Cross Road exit, following the clear signs for the gardens. To avoid the biggest crowds, plan to arrive either right when they open in the morning or later in the afternoon, typically after 3:00 PM. The drive is short, making it an excellent and relaxing first stop on your Victoria itinerary.

The most direct route to Sooke is Highway 14, also known as Sooke Road. To minimise traffic, it's best to avoid leaving during the weekday morning or afternoon commute times, as the highway passes through the growing suburban areas of Langford and Colwood. Once you are past these communities, the traffic generally lightens, and the drive becomes a beautiful coastal route. Travelling at weekends or during off-peak hours on a weekday will provide the smoothest journey.

To enjoy a stress-free drive to the Malahat SkyWalk, it's best to avoid the northbound morning commuter traffic on Highway 1. Plan to leave Victoria either before 7:00 AM or after 9:30 AM on a weekday. This timing allows you to miss the heaviest congestion heading out of the city. The drive itself is scenic, but getting ahead of the main rush will make the experience much more pleasant and allow you more time at the attraction.

Drivers should be particularly mindful of changing speed limits on the Patricia Bay Highway (Hwy 17), where the speed can drop suddenly as you approach towns like Saanichton or the ferry terminal. The Malahat Drive (Hwy 1) is also regularly monitored for speed. A common point that catches visitors is the enforcement of school and playground zone speed limits, which are significantly lower during specific hours. Always pay close attention to posted signs, as limits can change frequently.

A trip to the Cowichan Valley involves driving on a mix of the main Trans-Canada Highway and smaller, winding rural roads. While these country roads are generally well-maintained, be prepared for less signage than on major routes. The driveways into the wineries themselves can sometimes be gravel or unpaved but are suitable for all vehicle types. Parking is almost always readily available and free at each winery, making it easy to explore several locations in a day.

A great way to create a scenic loop is to drive north from Victoria on the main Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) to visit Ladysmith and Chemainus. For your return journey, consider taking a more scenic coastal route. You can divert from the highway and drive through communities like Crofton and Maple Bay, enjoying different views of the coastline and countryside. This route will eventually reconnect you with the highway further south, providing a more varied and interesting day trip.

When travelling with a vehicle on BC Ferries, it is essential to arrive well in advance of your desired sailing time, especially during peak season, holidays, or weekends. A safe plan is to arrive at the Swartz Bay terminal at least 60 to 90 minutes before the scheduled departure. Making a vehicle reservation online beforehand is highly recommended, as it guarantees your spot on a specific sailing and significantly reduces travel-day stress. Without a reservation, passage is subject to available space.

The most direct and clearly marked route is to take Blanshard Street north out of downtown, which seamlessly becomes the Patricia Bay Highway (Hwy 17). This highway leads directly to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal entrance, with large overhead signs guiding you all the way. To minimise stress, the key is to manage your departure time, leaving downtown well before the afternoon rush hour begins around 3:00 PM. This helps you avoid the worst of the local commuter traffic.

This is a very common and easy connection, as the Swartz Bay ferry terminal is only a 10–15 minute drive from the Victoria airport (YYJ). The main timing consideration is aligning your flight's arrival with the ferry schedule. You should factor in time for potential flight delays, deplaning, and completing the rental car pickup process. It's wise to book a ferry sailing that gives you a comfortable buffer of at least two hours after your scheduled landing time.

The town of Sidney offers the most convenient and comprehensive options for a stop. It is located just a few minutes off the Patricia Bay Highway (Hwy 17) and has numerous grocery stores, cafés, bakeries and restaurants. For a quicker stop, the community of Saanichton, located directly on the highway, has petrol stations and smaller markets. These options allow you to easily grab any necessary supplies without venturing far from your main route to the ferry.

On multi-lane highways like the Malahat or parts of Highway 17, a key piece of local etiquette is to keep to the right lane except when you are actively passing another vehicle. Drivers are expected to move over to allow faster traffic to pass on the left. You will often encounter slower-moving vehicles like motorhomes or lorries, so patience is important. Following the 'keep right' rule is the most courteous way to share the road and ensure smooth traffic flow.

As the Malahat Drive (Hwy 1) is a mountain pass, it can experience strong winds, particularly during stormy weather systems. While this is generally not a major issue for standard cars and SUVs, drivers of larger vehicles like passenger vans should exercise extra caution. During gusty conditions, it's advisable to reduce your speed and maintain a firm, two-handed grip on the steering wheel. The road is modern and well-engineered, but awareness of the weather is always a good practice.

During heavy rainfall, the main adjustment to your driving should be to increase your following distance and reduce your speed, as roads can become slick. Major thoroughfares like Blanshard Street or the Pat Bay Highway are prone to water pooling, which can increase the risk of aquaplaning at high speeds. Some older streets in downtown or low-lying areas may experience temporary localised flooding. It's always best to allow extra travel time and drive with caution in wet conditions.

The difference in winter conditions can be significant. Downtown Victoria may just be cold and wet, as snow rarely accumulates in the city. However, the Malahat Drive (Hwy 1), due to its higher elevation, can receive considerable snowfall and develop icy patches, sometimes requiring temporary closures. If your winter travel plans include driving over the Malahat, it is essential to check the official road reports (DriveBC) before you depart.

A great strategy is to head directly for the free parallel parking spots along Dallas Road, which runs adjacent to the ocean and the park's southern edge. There is usually ample parking here, especially if you arrive before midday. Alternatively, you can enter the park itself, where several small car parks are situated near popular areas. By securing a spot along Dallas Road, you can easily explore both the waterfront and the park on foot without needing to move your car.

The most direct approach is to use the dedicated pay car park located right at the entrance to Fisherman's Wharf. While the lot is not large, it is the most convenient option for a short visit to see the houseboats and grab a bite to eat. The area can be busy with pedestrians and tight turns, so driving slowly and cautiously is recommended. Visiting outside of the peak lunch hour on a sunny day can often make finding a spot much easier.

Craigdarroch Castle is situated in the historic residential neighbourhood of Rockland, which features some narrow, hilly streets. The best plan is to follow your navigation directly to the castle's address on Joan Crescent. The castle provides a dedicated, free parking lot for its visitors right on the property. Using this official lot is highly recommended, as it removes the challenge of finding street parking in the surrounding neighbourhood.

The Royal BC Museum is located at the Inner Harbour, a central and often busy area. To avoid the most congested junctions, approach from the east via Blanshard Street or Quadra Street and then turn west onto Belleville Street or Superior Street. The most convenient parking is the large public car park located directly behind the museum. Using this dedicated lot is far less stressful than searching for limited on-street parking right on the harbourfront.

The most practical plan is to park in one of the city's centrally located public car parks. The Centennial Square Parkade, located off Fisgard Street, is an excellent choice as it places you right at the edge of Chinatown. Another great option is the Johnson Street Parkade. Parking in either of these locations allows you to secure your car for several hours and easily explore the historic streets, shops and alleys of both neighbourhoods on foot.

For a classic sandy beach experience, Willows Beach in the Oak Bay neighbourhood is an excellent choice and has a large, dedicated car park. Another family-friendly option is Cadboro-Gyro Park, which also offers ample parking right by the beach. For more dramatic coastal scenery, the waterfront along Dallas Road has plenty of free parallel parking with immediate access to several smaller beaches and walking paths. All these options are within a 15–20 minute drive from downtown.

For a driver new to the area, the most straightforward way to reach Esquimalt and View Royal is by taking the Johnson Street Bridge from downtown Victoria. Once across the bridge, the road becomes Esquimalt Road, which is the main artery through the community. To continue to View Royal, you can follow signs for the Old Island Highway (Highway 1A). This route is more direct for local travel and avoids the heavier commuter traffic on the Trans-Canada Highway.

A day trip to Sidney is very easy; simply take the Pat Bay Highway (Hwy 17) north for about 25–30 minutes. The town is extremely walkable, so the best plan is to park your car once and explore on foot. There is plenty of free on-street parking on the side streets off the main Beacon Avenue, as well as several public lots. A few hours is usually enough time to browse the famous bookshops, walk along the waterfront pier, and enjoy lunch at a café.

Many of Victoria's top attractions are quite accessible. The Inner Harbour allows for easy drop-offs right in front of the Royal BC Museum and the Parliament Buildings, with flat, wide pavements for strolling. Butchart Gardens is designed with accessibility in mind, offering many paved paths and close parking. Fisherman's Wharf also has parking very near the main attractions, minimising the walking distance required to enjoy the sights.

The most efficient strategy is to use a central public car park for your downtown exploration. Park your car for the day, get the pushchair out once, and then explore the Inner Harbour, Government Street and Old Town on foot. This park-once approach saves you the significant hassle of finding multiple on-street spots and repeatedly unloading and loading your gear. For attractions outside the core, like Beacon Hill Park, you can drive and park closer to your specific destination.

As with any popular tourist city, it's always prudent to practise vehicle safety regardless of the neighbourhood. The most important rule is to never leave any valuables, bags, or electronics visible inside your car. Always lock your doors and store your belongings in the boot before you arrive at your destination. Parking in well-lit, high-traffic areas or in a secure car park can provide additional peace of mind, especially when parking for extended periods.

For a beautiful and peaceful sunrise drive, the route along Dallas Road and through the scenic streets of Oak Bay is an excellent choice, offering great views and minimal traffic. This area is well lit and feels very safe. For a late-night drive, the main arterial roads like Blanshard Street or the Pat Bay Highway are well illuminated and quiet outside of bar closing times. These routes provide a calm and easy way to navigate the region after dark.

Mobile signal is very reliable throughout Greater Victoria, the Saanich Peninsula, and along the main highway corridors like Highway 1 and Highway 17. You can expect a strong signal for navigation and communication on most popular day trips. However, if you venture onto more remote roads, such as Highway 14 west of Sooke or into the rural areas of the Cowichan Valley, you may encounter intermittent dead spots. It's a good practice to download maps for offline use before you go.

Most whale watching tours depart from docks located in the Inner Harbour. The most effective plan is to drive downtown and park your vehicle in one of the large public car parks, such as the one on Broughton Street or near the Victoria Conference Centre. These lots are just a short, easy walk from the waterfront departure points. Be sure to allow yourself plenty of extra time to park and walk to your tour operator's office before your scheduled departure.

Visiting Goldstream Park is very straightforward as it is located directly on the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1), about a 20-minute drive from downtown Victoria. The entrance to the main day-use area is clearly signed, leading you to a large car park. This lot provides immediate access to the visitor centre, picnic areas, and the main trailheads that lead to the estuary and waterfalls. During the popular autumn salmon run, the lot can fill up, so arriving early is recommended.

For an early morning flight, the drive to YYJ from Victoria is typically quick and traffic-free. A low-stress plan is to leave your hotel about 30–40 minutes before you'd like to be at the terminal. As you approach the airport, follow the prominent signs for 'Rental Car Return', which will guide you to the designated drop-off area in the car park. The return process is designed to be efficient, allowing you to quickly head to the departures level for check-in.

To avoid traffic delays, the best strategy is to plan your drive to the airport outside of the peak commuter windows of 7:00–9:00 AM and 3:00–6:00 PM. The Patricia Bay Highway (Hwy 17) can become quite congested during these times. Also, be mindful of reduced speed limits in school zones on any secondary roads you might use, which are active on weekday mornings and afternoons. Using a real-time traffic app before you depart will give you the best insight into current road conditions.