SUV Hire
Victoria

For a trip to Tofino with surf gear and a week's worth of luggage, a full‑size SUV is the most practical choice. This class provides the length and cargo capacity needed to carry surfboards, wetsuits and multiple bags without compromising passenger comfort. While a mid‑size SUV might suffice for two people with minimal kit, it will be tight. The long drive is far more enjoyable if you have plenty of space, ensuring a relaxed start to your West Coast trip.

The simplest route from Victoria International Airport (YYJ) to the city centre is via the Patricia Bay Highway (Highway 17 South). It is the main, well‑lit artery that leads directly from the airport area towards downtown. To avoid confusion, follow the signs for Highway 17 to Victoria and stay on that road for the bulk of your journey. A sat‑nav helps, but sticking to this primary highway keeps you off darker, unfamiliar side streets.

The drive from Victoria to Sooke along Highway 14 typically takes about an hour each way, depending on traffic. The road is scenic but has many winding sections and can be quite dark after sunset, with limited street lighting outside town centres. An SUV gives a higher vantage point and often better headlights, which is a real advantage for visibility at night on this route. Drive cautiously and watch for wildlife — deer are common at roadside, especially at dusk and dawn.

On a summer weekend it’s important to allow plenty of time for the drive and ferry queue. To be safe, plan to leave downtown Victoria at least 90 minutes to two hours before your scheduled sailing. This buffer accounts for potentially heavy traffic on the Pat Bay Highway (Highway 17) and vehicle processing time at the terminal. Making a vehicle reservation with BC Ferries in advance is highly recommended to guarantee your spot and reduce stress on travel day.

This is a very efficient and popular itinerary. From the airport, Butchart Gardens is a short, well‑signed drive south, taking only about 15–20 minutes. After your visit you can backtrack a few kilometres north on Keating Cross Road or Highway 17A to reconnect with the main Pat Bay Highway (Highway 17). From there it’s another quick 10‑minute drive north to the seaside town of Sidney, making for a seamless and enjoyable outing.

Yes. Certain areas in Victoria can be challenging for a larger SUV. Streets around the Inner Harbour, Fisherman's Wharf and the historic Old Town are often narrow with tight parallel parking spots. While manageable with care, you may find it much easier to use one of the city's public car parks, such as the Broughton Street or Johnson Street parkades. These facilities typically offer more generous space for manoeuvring and parking larger vehicles.

Loading an SUV in the busy Government Street area requires a bit of strategy. The best approach is to look for a designated commercial loading zone which you can use briefly. Alternatively, find a spot on a less congested side street just off the main thoroughfare. Planning to load early in the morning or during a weekday midday lull will be much less stressful than trying to do so during peak tourist hours or at the weekend.

The biggest surprise for most visitors is the Malahat Drive, a section of Highway 1 north of Victoria. It's a steep, winding mountain pass that demands full attention, with heavy traffic and variable weather. First‑time drivers should stay in the right lane to travel at a comfortable pace and be prepared for sudden slowdowns. The highway also features several stunning viewpoints worth a stop if time permits.

Your decision should be based on season and destinations. If your itinerary includes higher elevations like Mount Washington or remote trailheads, especially outside peak summer months, an All‑Wheel Drive (AWD) SUV is the safer choice. AWD provides enhanced traction and stability on potentially wet, gravelly or snowy surfaces. For travel limited to Greater Victoria and other low‑lying coastal areas during summer, a standard front‑wheel‑drive SUV is generally sufficient.

A day trip to Port Renfrew is a fantastic adventure but requires preparation. Highway 14 becomes narrower and more rugged past Sooke. Be aware that mobile service is unreliable to non‑existent for long stretches, so downloading offline maps is essential. Services are also very limited, so start with a full tank of petrol and pack your own water and snacks for the journey.

To create an efficient wine tour, plan a route that flows in one direction. Drive north from Victoria on Highway 1 and begin tasting at the wineries located furthest south in the region, such as those near Cobble Hill. From there you can methodically work your way north toward Cowichan Bay and Duncan. This approach prevents crisscrossing the valley and wasting valuable tasting time on the road.

In this case parking at Butchart Gardens will be the easiest, as they have a large, dedicated lot. The biggest bottleneck will likely be at a popular beach like Willows or Cadboro Bay on a sunny afternoon, where parking is limited and highly sought after. The second major challenge will be finding parking downtown for dinner, especially on a weekend evening; your best bet is to head straight to a public car park rather than circling for scarce street spots.

Driving in heavy rain significantly changes the experience, primarily by reducing visibility and making road surfaces slick. On major routes like the Pat Bay Highway and Highway 1, water can pool in places, increasing the risk of aquaplaning. An SUV's higher ride height can improve your view over spray from other vehicles, but it's essential to slow down, increase your following distance and allow for extra braking time.

The primary wildlife risk on Vancouver Island's rural highways at dawn or dusk is deer. They are extremely common along the Malahat and roads like Highway 14 to Sooke and can dart onto the road without warning. It is critical to stay alert, actively scan the ditches and roadsides and reduce your speed. Using your high beams on unlit sections can help you spot animals from a greater distance.

A comfortable and realistic plan is to depart from Victoria by mid‑morning. The drive to Nanaimo takes about two hours without stops, so factor in an additional 45 to 60 minutes for a scenic break at a Malahat viewpoint or the Malahat SkyWalk. This schedule would have you arriving in the Nanaimo area by early afternoon, leaving plenty of stress‑free time to check in for a mid‑to‑late afternoon ferry sailing.

For easier overnight parking with a larger vehicle, consider residential neighbourhoods adjacent to the downtown core, such as James Bay or Fairfield. These areas tend to have more available on‑street parking with slightly more generous space than the congested city centre. However, always read parking signs carefully for time limits or residential permit restrictions. For guaranteed space, a hotel with a dedicated car park is often the most convenient option.

A great choice is the scenic coastal drive through Oak Bay, with stops at viewpoints like Cattle Point and the Oak Bay Marina. Another comfortable option is a trip up the Saanich Peninsula to the seaside town of Sidney, which is very flat and accessible. The drive itself is pleasant and the destination offers lovely waterfront paths. Both trips provide beautiful scenery from the vehicle with easy, optional stops.

Planning this trip is straightforward as the road network is simple. Take the Trans‑Canada Highway (Highway 1) north from Victoria for about 60 kilometres, a drive that typically takes around an hour. The highway leads you directly to Duncan. Once there, use your sat‑nav to navigate to the town centre, where the famous totem poles and markets are concentrated and public parking is well signed.

While mobile service is generally reliable within Greater Victoria and along the main Highway 1 corridor to Nanaimo, it can be patchy or non‑existent on more remote routes. Expect significant gaps on Highway 14 west of Sooke towards Port Renfrew and on parts of Highway 4 between Parksville and the west coast. It is highly recommended to download maps of your planned routes for offline use before you begin your journey.

The drive from Victoria International Airport (YYJ) to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal is exceptionally easy and well signed. Upon leaving the airport, simply follow the prominent signs for Highway 17 North towards the ferries. This highway leads directly to the terminal entrance in just a few minutes. The lanes are clearly designated for specific ferry routes well in advance, making it a low‑stress drive with no confusing exits to worry about.

A good option is the airport's cell‑phone waiting lot, located just a minute's drive from the terminal area, which provides a safe space to pull over. Alternatively, the nearby town of Sidney is only five minutes away and offers numerous public car parks and quiet side streets. Stopping in Sidney allows you to comfortably organise your luggage, adjust seats and program your navigation system before starting your main drive.

To make the most of daylight, plan to leave Victoria by 09:30 or 10:00. Drive north on Highway 1, visiting Chemainus first to enjoy the famous murals, followed by the short drive to Ladysmith. This gives you several hours to explore both towns at a relaxed pace. To ensure a return drive in daylight, aim to depart Ladysmith by 16:00, especially during the autumn and winter when sunset occurs earlier.

This is a very manageable and scenic half‑day trip. Start by driving north from Victoria on Highway 1 to Goldstream Provincial Park. After exploring the park, continue north on the same highway for just a few more minutes to reach the Malahat SkyWalk. For a varied return, you can continue over the Malahat and take the scenic Mill Bay ferry across the inlet to Brentwood Bay, then drive through the Saanich Peninsula back to Victoria.

While Victoria's city centre remains mild, higher elevation routes like the Malahat can experience wintry conditions in spring, especially in the early mornings. Be prepared for the possibility of frost or even black ice on shaded corners after a cold night. Also expect variable weather, including dense fog or heavy rain, so it's always wise to check the forecast and drive with extra caution during this transitional season.

For most popular attractions a standard vehicle is fine, but a higher‑clearance SUV offers a clear advantage for accessing more rugged areas. This is particularly true for some trailheads in the Sooke Hills or when exploring unpaved forestry service roads to reach more remote beaches near Port Renfrew. The extra clearance gives peace of mind when navigating potholed gravel roads or uneven parking areas, opening up more adventurous options.

The most logical route is to drive north from Victoria on Highway 1, which becomes Highway 19. Past Nanaimo, take the exit for Highway 4 West which leads you directly to Cathedral Grove. After enjoying the ancient trees, simply turn around and drive back east on Highway 4 to rejoin Highway 19. From there it's a very short drive north to reach the coastal town of Parksville, making for an efficient and scenic trip.

Returning to Victoria on a Sunday afternoon, particularly in summer or on a long weekend, often involves significant congestion over the Malahat. It's wise to build a buffer of at least 30 to 45 minutes into your expected travel time. To avoid the heaviest traffic, consider planning your departure from the Cowichan Valley before 14:00 or after 18:00.

When booking, it's a good idea to ask your host about the property's parking situation. Enquire if the driveway is particularly steep, narrow, or requires any sharp, difficult turns to access. Some of Victoria's older neighbourhoods or hillside properties can have challenging access that might be tricky for a larger SUV. Getting this information beforehand ensures a smooth, stress‑free arrival.

The most convenient place to stop is the town of Sidney, located just a five‑minute drive from the airport terminals. Sidney has several major supermarkets, including a large Thrifty Foods and a Save‑On‑Foods, as well as pharmacies, off‑licences and petrol stations. This allows you to easily stock up on all necessary supplies before you even get on the main highway towards Victoria or other destinations.

During peak commuter hours, typically 07:00–09:00 and 15:00–17:00 on weekdays, traffic can be heavy. The main routes that experience significant congestion are the Trans‑Canada Highway (Highway 1) heading towards western communities and the Pat Bay Highway (Highway 17) connecting to the Saanich Peninsula. While an SUV provides a comfortable vantage in stop‑and‑go traffic, it's best to schedule travel outside these times if your itinerary allows.

The ferry to Salt Spring Island departs from the Swartz Bay terminal and operates on a first‑come, first‑served basis; reservations are not possible for this route. During summer and at weekends lineups can be very long, so it's essential to arrive well in advance. Plan to be at the terminal at least 60 to 90 minutes before your desired sailing to increase your chances of getting on with your vehicle.

A smooth route from downtown Victoria is to take either Johnson Street or Bay Street heading west. These main roads lead directly into Esquimalt and help you avoid the maze of one‑way streets in the downtown core. Be mindful of increased traffic around the Canadian Forces Base (CFB Esquimalt), especially during weekday shift changes. Using a sat‑nav can help you navigate local streets once you are in the area.

The most effective strategy is to use a multi‑day public car park, such as those on Broughton or Johnson Street, or your hotel's parking facility. Park your SUV on arrival and leave it there for the duration of your conference. For evening activities within the downtown area you can easily walk or take a short taxi ride. This approach saves you the significant hassle of trying to find new parking spots downtown at night.

Victoria has a very active cycling culture and many dedicated bike lanes, particularly in the city centre and along major corridors. It is crucial to be extra vigilant, especially when making turns. Always check your mirrors and blind spots for cyclists, who may be approaching faster than you expect. Pay close attention at junctions and be prepared for cyclists crossing, ensuring a safe experience for everyone on the road.

To make the long drive manageable for children, plan several key stops. A good first break is in Duncan at the BC Forest Discovery Centre. Further north, near Parksville, the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre is a great stop. Finally, Cathedral Grove offers a magical walk among giant trees before the final leg. These locations all have restroom facilities and provide excellent opportunities for kids to stretch their legs and explore.

For incredible and easily accessible views, drive your SUV to the summit of Mount Tolmie, which offers a stunning 360‑degree panorama of the region. The Dallas Road waterfront is another excellent option, with numerous pull‑offs and car parks right beside the scenic coastal trail. Additionally, the Ogden Point breakwater near the cruise terminal provides dramatic ocean views with convenient parking just steps away.

During the busy summer season it's best to be conservative with your time estimate. While the drive from downtown to YYJ can be as quick as 30 minutes in ideal conditions, you should reliably budget a full hour for the journey itself. This accounts for potential delays from heavy tourist traffic, roadworks or accidents on the Pat Bay Highway (Highway 17), ensuring you arrive with plenty of time to spare.

An early morning drive to the airport is typically the least stressful time to travel. Traffic will be very light and the journey on the Pat Bay Highway (Highway 17) should take a predictable 30 minutes. To ensure a smooth departure, make sure your SUV has adequate fuel the night before. Set your sat‑nav before you leave and you can expect a quiet and straightforward drive to the terminal.

One of the most common mistakes is underestimating driving times between destinations. Roads on Vancouver Island are often scenic and winding, not high‑speed motorways, so a seemingly short distance can take longer than expected. Another frequent error is trying to visit too many places in one day, such as attempting a day trip from Victoria to Tofino and back. A more relaxed itinerary focusing on one or two key areas per day makes for a much more enjoyable experience.