Car Hire
Victoria

After collecting your luggage at Victoria International Airport, follow the prominent signs for "Ground Transportation" and "Car Rentals." The rental company counters are located together in the arrivals terminal, just a short walk from the baggage carousels. Once you have completed the rental agreement at the counter, staff will direct you to the adjacent car park where the rental vehicles are staged. The process is straightforward, designed to get you on the road with minimal delay.

The drive from Victoria International Airport (YYJ) to the city centre typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes in ideal conditions. Arriving late afternoon, however, places you in peak commuter traffic, which can significantly increase travel time. You should realistically allow 45 to 60 minutes, particularly on weekdays when approaching the city via Highway 17. Allowing extra time helps ensure a more relaxed start to your visit.

For the simplest drive from the airport to the Inner Harbour, stay on Highway 17 South, also known as the Patricia Bay Highway or "Pat Bay Highway." This is the main route linking the airport and the Swartz Bay ferry terminal to downtown Victoria. Follow the highway for nearly the entire journey until it becomes Blanshard Street as you enter the city. From Blanshard, a right turn onto Belleville Street will take you directly to the Inner Harbour, avoiding complex interchanges.

If you’re staying near Government Street, the most reliable overnight parking is a public multi-storey car park. The City of Victoria operates several such parkades, like the Broughton Street Parkade or the View Street Parkade, which offer secure 24-hour parking. On-street parking may be available but often has strict time limits that don’t permit overnight stays. Many hotels in the area also offer guest parking, so it’s wise to check with your accommodation when booking.

Yes. Some areas of downtown Victoria require extra vigilance owing to heavy pedestrian traffic. Government Street — particularly sections that are closed to vehicles at certain times — and the streets around the Inner Harbour are very busy with people on foot. Streets such as Douglas and Fort have numerous crosswalks and bus stops, creating a stop-and-go driving environment. Drive slowly, anticipate pedestrians and be particularly mindful of cyclists in these concentrated downtown zones.

When a cruise ship is docked or a major event is occurring, the area around the Legislature and Inner Harbour can become very congested. Expect higher volumes of pedestrians, tour coaches and horse-drawn carriages, leading to sudden stops and slow-moving traffic. Roads like Belleville Street and Government Street may face temporary closures or detours. Allow for considerably more travel time, be patient, and consider parking further away and walking to avoid the worst congestion.

For a weekend morning sailing from Swartz Bay, it’s advisable to leave downtown Victoria at least 90 minutes before your scheduled departure, particularly if you don’t have a reservation. The drive itself is about 30–40 minutes, but weekend traffic on the Pat Bay Highway can be unpredictable. This buffer allows for potential delays and gives you time to navigate ticket booths and queuing at the terminal. During long weekends or peak summer months, add another 30 minutes as a precaution.

Swartz Bay ferry terminal has a designated cell-phone waiting area where you can park for free while waiting for friends to disembark. The lot is clearly signed and located just before the main terminal area, so you don’t need to circle. Once your friends call to say they are off the ferry and at the foot-passenger pickup area, it’s a very short drive to meet them. This keeps the pickup lanes clear and makes the handover efficient.

Yes. The drive along Highway 14 to Sooke offers several convenient pullouts and viewpoints. Approaching Sooke you’ll find designated roadside lay-bys with pleasant views of Sooke Basin and the Olympic Mountains across the water. These spots are usually well signed and provide enough space to pull a rental car safely off the road. They’re ideal for a quick photo stop or a brief pause to enjoy the coastal scenery without a major detour.

An early start is essential for a relaxed day trip to Port Renfrew. Aim to leave Victoria no later than 08:00 to maximise daylight. The drive can take more than two hours each way, so an early departure gives you time to explore places like Sombrio Beach or Botanical Beach. To avoid driving the winding, unlit road back after dark, plan to leave Port Renfrew about two hours before sunset. That schedule allows a full day of activities and a safer, more relaxed return.

To experience the Malahat with the least traffic, travel mid-day on a weekday, typically between 10:00 and 14:00. This avoids the morning and afternoon commuter peaks that can slow this section of Highway 1. Weekend traffic tends to be heavier all day, especially in summer, though an early morning start can also offer clearer roads. The Malahat SkyWalk and other viewpoints are more enjoyable when the journey is smooth.

Driving the Malahat in heavy rain or low cloud requires increased caution. Visibility can be greatly reduced, particularly at higher elevations, and the road surface can become very slippery. Reduce your speed, increase your following distance and use headlights to improve visibility. Fog can settle quickly in valleys, creating dense patches with little warning, so stay alert and be prepared for changing conditions on this scenic but demanding drive.

A day trip from Victoria to Cathedral Grove is doable but makes for a very full day. The round trip can take five to six hours without stops, so an early start is essential. To break up the journey, consider stopping in Chemainus to see the outdoor murals or in Duncan, known as the "City of Totems." These towns sit directly on the route and offer good opportunities for a coffee, a quick lunch and a stretch before you continue to the magnificent old-growth trees.

Butchart Gardens provides ample free parking for visitors, with large, well-organised car parks on site. Attendants are usually present during busy times to direct you to an available space, making parking straightforward. The drive from downtown Victoria takes about 30 minutes, but during peak tourist season or a weekend afternoon, traffic on Highway 17A can become congested. To avoid the heaviest traffic, consider visiting on a weekday morning or later in the afternoon.

Yes. Combining Butchart Gardens with a visit to Sidney and the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea is a very manageable and popular day trip by rental car. The two locations are only about 15–20 minutes apart by car, making both easy to fit into one day. A sensible plan is to visit Butchart Gardens in the morning when it’s often less crowded, then head to Sidney for lunch and an afternoon exploring the aquarium and waterfront.

The simplest route to Goldstream Provincial Park from Victoria is to drive north on Highway 1 for about 20–25 minutes. The park entrance and main day-use area are clearly signed off the highway. During the annual salmon run in autumn, the main car park by the nature house fills very quickly, especially at weekends. The parking areas for the Goldstream Trestle and Mount Finlayson trailheads on the opposite side of the highway also get busy, so arriving early is recommended.

In the historic James Bay neighbourhood, many of the smaller residential streets can be quite narrow, making luggage loading awkward. Streets such as Government, Menzies and Oswego are main thoroughfares and can be busy, so stopping for an extended period is not ideal. The most challenging spots are often one-way side streets with limited verge space. It’s best to find a temporary spot in a driveway if possible or pull over on a wider, less-trafficked street to load without obstructing traffic.

After leaving the airport, one of the most convenient places for a grocery stop is the town of Sidney, which you pass through a few minutes into your drive south on Highway 17. Sidney has several major supermarkets with large car parks, making it an easy stop. Alternatively, as you get closer to Victoria you’ll find numerous shopping centres off the highway in the Saanich area. These options let you stock up without a significant detour.

When driving in Victoria and surrounding areas like Saanich, be aware of strictly enforced school and playground zones. School zones typically have reduced speed limits in effect from morning to late afternoon on school days. Playground zones often have similar reductions but can be in effect from dawn to dusk, seven days a week. These zones are clearly marked with bright yellow or fluorescent green signs, so watch for them and adjust your speed accordingly.

While speed enforcement can occur anywhere, visitors should be mindful of changing limits on Highway 17. The limit frequently drops as you pass intersections, approach the Swartz Bay ferry terminal, or enter more developed areas near Saanich and Victoria. These transition zones are common spots for enforcement, as drivers may not slow quickly enough. Pay attention to posted signs rather than just following the flow of traffic to ensure you’re driving at the correct speed.

For very easy beach access, Willows Beach in Oak Bay is an excellent choice. It has a large car park located directly adjacent to a wide sandy beach, requiring only a few steps from your car to the shore. Another good option is Cadboro-Gyro Park, which also offers ample parking close to its family-friendly beach and the well-known sea monster sculptures. Both are ideal for a quick, hassle-free visit to the sea.

For East Sooke Regional Park, the Aylard Farm entrance is generally the most accessible and popular starting point. It has a large dedicated car park and provides easy access to a beach and the beginning of the Coast Trail. This entrance is well signed and straightforward to reach from Sooke by car. Another option is the Pike Road entrance, which also has parking and offers a more direct route to the interior forest trails.

To maximise your time in the Cowichan Valley, focus on a specific cluster of wineries and farm stands rather than trying to visit them all. The area around Cobble Hill and Cowichan Bay has a high concentration of venues, reducing drive time between stops. Start your day by driving directly to your furthest point, perhaps a winery near Duncan, then work back towards Victoria. This prevents backtracking and allows a more relaxed pace to enjoy tastings and scenery.

The drive from Victoria to Duncan is a pleasant one-hour journey north on Highway 1. The route takes you over the scenic Malahat Drive before descending into the Cowichan Valley. For a good coffee stop, consider pulling off in Mill Bay or Cobble Hill, where you’ll find charming local cafés. These small towns offer a pleasant break from the highway and a taste of local life before arriving in Duncan to see the totem poles.

To avoid the worst commuter traffic when driving from Victoria to Nanaimo, aim to leave before 07:00 or after 09:30 on a weekday. The stretch of Highway 1 through Langford and Colwood becomes very congested during the morning rush. Similarly, avoid starting your journey between 15:00 and 18:00. A mid-day or early morning departure will result in a much smoother and more predictable drive up the island.

Driving on Vancouver Island at dawn or dusk requires heightened awareness of wildlife, particularly deer. These animals are most active at those times and can appear on the road with little warning, especially on rural highways to Sooke, Port Renfrew or north of the Malahat. Scan the road edges, obey speed limits and be prepared to brake suddenly. Using your high beams when appropriate on unlit roads can help spot animals from a greater distance.

While mobile service is generally reliable in Greater Victoria, you may experience spotty or no signal on more remote routes. The drive between Sooke and Port Renfrew on Highway 14 is known for long stretches with no service. Some parts of the Malahat Drive can also have inconsistent coverage. A good backup plan is to download offline maps of the area to your navigation app before you leave so you have reliable directions without a cellular connection.

When navigating narrow streets and small parking spaces in Victoria’s older neighbourhoods like James Bay or Fernwood, a compact or mid-sized car is ideal. These vehicles are easier to manoeuvre and parallel-park than a large SUV or people carrier. Many heritage homes and older apartment buildings have smaller-than-standard parking stalls or garages. Choosing a smaller vehicle significantly reduces the stress of parking and makes exploring these areas easier.

Parking near Fisherman’s Wharf and Ogden Point can be challenging, especially around lunchtime on a sunny day. There is limited paid parking in lots and on-street, and these spaces fill quickly. Be prepared to circle for a while or walk a few blocks from a spot in the surrounding James Bay neighbourhood. Arriving slightly before or after the main lunch rush will improve your chances of finding a convenient space.

The drive to Esquimalt and Fort Rodd Hill at weekends is generally straightforward, with lighter traffic than on weekdays. The main route over the Johnson Street Bridge can be busy but usually flows well outside peak hours. Fort Rodd Hill and the adjacent Fisgard Lighthouse have large dedicated car parks that accommodate weekend visitors, so finding a space is typically not an issue. It’s a relatively low-stress drive with rewarding historical and scenic sites.

One-way streets and turn restrictions can make reaching hotels near the Inner Harbour tricky. Streets like Fort, Broughton and Yates are major one-way routes, and missing a turn may require you to circle several blocks. It’s recommended to use a GPS and check your hotel’s driving instructions before arrival. Being in the correct lane early is key to avoiding last-minute manoeuvres in an unfamiliar downtown grid.

For a half-day drive that captures the Vancouver Island feel, consider the scenic loop through the Saanich Peninsula. Drive up the coast through Cordova Bay, visit the charming town of Sidney, then return via the pastoral Old West Saanich Road. Another excellent option is a drive out to Metchosin and East Sooke, with winding country roads, ocean views and regional parks. Both routes can be done in a few hours and provide a lovely island escape.

Most rental companies at Victoria International Airport offer 24/7 vehicle return services for early-morning flights. You drive to the designated rental return area in the airport car park and leave the keys in a secure drop box, usually located at the rental counter inside the terminal. Be sure to confirm your rental agency’s after-hours return procedure when you pick up the car to ensure a smooth departure.

Even early in the morning, the stretch of Highway 17 around the Royal Oak and Cordova Bay exits can experience unexpected slowdowns due to merging traffic. Another area to watch is the intersection at McTavish Road, the main access to the airport, which can get busy. While traffic is generally light at that hour, these junctions can cause minor delays. It’s wise to allow a few extra minutes to account for these potential bottlenecks on the way to the ferry.

After collecting your rental car at YYJ, a good place to get organised is the airport’s cell-phone waiting area. It’s located a minute’s drive from the rental car lot and is designed for cars to wait, so it’s very low-traffic. Alternatively, pull into one of the large car parks in nearby Sidney. That allows you to park safely, pair your phone with the car’s Bluetooth, input your destination into your navigation app and adjust mirrors and seat without rush.

In wet weather, be especially cautious of painted surfaces such as bike lanes and crosswalks, which can become surprisingly slippery. Intersections where oil and grime accumulate can also be slick, so brake earlier and more gently than in dry conditions. Watch for cyclists, who may be harder to see in the rain. Also be mindful of large puddles that can cause aquaplaning or splash pedestrians; drive predictably and courteously.

In summer evenings, the Beacon Hill Park area and Dallas Road become major draws for locals and visitors enjoying the sunset. Expect a significant increase in vehicular, pedestrian and cyclist traffic, which can make driving much slower than at other times. Parking along Dallas Road becomes extremely limited as people gather by the waterfront. The scenic drive is beautiful but requires patience and slow speeds as many people cross the road to access beaches and walking paths.

For a short scenic drive, follow the coastline from downtown along Dallas Road, which becomes Beach Drive through the attractive Oak Bay neighbourhoods. This route offers continuous ocean views, lovely homes and parks, and can be done in under an hour. Another option is a drive up Mount Tolmie or Mount Douglas (PKOLS) for panoramic views of the region. Both drives are easily accessible from the city and offer a big scenic payoff for minimal time.

When your trip covers both Victoria and the West Coast (Tofino/Ucluelet), treat the drive days as part of the experience rather than a chore. Allocate a full day for the journey each way, allowing leisurely stops at places like Cathedral Grove, the Coombs Old Country Market or Cameron Lake. Avoid driving the entire distance after a full day of activities. By breaking up the journey and not rushing, the travel becomes an enjoyable and memorable part of your Vancouver Island holiday.