Avis Car Hire
Victoria

The Avis rental desk at Victoria International Airport is conveniently located inside the terminal building, directly opposite the domestic baggage claim area. After collecting your luggage you can complete the paperwork in just a few steps. The rental cars are parked in a dedicated car park immediately outside the terminal, a very short walk away. This streamlined process ensures that even with a late arrival you can be on your way to your destination without significant delays or complicated transfers.

A great strategy is to drive for just a couple of minutes into the nearby town of Sidney. You can easily find a quiet side street or a spot in a small shopping car park to pull over safely. This allows you to take a few moments to mount your phone, enter your destination into your navigation app and connect to the car's Bluetooth system. Getting organised here is much more relaxed than trying to do so on the hard shoulder of a busy road.

The most straightforward path is to take Highway 17, also known as the Patricia Bay Highway, heading south directly from the airport. This highway is the main artery connecting the airport and ferry terminal to the city. You will stay on this road for nearly the entire journey, as it eventually becomes Blanshard Street, which leads you right into the heart of downtown Victoria. The route is very well signed and is the preferred choice for its simplicity and directness.

For a low-stress experience during weekday morning rush hour, it's sensible to plan for the drive to take around 45 to 60 minutes. While the trip can be as quick as 30 minutes in light traffic, commuter volumes heading north can cause slowdowns. Factoring in extra time also allows for a relaxed car return process and any unexpected delays. Leaving downtown roughly two hours before your flight's departure is a safe and comfortable buffer.

Most travellers staying downtown use their hotel's car park, which is often the most convenient and secure option. If your accommodation doesn't offer parking, the City of Victoria operates several public car parks that are safe and centrally located, such as the Broughton Street or View Street car parks. These facilities offer overnight parking and are a popular choice for visitors. On‑street parking is also available but can be limited and subject to time restrictions.

A practical approach is to have one person from your party stay with the vehicle while the other unloads the luggage at the hotel entrance. Pull over as close to the kerb as possible and use your vehicle's hazard lights to signal that you are temporarily stopped. Once the bags are out, the driver can immediately proceed to find a designated parking spot in a nearby car park or lot. This cooperative method is efficient and minimises disruption to traffic on the compact streets.

Driving in downtown Victoria is quite manageable but requires your full attention due to its compact and active nature. The city core features a grid of one-way streets, which a satnav makes easy to navigate. You'll need to be especially mindful of the well-used bike lanes and be prepared to stop for pedestrians at the numerous crosswalks. Maintaining a slower speed and staying alert for cyclists and people on foot is the key to a smooth and safe driving experience.

To enjoy the least hectic experience, plan to arrive at The Butchart Gardens early in the morning, right when they open. This allows you to get ahead of the coach crowds and find a prime parking spot in their large, complimentary lot. Alternatively, visiting later in the afternoon after 3:00 pm can also be quieter as the midday rush subsides. Driving during these off‑peak times from Victoria is generally smoother, with less traffic on the roads leading to the gardens.

Under normal conditions, the drive from downtown Victoria to Sooke takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes. The route follows Highway 1 and then transitions to Highway 14. The primary area for potential slowdowns is through the Westshore communities of Langford and Colwood, especially during weekday afternoon commuter hours. Once you are past this suburban stretch, the traffic typically eases for the scenic remainder of the drive to Sooke.

The drive to these popular trailheads along the Juan de Fuca trail is on a paved two‑lane highway, but the parking areas are right off the main road. These lots are well signed but can be easy to miss if you're not watching for the signs. The parking areas are gravel and can fill up very quickly, especially on sunny weekends. It's highly recommended to arrive early in the day to secure a spot and be prepared for a short walk from your car to the actual start of the trail.

Goldstream Provincial Park is incredibly easy to access, as it's located directly off the Trans‑Canada Highway 1, just north of Victoria. There are several different car parks depending on which area of the park you wish to visit, including the main day‑use area, the campground, and the Niagara Falls trailhead. During peak times, like the autumn salmon run, these lots can become very full. Visitors often use the large overflow car park and should be prepared for a short walk to the main attractions.

The drive to the Cowichan Valley is pleasant, primarily on well‑maintained highways and two‑lane country roads. Major routes are clearly marked, and most wineries have good signage directing you from the main roads. However, for navigating between smaller, more remote vineyards, relying on a GPS is a good idea. The rural roads are scenic and generally in good condition, but it's always wise to be mindful of local farm traffic and cyclists sharing the route.

The Malahat is a modern, divided highway for most of its length, but it features steep grades and winding sections that demand attention. In adverse weather like rain or fog, the best practice is to reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and ensure your headlights are on. During heavy traffic, staying in the right lane allows faster traffic to pass and provides a more relaxed drive. It's a scenic but challenging part of the highway, so patience and focus are key.

Sidney offers excellent parking options that make visiting the waterfront easy. While Beacon Avenue has on‑street parking, a better strategy is to use one of the large, free public car parks located just a block or two inland. This saves you the time and frustration of circling for a spot on the main street. From these car parks, it's just a short and pleasant walk through the town's charming shops to get to the waterfront promenade and pier.

The drive is very simple, as you will take the same main route you likely used from the airport. From downtown Victoria, you'll get on Highway 17, also known as the Patricia Bay Highway, and head north. This highway leads directly to the ferry terminal, and you simply stay on it until it ends. The route is extremely well signed with large, clear overhead signs for BC Ferries, making it virtually impossible to take a wrong turn.

A smart routine is to arrive at the terminal 45 to 60 minutes before your scheduled sailing, especially if you have a reservation. After you pass through the ticket booth, you'll be directed to a specific numbered lane to wait in. Once parked in your lane, you can turn off your car and walk over to the main terminal building, which has restrooms, a gift shop and a cafeteria for any last‑minute needs before boarding begins.

Absolutely, combining Victoria and Vancouver in one trip with a rental car is very common and highly recommended. The key to a stress‑free ferry day is to book your sailing in advance, especially during peak season, to guarantee a spot for your vehicle. Treat the 95‑minute ferry ride as a scenic cruise and a relaxing break from driving. Plan your travel day around a mid‑morning or early‑afternoon sailing to avoid rush‑hour traffic on both sides of the water.

The process for a rental car is identical to that of a personal vehicle. You will drive up to a ticket booth, provide your booking information or purchase a ticket, and then be directed to a numbered holding lane. You'll wait in this lane with other vehicles until the ferry staff begins the loading process. Crew members will then guide you with hand signals to drive onto the vessel and into a designated parking spot on the car deck.

To make this scenic drive enjoyable, it's best to plan for a full day of travel with at least one substantial break. The drive from Victoria to Nanaimo takes about two hours. After a stop in Nanaimo or nearby Parksville for lunch, the drive from there to Tofino will take another three hours. A popular stop along this second leg is the Coombs Old Country Market or a walk in Cathedral Grove to break up the journey and arrive in Tofino feeling refreshed.

First‑time drivers are often surprised by the dramatic change in the road after Port Alberni. Highway 4 becomes a winding, two‑lane road that requires careful attention as it cuts through mountainous terrain and dense rainforest. The sheer scale of the old‑growth trees in areas like Cathedral Grove can also be breathtaking. Finally, visitors should be prepared for potential roadworks delays, particularly around the Kennedy Hill area, which can add time to the journey.

The last major centres for supplies before the final stretch to the coast are Parksville and Port Alberni. Parksville is a great place for a major grocery shop at a large supermarket. Port Alberni is the last town of significant size where you should ensure you have a full tank of fuel and any other last‑minute provisions. It serves as a practical and necessary stopping point before you head into the more remote Pacific Rim National Park Reserve area.

The best tool for planning your drives on Vancouver Island is the official DriveBC website. Before heading out on any long‑distance trip, such as to Tofino or up the Malahat, check the site for real‑time updates on road conditions, active construction projects and any unexpected closures. This allows you to adjust your departure time or route accordingly. Building some flexibility into your schedule is always a wise strategy when travelling on the island's highways.

Driving at night on rural Vancouver Island roads requires heightened awareness as most highways are unlit. The primary concern is wildlife, particularly deer, which are very active at dusk and dawn. It is crucial to drive at or below the speed limit and constantly scan the sides of the road. Using your full beams when there is no oncoming traffic can help you spot animals from a greater distance, giving you more time to react safely.

Victoria has a robust and growing network of electric vehicle charging points, making it very convenient for EV drivers. You can find reliable Level 2 and DC fast chargers in many public car parks downtown, at major shopping centres like The Bay Centre and Mayfair, and at various community leisure centres. Using a smartphone app like PlugShare or ChargePoint is the easiest way to locate available chargers, check their status and plan your stops accordingly.

If your hotel's charger is occupied, a good backup plan is to use the public charging infrastructure. Many of the city's car parks offer Level 2 charging, which is perfect for an overnight top‑up. You can park the car for the evening, plug it in, and collect it with a full charge in the morning. For a quicker boost, you can also locate a nearby DC fast charger, which can add significant range in a much shorter amount of time.

During summer evenings this area becomes a bustling hub of activity and parking can be very competitive. Driving requires patience due to high volumes of pedestrian and horse‑drawn carriage traffic. Instead of circling for limited and time‑restricted on‑street parking, it's often more efficient to park in a paid lot a few blocks away, such as near the Royal BC Museum or the Victoria Conference Centre. The short, scenic walk to the waterfront is part of the experience.

The most practical approach is to drive to each location separately, as they are a short drive but a lengthy walk apart. Both Craigdarroch Castle and Government House offer their own dedicated visitor car parks, which makes access very straightforward. Start at one location, enjoy your visit, and then simply drive the few minutes to the next. This strategy eliminates any parking stress and saves you time and energy.

On a sunny weekend parking in this popular area is extremely challenging and requires patience. Most visitors first attempt to find a spot in the free parallel parking spaces along Dallas Road, which offer stunning sea views but fill up very quickly. The next best option is to look for a space on the quiet residential side streets of the James Bay neighbourhood, just a block or two away from the park or waterfront. Arriving earlier in the day significantly increases your chances of finding a convenient spot.

The least frustrating method is to use the small commercial hubs within the neighbourhood, such as the area known as Five Corners. These spots have dedicated short‑term on‑street parking right in front of shops, making it easy to pop in for a quick errand. This is far more efficient than trying to find temporary parking on the purely residential streets, which are often reserved for permit holders or have strict time limits. Planning your quick stops around these commercial nodes saves a lot of time.

A common point of confusion for visitors is the rapid transition from urban to highway speeds. When leaving downtown, the speed limit typically changes from 50 km/h to 80 km/h on the main highways. However, the most frequently missed and strictly enforced limits are the 30 km/h zones in school and playground areas. These zones are active during specific hours and are a significant reduction from the surrounding street speeds, so it's crucial to be vigilant for the signs.

School and playground zones, with their 30 km/h speed limits, can have a noticeable impact on travel times across the city. These zones are typically in effect from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on school days. If your route passes through several of these areas during those hours, you should add extra time to your travel plan. The reduced speed is a critical safety measure, so it's important to plan ahead rather than rush through these neighbourhoods.

For a smooth process, have one adult wait with the children and luggage in the arrivals area while the other adult proceeds to the Avis desk to handle the paperwork. Once the car is ready, the driver can bring it from the rental lot to the passenger pick‑up kerb outside the terminal. This provides a safer, less crowded space to install the car seats and load your family and belongings without the pressure of being in a busy multi‑storey car park.

The most efficient strategy is to designate the primary driver to be the sole person to go to the rental desk. The other three members of your group can comfortably wait with all the luggage in the spacious arrivals hall. This keeps the desk area clear and allows the driver to focus on the rental agreement. Once the keys are secured, the driver can retrieve the car and pick everyone else up at the passenger loading zone.

An effective plan is to drive to the terminal departures level first and drop off all passengers and luggage at the kerb. While your party proceeds to check in, the driver can then take the car to the rental return lot alone. This separates the tasks of managing bags and returning the vehicle, making the entire process much faster and less stressful. The driver can then walk back to the terminal to rejoin the group unencumbered by luggage.

The town of Sidney, located just five minutes from the airport, is the perfect place for a final stop. You can easily find a petrol station to top up the fuel and use their bins to dispose of any last‑minute rubbish from the car. A quiet side street or a supermarket car park provides a calm space to reorganise your luggage for the flight and do a final check for passports and important documents before proceeding to the rental return area.

The safest way to correct your course is to avoid any sudden lane changes or abrupt turns. Continue driving calmly until you reach the next traffic light, junction or highway exit. Once there, you can safely pull over into a car park or side street to reorient yourself with your navigation app. Victoria's road network has plenty of opportunities to turn around, so it's always better to take the next safe chance than to make a risky manoeuvre.

When driving in heavy rain in Victoria, it's essential to reduce your speed and significantly increase your following distance from the car ahead. Painted lines, such as those at crosswalks, can become particularly slick, so brake gently and well in advance of them. Be watchful for large puddles or standing water, as aquaplaning is a risk. Using your headlights is also crucial, not just for your own visibility but to ensure other drivers can see you clearly.

While Victoria itself receives very little snow, the Malahat Pass and other higher‑elevation highways can experience full winter conditions, including snow and ice. It is a legal requirement for vehicles to have appropriate winter tyres on these routes from October to April. Always check the DriveBC website for current conditions before you travel, and be prepared for rapidly changing weather. Drive with extra caution, allow for longer travel times, and be comfortable with winter driving.

Several excellent day trips from Victoria require minimal driving time. You can explore the charming seaside town of Sidney, which is only about a 25‑minute drive away. The Saanich Peninsula offers a lovely drive through farmland with stops at wineries, cideries and farm stands. For a nature escape, Goldstream Provincial Park is less than 30 minutes from downtown and offers beautiful forest walks. These options provide a full experience without committing your entire day to being in the car.