Victoria
Quick Facts
- Population (2006 Census)... 78,057
(Greater Victoria = 345,164)
- Distance from Vancouver... 110km (68mi)
- Distance from Richmond... 101km (63mi)
- Distance from Whistler... 241km (150mi)
Victoria is the capital of British Columbia, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. This dynamic city is a year-round tourist destination surrounded by ocean waters, a bustling harbour and mountainous wilderness. For this reason, Victoria has earned itself quite a reputation. It was ranked number 16 of 100 Top World Destinations in the 2008 TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice Awards.
The Inner Harbour and downtown area feature famously beautiful heritage and historic buildings. Downtown Victoria also offers great shopping and dining opportunities, while stunning ocean and mountain vistas can be seen from almost anywhere in the city.
Victoria has one of Canada's mildest climates, suitable all year round for golfing, hiking, cycling and fishing, or simply admiring the city's beautiful parks and gardens. The area is rich in arts and culture with live theatre, the Victoria Symphony, the Pacific Opera, excellent museums and the second-oldest Chinatown in North America.
Display on Map
Click icon or title to show on map
2010 Host Cities
Venues & Visitor Centres
Transportation
Transportation
Visit www.travelsmart2010.ca for the latest information on travel during the 2010 Winter Games.
There will be no spectator parking at any Olympic venue.
The most popular way to get to the British Columbia mainland is by BC Ferries. Its car and passenger ferries arrive in Tsawwassen, south of Vancouver. Flights are available from Victoria International Airport. Floatplanes and helicopters to Vancouver depart from downtown Victoria.
To Richmond:
Mainland transit buses and taxis meet ferries arriving from Vancouver Island to offer service to downtown Richmond. Motorcoaches from Victoria via BC Ferries take passengers to Vancouver International Airport and downtown Vancouver.
Floatplane companies departing from Victoria’s Inner Harbour and going to Richmond provide free shuttle service to Vancouver International Airport and other select locations. Many daily flights are offered between Victoria and Vancouver International airports.
The Richmond Olympic Oval can be accessed by the Canada Line rapid transit system and connecting public buses.
To Vancouver:
Public transit and taxis meet ferries arriving from Vancouver Island in Tsawwassen to take passengers to downtown Vancouver. Motorcoaches are available and depart from downtown Victoria, board BC Ferries then continue to downtown Vancouver.
Floatplanes leave Victoria’s Inner Harbour several times daily and land at Vancouver’s downtown harbor front. Regularly scheduled helicopter flights are also available from Victoria to downtown Vancouver. Both take approximately a half-hour.
During Games time it’s best to take public transit as there will be road closures and limited parking. Extended transit service hours will be in place during February, 2010.
To West Vancouver:
Visitors wanting to go to West Vancouver should travel first to Vancouver, then take a public bus or drive to West Vancouver.
Tickets holders can only access Olympic events on Cypress Mountain via the Olympic Bus Network. View travel information and reserve bus tickets here.
To Whistler:
To reach Whistler, passengers using public transportation should first make their way to Vancouver via BC Ferries and connecting public transit, or by motorcoach, floatplane, plane or helicopter.
Whistler can be accessed by car by driving north along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy 99). Note that there will be driving restrictions in place along the Sea-to-Sky Highway during peak Games times.
Ticket holders to Olympic events in Whistler will be transported to and from their event location via the Olympic Bus Network. This bus network has departure points in Vancouver, Burnaby and North Vancouver.
Motorcoach travel offers direct coach service to Whistler from downtown Vancouver and Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
High-quality and boutique hotels are available in downtown Victoria, usually close to the Inner Harbour, with some rooms offering spectacular views. Hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts in every price range can be found a short drive from Victoria International Airport and throughout the Victoria area.
Those who prefer a more rural setting will find cabins and cottages available to book not far from downtown.
Want to talk to an accommodations expert? We'll be happy to help you with your search over the phone. Call us directly at 1-800-HelloBC or 1-800-435-5622. If you're calling from overseas, dial 1-604-435-5622.
Things To Do
Victoria lives up to its capital city status and buzzes with fabulous shops, restaurants, museums and city parks. Spring arrives early in Victoria and its parks and gardens are definite must-sees. Visit the 100-year-old, world-renowned Butchart Gardens at any time of year. Visitors in late February will be impressed by the stunning Japanese cherry and plum tree blossoms, and can join in the fun of the city's annual Flower Count.
For active, outdoorsy types, there are a number of world-class golf courses within half an hour's drive from Victoria, many scenic hiking trails and the opportunity to hook the big one on a fishing expedition. Whale watching and marine ecotours are also hugely popular and available in Victoria all year round, though which marine animals and birds you spot is largely dependent on the season.
Victoria's location and compact size makes it easy to navigate and visitors will find plenty of activities to fill their day: golf in the morning and ski in the afternoon; or explore the Royal British Columbia Museum, Victoria Bug Zoo or Chinatown, then enjoy a delicious meal made from local seafood and produce, followed by an evening at the symphony.
Read more about what's happening in Victoria.