✨ AI-Enhanced Insights
Victoria International Airport (YYJ/CYYJ) is located in North Saanich on Vancouver Island, about 25 km north of downtown Victoria, British Columbia. Originally a Royal Canadian Air Force base during World War II, it now serves as the primary gateway to Canada's capital region with scheduled flights to major Canadian hubs and seasonal sun destinations. The airport features a compact, single-terminal layout and is known for its convenient access to both Victoria and the Swartz Bay ferry terminal.
💡 Local Tip
Frequent visitors know that the free cell phone waiting lot is just minutes from the terminal, making it easy to pick up arrivals without circling; if you have time, head to nearby Sidney-by-the-Sea for waterfront dining before your flight.
🚖 Getting There
The airport is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Victoria via Highway 17 (Patricia Bay Highway). Taxis, ride-hailing, and limousine services are available at the terminal, while BC Transit buses connect to Sidney and downtown Victoria with a transfer. For ferry travelers, Swartz Bay terminal is only a 10-minute drive north of the airport.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far is YYJ from downtown Victoria?
A: It is about 25 km (16 miles) north of downtown Victoria, typically a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic.
Q: Does Victoria International Airport have US pre-clearance?
A: Yes, YYJ offers US Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance for flights to the United States, so passengers clear customs before boarding.
Q: What airlines and destinations are served?
A: Air Canada, WestJet, and regional carriers operate flights to Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, and other Canadian cities, with seasonal service to sun destinations.
Q: Is there public transit to the airport?
A: Yes, BC Transit provides bus service between YYJ and Sidney, with connections to downtown Victoria and the Swartz Bay ferry terminal.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 27, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash