Vancouver Island: Where It Is & How to Get There

People hear “Vancouver Island” and assume it’s connected to Vancouver. Same name, right? Maybe just a quick cab ride from downtown?

Nope. Vancouver Island is not part of Vancouver city—and it’s not even connected to the mainland. So if you’re planning to visit both Vancouver and Vancouver Island, you’ll need to cross a stretch of ocean first.

So… where is Vancouver Island, exactly? And how long does it take to get there?

Let’s clear this up in plain language.

Where is Vancouver Island?

This gets confused a lot, and that’s fair. The name is misleading.

Vancouver Island is a large island off the southwest coast of British Columbia, separated from Vancouver by the Salish Sea. It’s home to cities like Victoria (the capital of B.C.), Nanaimo, and smaller spots like Tofino and Courtenay.

But here’s the key thing: Vancouver Island is not part of Vancouver city. At all. It’s surprising how many visitors to our part of the world don’t realize this!

Unfortunately, you can’t drive to it from downtown. There’s no bridge, tunnel, or magic shuttle. Most island residents actually prefer it this way. That is half of the charm

But unfortunately, if you’re visiting Vancouver and want to see the island, you’ll need to plan how to get across the water.

🛣️ Looking to tour the island? Check out our Vancouver Island road trip guide for more details.

How to Get to Vancouver Island from Vancouver

There are three main ways to reach the island: ferry, seaplane, or commercial flight.

⛴️ By Ferry (Most Common)

BC Ferries runs multiple sailings every day to Victoria from Tsawwassen Terminal (about an hour south of downtown Vancouver) and Nanaimo (from Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay).

You can take your car, bike, or just walk on. Ferries go to Swartz Bay (Victoria) and Duke Point or Departure Bay (Nanaimo).

👉 My tip: Book your car in advance, especially in summer. If you’re walking on, no need to reserve—but arrive early to get a good seat and a snack.

🚌 By Bus (Most convenient for travellers without wheels)

Don’t have a vehicle? Maybe you don’t want to navigate the public transit system out of downtown all the way to the terminal.

After all, both terminals are located 30-50 minutes outside of the city, respectively. Once you get across, you’ll need to purchase another ticket to catch the bus into Victoria or Nanaimo. Including the ferry, that’s three different tickets and a lot of time wasted.

Luckily, the Vancouver to Victoria bus takes you directly from downtown to Victoria, ferry ticket included. This can save a lot of effort for non-locals looking for an all-inclusive option to get to the Inner Harbour.

✈️ By Seaplane (Fastest and Scenic)

Harbour Air runs Victoria seaplane flights from downtown Vancouver to downtown Victoria. You skip all the traffic and sailings, and the views are unreal. I’ve done this for day trips, and while it costs more, it saves hours.

You can also take trips to Nanaimo, Salt Spring Island, and Tofino. They’re a fantastic option for a day trip or if time is limited.

Is it expensive? You bet. But the spectacular mountain and oceanic views make the trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There is no more quintessentially West Coast method of transport.

🛫 By Commercial Plane (Option from YVR)

You can also fly from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to airports like Victoria (YYJ) or Comox (YQQ). Useful if you’re connecting from another country or heading beyond the usual tourist spots.

Personally, I view these flights as an option for business travellers and locals connecting directly to the island. If you’re planning on hitting Vancouver as well, they’re simply too expensive.

Plus, once you factor in transport and wait times, they aren’t even much quicker.

📸 Victoria Day Tours

Looking to take a quick Victoria day trip from Vancouver? It might be a busy day of travel, but it’s a great option for those in the area for a limited time.

There is a whole host of Victoria tours on offer from Vancouver that are catered to every type of traveller. Many include pickup from downtown hotels, making them ultra convenient.

Transport is always included (by bus or seaplane). You also have the option of including attractions like Butchart Gardens, Victoria whale watching tours, and much more. I can’t recommend these enough for visitors.

👉 If you’re visiting Vancouver first: Many people spend a few days in the city, then add 2–3 days on the island. That’s a great plan. Just don’t underestimate how long it takes to get across.

Butchart Gardens from Vancouver

Looking to Visit a Botanical Wonderland? Book Your Victoria & Butchart Gardens Day Trip from $290 Now

Smell the Roses Now

Still Confused About the Island?

If this cleared things up about where Vancouver Island actually is—and how to get there from Vancouver—I’d love to hear from you.

Drop a comment or connect with me on social media. At Vancouver Planner, I’m always here to help fellow travellers get the lay of the land.