Travel Information

Air Travel

Required Travel Documents for International Travel

Attendees traveling from outside of Canada require a valid passport to travel to Victoria, BC.

Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorization or a visa to travel to Canada.

Click here to view Canada’s entry requirements by country/territory or use this online tool to determine whether you need a visa.

Visa-exempt foreign nationals are expected to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada. Exceptions include U.S. citizens, and travelers with a valid Canadian visa.

Click here to view Canada’s entry requirements by country/territory. Click here to find out if you need an eTA. If you need an eTA, do not wait until the last minute to apply (see Travel documents). Plan to get this upon completion of your registration. You must travel to Canada with the passport you used to get your eTA.

Coming to Canada – Covid 19 Travel Requirements

Anyone travelling into Canada must be fully vaccinated and upload their proof of vaccination to the mandatory ArriveCAN app. Pre-entry testing is no longer required.

Travel within Canada – Covid 19 Travel Requirements

Anyone travelling within Canada must show no signs or symptoms of Covid-19 and must wear a mask with travelling. You can’t board a flight or train if you’ve received a positive COVID-19 test result in the last 10 days.

Proof of vaccination is no longer required to board a plane or train in Canada.

The Transport Canada National Interest Exemption Program has also been suspended.

Airport Information

Victoria International Airport (YYJ)

201-1640 Electra Blvd

Sidney, BC V8L 5V4

Airport Check-in

Due to higher wait times, please allow at least 3 hours prior to your international flight time and at least 2 hours for domestic flights for check-in procedures. If you will be checking your bag please note the cost is usually not covered. Please check the website for the airline you are traveling with prior to departure, for the current baggage allowance and restrictions.

Regulations on liquids, gels and aerosols: For carry-on items, liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in containers with a maximum capacity of 100ml (3.4 ounces). These containers must be placed in a clear, re-sealable plastic bag with a capacity of no more than 1 litre. one bag per passenger is permitted.

For the most up to date liquid allowance, please visit http://www.voyage.gc.ca/

For Canadian Airport security screening wait times visit https://travel.gc.ca

Harbour Air Seaplanes – Service from downtown Vancouver Located in Coal Harbour – the terminal is within the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre, right along the seawall. For flight booking, rates and schedules click here.

Helijet – Service from downtown Vancouver Helijet Operates Regularly Scheduled Airline Flights between Vancouver Harbour Heliport and Victoria Harbour Heliport, and Vancouver International Airport and Victoria Harbour Heliport (limited weekday-only flights). For flight booking, rates and schedules click here.

Kenmore Air – Service from downtown Seattle Travel via float plane from Seattle/Lake Union to Victoria Inner Harbour. For flight booking, rates and schedules click here.

Contribute to Tomorrow’s Air to Help Clean Up and Permanently Store Carbon Dioxide

Every $20 Carbon Removal Package helps build the carbon removal movement and funds an order for 14 kgs / 31 lbs of carbon dioxide to be removed and permanently stored via direct air capture with geologic storage.

If you would like to donate, click here.

Ground Transportation from the Victoria International Airport

Car Rentals at Victoria International Airport

Victoria International Airport is served by four (4) on-airport rental car companies:

Avis, 1-800-879-2847
Budget, 1-800-668-9833
Hertz, 1-800-263-0600
National, 1-800-227-7368

All airport rental car company counters are located in the Arrivals area of the airport, directly across from the Information Desk.

Accessible hand control units are available at Budget Rent-a-Car with 24hrs advanced notice and AVIS with 48hrs advanced notice.

Taxi & Shuttle Service from Victoria International Airport

Victoria International Airport is served by the following taxi and shuttle bus services:

YYJ Airport Shuttle

(778) 351-4995 OR 1-855-351-4995 ($25.00 CAD – $29.00 CAD per ticket)

Yellow Cab of Victoria

(250) 381-2222 OR 1-800-808-6881 ($54.00 CAD)

*Prices are subject to change

Note: Accessible transportation services are available for special needs passengers. This includes passengers traveling with power wheelchairs or mobility scooters. An advance reservation (of at least 1 hour) is recommended.

Public Transport from Victoria International Airport

Victoria International Airport is served by BC Transit with up to 28 departures to and from YYJ and the McTavish Transit Exchange with several connections to Swartz Bay, the Saanich Peninsula, and Downtown Victoria.

For the latest schedule information, please refer to the BC Transit website or call (250) 382-6161. Applicable Route Numbers are 70, 72, 83, and 88.

Notes:

The fare for all of the Greater Victoria Area is $2.50.
LUGGAGE: Oversized luggage and backpacks can be difficult to accommodate. For your personal safety, please place your bags on your lap or on the floor where it will not obstruct the aisle way or other customers.
On the 83 bus, bike rack use is limited to daylight hours only. On regular buses, bike rack use is available anytime.

BC Ferries from Vancouver to Victoria

Tsawwassen terminal is a 36 km drive from downtown Vancouver and is located at the southwest end of Highway 17 in Delta. Sailings departing from Tsawwassen provide service to Swartz Bay (Victoria). For additional routes click here.

Travel time from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay is 1 hour 35 minutes and BC Ferries provides frequent travel times on this route, departing every hour starting at 7am and the last departure at 9pm PST. Click here for the daily departure schedule.

Ticket prices vary, for more information on rates click here. To book your ticket click here.

Transit options to Tsawwassen Terminal

TransLink
BC Ferries Connector
Delta Sunshine Taxi / Tsawwassen Taxi – 604-594-1111
Newton Whalley Hi-Way Taxi
Lyft

The Victoria Swarts Bay Ferry Terminal is an approximate 35 minute drive to the University of Victoria, Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour, and Fairmont Empress.

Transit options from Swarts Bay Terminal

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS IN VICTORIA

Victoria Forum is pleased to offer discounted rates with two Victoria Hotels. Rates and booking details are below. To ensure availability, please book by July 27th, 2022.

Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour

Marriott Inner Harbour is located in the heart of downtown Victoria. The hotel’s prime location provides all guests with endless activities and adventures, situated beside a plethora of exquisite restaurants and the Royal BC Museum, where the rare wonders of the world are illustrated in extravagant displays. Experience the hotel’s breathtaking views from the floor-to-ceiling windows of captivating gardens, the Inner Harbour and the stunning waterfront. Take a dive into the indoor pool and burn off the day’s excitement in the 24-hour fitness centre. Travels for business or pleasure will experience the incredible wonders Victoria has to offer while feeling a comfort as if they are still at home.

Room Type & Rate

Standard – $295.00
Superior Queen or King – $315.00

Book your group rate for Victoria Forum Room Block August 2022

To reserve call toll-free at 1-888-236-2427 and asking for the Victoria Forum Room Block August 2022 group rate. Please be advised of possible extended wait times when booking through the Call Centre.
Reservations will be made individually through the reservations link. To ensure availability, please book by July 27th, 2022.
Reservation Guarantee:Reservations are guaranteed by individual attendees and are responsible for room, tax and incidental charges. Please ensure you bring valid photo ID and credit cards for incidentals.
Cancellation Policy:first night’s Room & Tax will be charged if cancellations are received 3 days or less prior to arrival.
For more information on the hotel, visit their website here

Fairmont Empress

Canada’s Castle on the Coast sits proudly at the centre of culture and history in Victoria, British Columbia. This is the best of all worlds – where contrast meets distinction, opulence blends harmoniously with the understated and fabled history meshes with memorable affairs. A National Historic Site dating to 1908, this award-winning grande dame is an alluring blend of classic and sophisticated, vintage and cutting-edge and delivers an ideal setting for an active family adventure, a romantic couples weekend, an unforgettable destination wedding or inspiring meetings alike.

Room Type & Rate

To reserve call the Fairmont Empress Reservations Department at 250 384 8111 or our Global Reservations Centre at 1 800-441-1414 and identify as being with your group Victoria Forum.

Booking Deadline: Reservations must be made by Wednesday, July 27, 2022 to qualify for the group rate
Cancellation Policy: individual reservations made up to 72 hours before arrival, and refund the deposit for those rooms for the full night’s stay.
For more information on the hotel, visit their website here

Forum Dress Code – Business casual attire is required for all business sessions, and smart casual attire for evening receptions (no jacket or tie required).

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Why Victoria, BC?

Canada’s most politically dynamic province

British Columbia remains Canada’s most politically dynamic province, and its history is one of the marginal players on the federal scene and provincial politicians with a reputation for eccentricity. Victoria is the capital city of the Canadian province of British Columbia, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island off Canada’s Pacific coast.

Victoria, British Columbia, is full of life! Victoria has the mildest climate in Canada, with gardens that bloom all year. In fact, Victoria is known internationally as the City of Gardens. The wild beauty of the Pacific coast and adventures in the great outdoors are within city limits, and ocean and mountain vistas will follow you wherever you go.

Victoria is a year-round destination that offers a friendly, safe haven for all visitors. With an energetic and vibrant atmosphere, it is no surprise that Victoria, B.C. is one of the world’s favourite destinations.

For more information on Victoria, please visit Tourism Victoria

National Geographic recognizes Vancouver Island as one of the best cold-water diving destinations on earth, and the renowned Jacques Cousteau Society rates the area second only to the Red Sea for diversity of marine life and water clarity.
Victoria’s waters are home to three resident pods of orca (killer) whales totalling 76 whales.
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria has the most comprehensive collection of Asian art in Canada.
Victoria’s Chinatown is the oldest in Canada, and Fan Tan Alley is the narrowest street in Canada.

Friendly is an understatement: Victoria has been named both the Most Romantic City in Canada and one of the top 15 Friendliest Cities in the World.
Other accolades include: Canada’s Best City to Live in for Women, and both the Seventh Best City and Second Best Small City in the world (by international travel and
tourism magazine, Condé Nast).
Strong support for all things local: Vancouver Island has over 2,800 farms, with nearly 1,000 in the Greater Victoria Region and 700 in the Cowichan Valley.

Victoria is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country, with hundreds of kilometres of cycle paths, bike lanes and routes in the city, including the incomparable Galloping Goose Regional Trail.
Bright lights, beautiful city: As the provincial capital, the Parliament buildings have approximately 3,300 energy efficient lights, and roughly 1,600 lampposts across the city hold hanging flower baskets every Summer.
The world’s tallest free-standing totem pole is in Victoria’s Beacon Hill Park.
The Royal BC Museum, founded in 1886, is one of the foremost cultural institutions in the world.