There are a few considerations when travelling to Vancouver Island for your elopement or wedding, since we are surrounded by water and the greater Victoria area is a little different from most mainland cities/towns. Below you will find some considerations when coming to our beautiful west coast abode.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Weather

• It’s wet here. In July-August rain is less likely (still possible), in Sept-June we prepare for it always and hope for the best. Victoria lies in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, and while we get a lot of rain, it’s nowhere near as much as Vancouver and Seattle. Our rain plan is to do the damn thing anyway.
• To prepare for our unpredictable weather, I recommend NOT looking at the forecast until the day of/day before your elopement as it will cause unnecessary stress – it changes so frequently it can’t be trusted.
• Bring clear umbrellas – I usually have some in my car, but it’s good to prepare in case mine are not available. Dollar stores, shoppers drug mart, etc. have options. Clear are important because coloured umbrellas cause colour cast and shadows, while clear umbrellas keep the light even and neutral.
• Bring good shoes – always have backup shoes with you that can handle wet ground.
• Bring a rain coat/water resistent shell. Better safe than sorry.
• Temperatures range from 15-30 in summer, and from 5-15 in the non-summer months. Wind can change how this feels substantially due to moisture in the air. Nights tend to be cool.

Wildlife

• The island has limited wildlife, however the selection we have can be plentiful and dangerous. In the city you’ll find trash pandas (raccoons), many deer, and occasional rodents. In more forested areas, be aware of the risk of bears, cougars, and wolves. If you have a small dog in tow, be aware of eagles and hawks.
• We have snakes, but none are dangerous
• Spiders and mosquitos are plentiful

People

• Victoria and Vancouver Island is one of the most accepting places I have ever been in some ways, but it is also isolated/sheltered culturally.
• Vancouver Island tends to be quite LGBTQ+ friendly, it is common to see couples expressing their gender and orientation in public.
• Culturally, racism does exist but it is not as overt as other places in the world. People here are very PC in their approach to other people.
• There is a sizeable homeless population on the west coast due to the cost of living and moderate climate. It is not uncommon to see people partaking in drug usage, or homeless individuals on the street. Keeping to yourself and being aware of your surroundings is important, especially at night.
• Victoria does not have a pickpocketing problem, however petty theft can occur (bikes, vehicle break ins, etc.). Secure your belongings, but don’t worry too much.

TRANSPORTATION

Ferries From the BC Mainland:

• You will arrive via BC Ferries. It is HIGHLY recommended that you pre-book your ferry at least 2-3 weeks in advance of your arrival. Ferries fill up for popular sailings, and sometimes for no reason at all. It is not uncommon for ferry cancellations due to wind/weather in the winter months, and also not uncommon for a 1-3 ferry wait in peak travel times.
• To ferry into Victoria’s terminal, you will depart Tsawwassen ferry terminal which is south of Vancouver BC, and you will arrive into Swartz Bay terminal near Sidney BC.
• The ferry ride is around 1 hour 35 mins, and is quite scenic, so be sure to get out and take a peek mid-sail.
• It is about a 35-45 minute drive to downtown Victoria from Swartz Bay.
• For walk-on passengers, bus services are available to downtown Victoria but tend to fill up.

Ferries From Seattle

• You will arrive via the Seattle Clipper passenger only ferry.
• This ferry sails once or twice a day, depending on the time of year, and must be pre-booked and cannot accommodate vehicles.
• You depart from downtown Seattle and arrive into Downtown Victoria near the Hotel Grand Pacific.

Ferries From Port Angeles, WA

• You will arrive via the Coho Ferry which accommodates vehicles and people.
• Booking in advance is also recommended.

Flights – Victoria International Airport

• Most larger commercial flights fly into YYJ airport which is located in Sidney, BC. Flights from Air Canada, Westjet, US airlines, discount airlines fly to this airport
• Taxis can be found at the airport and it’s about $60+ to downtown Victoria (varies)
• Rental Cars are also available at the airport (pre-booking highly recommended)
• The airport is quite small with a couple of food options and a small store.
• Public transport is available but requires a long walk to the airport from the bus stop, depending on the schedule.

Flights – Victoria Harbour Airport

• Float planes from Vancouver, the Gulf Islands and Seattle fly into downtown Victoria’s Aerodrome on the harbour via Harbour Air or Kenmore Air.

Taxis/Ride Share

• Taxis are readily available, but subject to availability (if cruise ships are in town, taxi availability may be quite limited)
• Victoria is not as up to speed with ride-share services, but it currently does have Uber in a limited capacity.