NWTR 2009 Travel

Victoria offers a unique old-world charm as seen in the preservation of its heritage buildings, formal gardens throughout the city, traditional horse-drawn carriages and stately harbour. Built around 1900, the turn-of-the-century Fairmont Empress which faces the inner harbour is an example of grandeur and elegance of a bygone era.

In a quiet, picturesque area, the University of Victoria, the host for this years NWT Rally, is only 45 minutes cycling distance away or 15 minutes by convenient bus transport to the downtown core.

Air Travel to Victoria
Air travel is the quickest way to reach Victoria on Vancouver Island. The Victoria International Airport is 30 minutes away by car, or 80 minutes by bicycle from the University. Floatplane and helicopter services to downtown Victoria are available from both downtown Vancouver and Seattle, Washington.

Here is a summary of these services:
Air Canada and WestJet provide scheduled service between Victoria and Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto.
Pacific Coastal Airlines provides scheduled services between Victoria and Vancouver.
Harbour Air offers scheduled seaplane services between Victoria and both Vancouver harbour and Vancouver International Airport.
West Coast Air offers scheduled seaplane services between Victoria and both Vancouver Harbour and Vancouver International Airport.
Horizon Air provides scheduled services between Seattle, Washington, and Victoria.
Kenmore Air offers scheduled seaplane services between Seattle, Washington, and Victoria.


Ferry Travel to Victoria
Most people traveling to Victoria from the mainland catch a ferry from Tsawwassen Terminal (Vancouver). Vehicle and passenger services are available from various points in BC and in Washington State. Reservations can be made in advance for these services.

Here is a summary of these services:
BC Ferries provides scheduled vehicle and passenger services between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay.
Black Ball Transport offers scheduled vehicle and passenger services between downtown Victoria and Port Angeles, Washington.
Washington State Ferries offers vehicle and passenger services between Anacortes, Washington, and Sidney, Vancouver Island.
Victoria Clipper offers passenger-only services between Seattle, Washington, and Victoria.
Victoria San Juan Cruises offers seasonal, passenger-only services between downtown Bellingham, Washington, and downtown Victoria.
Victoria Express offers seasonal, passenger-only services between downtown Victoria and Port Angeles, Washington.


PLEASE NOTE: Whether travelling by air or by ferry, FOREIGN VISITORS MUST PRESENT A VALID PASSPORT when entering Canada.


To assist with your travel plans to Vancouver Island, please refer to Tourism Victoria’s website: http://www.tourismvictoria.com/. Alternatively, one may write to the following address:
      TOURISM VICTORIA
      812 Wharf Street,
      Victoria, B.C. Canada V8W 1T3

Ferry
The most frequent ferry service to Vancouver Island is by BC Ferries, who operate a daily vehicle and passenger ferry service on an hourly basis between Tsawwassen terminal (south of Vancouver city) and Swartz Bay terminal (near Sidney, 30 km north of Victoria). However, if travelling from Washington State, vehicle and passenger ferry service is available from Port Angeles and Anacortes (San Juan Island route). Both these ferries permit the transportation of tandem bicycles. (US visitors are reminded they will need their passport.)

Participants in the NWTR2009 who plan to come to the island with bicycle and luggage only may send in a request for luggage pick-up at the ferry terminal to Don, dstenton@uvic.ca. This request applies to a group of 10 or more persons. Confirmation on luggage pick-up will be acknowledged two weeks before the rally event.

For further information on ferries, schedules, costs, please refer to the following websites:
      http://www.bcferries.bc.ca/
      http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/
      http://www.cohoferry.com/



Last updated Jan 25, 2009