Victoria International Airport

Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is not merely the air gateway to the capital of British Columbia, but also a vital transport hub for the picturesque Vancouver Island. Located on the Saanich Peninsula, it welcomes travelers with a modern and convenient terminal. The airport, whose history began in 1939 as a military airfield, is today renowned for its efficiency and pleasant atmosphere. It serves over 1.5 million passengers annually, offering flights to major cities in Canada, the USA, and seasonal destinations in Mexico.

One of the key features of Victoria Airport is its convenience and thoughtful organization. Thanks to the compact size of the terminal, navigation is intuitive, allowing passengers to pass through all pre-flight formalities quickly and without stress. Travelers have access to free Wi-Fi throughout the area, currency exchange bureaus, ATMs, as well as various shops and dining outlets. For families with children, there is a play area, and for history enthusiasts, the third floor hosts an interesting exhibition dedicated to the region's aviation past. The airport continues to evolve, with plans for further expansion to ensure even greater passenger comfort.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Victoria International Airport (YYJ). We recommend checking the accuracy of the data on official resources before your trip.

• Official website: www.victoriaairport.com – here you will find the latest information on flights, services, and airport regulations.
• Information desk phone: +1 250-953-7500. You can receive consultation on general inquiries at this number.
• Airport address: 1640 Electra Blvd, Sidney, BC V8L 5V4, Canada. Please note that the airport is located in the town of Sidney, not far from Victoria.
• Email: For general inquiries, you can use the address info@victoriaairport.com.
• Social media: Follow airport news and updates on its official social media pages, such as X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
• Lost and Found information: If your belongings were lost within the terminal, contact the airport's lost and found service. If the issue concerns checked baggage, you must contact your airline's representative directly.
• Passenger support: For questions related to tickets, schedule changes, or special assistance on board, please contact your airline's support service.

Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is located approximately 25 kilometers north of the city center of Victoria, making it easily accessible for travelers. There are several convenient ways to get from the airport to the city and back, suitable for any budget and preference. The main transport artery connecting the airport to the center is the Patricia Bay Highway (Highway 17).

Public transport is the most budget-friendly option. BC Transit offers bus services. Route No. 88 runs between the airport, the town of Sidney, and the Swartz Bay ferry terminal. To reach downtown Victoria, you will need to transfer to one of the routes running along the highway, such as No. 70 or No. 72. The total travel time will be about 60-70 minutes. This method is ideal for tourists with light luggage, as space for large suitcases on buses is limited.

Shuttle bus (YYJ Airport Shuttle) represents a golden mean between cost and comfort. It delivers passengers directly to hotels in downtown Victoria and other key locations. The trip takes approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on the route and number of stops. This is an excellent choice for those who do not wish to transfer with luggage. It is recommended to book a seat on the shuttle in advance online, especially during peak season.

Taxis and ride-hailing services (such as Uber or Lyft) are the fastest and most convenient method. A taxi ride from the airport to the city center will take about 25-30 minutes in the absence of traffic. This is also the most expensive option, with costs potentially reaching 60-75 Canadian dollars. Taxis can be found at the designated stand outside the arrivals terminal. This option is ideal for families, groups, or travelers with a large amount of luggage.

For those who prefer independence in moving around Vancouver Island, offices of all major car rental companies operate at the airport. If you are traveling to the airport in your own car, several parking options are at your service: from short-term for meet-and-greets to economical long-term parking located slightly further from the terminal.

Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is distinguished by a compact and clear structure, making it very convenient for travelers. The airport operates one main terminal, which handles all domestic, international, and transit flights. This organization eliminates the need to move between different buildings and makes navigation intuitively simple.

The terminal layout is logical and straightforward. On the first floor, the Arrivals area is located, where passengers collect baggage and pass through customs control. On the second floor is the Departures area, including airline check-in counters and the central security screening point. All boarding gates are located in a single common "secure" area after passing control, so getting lost is practically impossible.

Thanks to the airport's small size, passing through all pre-flight formalities usually does not take much time. Under standard conditions, check-in and screening take about 20-40 minutes. Nevertheless, during peak hours or the tourist season, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance, approximately 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight and 2-3 hours before an international one.

To navigate the terminal, it is sufficient to follow the numerous and clear signs. Since all key zones — from check-in to boarding gates — are in one building within walking distance of each other, passengers do not need to worry about complex transfers or using internal transport. This makes the stay at Victoria Airport comfortable and predictable.

The history of Victoria International Airport (YYJ) begins during the Second World War. It was founded in 1939 as a military training base for the Royal Canadian Air Force under the name RCAF Station Patricia Bay. The airfield played a significant role within the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, preparing thousands of pilots for service in the allied forces. This military heritage remains an important part of the airport's identity to this day.

After the war ended, in 1948, the airfield was transferred to the Department of Transport of Canada and began its transformation into a civilian airport. The initial passenger terminal, built in the 1950s, became the starting point for future growth. Over the years, the airport has constantly expanded to handle growing passenger traffic and accommodate more modern types of aircraft.

A key stage of modernization occurred in the early 2000s. During this period, a massive reconstruction and expansion of the main terminal was carried out, which significantly increased passenger comfort and throughput capacity. Runways were also lengthened, allowing for the reception of long-haul flights. Thanks to continuous improvements, the airport has repeatedly received awards and recognition for its high level of service and efficiency.

One interesting fact is that the historical name Patricia Bay is still unofficially used by pilots and locals, paying tribute to its military past. Today, Victoria International Airport is a modern and dynamically developing transport hub that preserves its rich history while serving as an important gateway to Vancouver Island.

Victoria International Airport (YYJ) offers passengers a wide range of services and amenities to make the wait for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. Regardless of the purpose of your trip, you will find everything necessary here, from places to rest to business services.

The airport terminal houses various dining outlets: from cafes with quick snacks and aromatic coffee to restaurants offering full meals. After passing security control, passengers can visit shops, including Duty Free, where souvenirs, Canadian delicacies, cosmetics, and other goods can be purchased. For those wishing to relax in a quieter environment, the Harbour Air Lounge operates, offering snacks, beverages, and a cozy atmosphere.

For those for whom staying connected or working is important, free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the terminal. Numerous charging stations for electronic devices are also located throughout the building. The airport has ATMs and currency exchange bureaus, which is convenient for international tourists. For business travelers, conference rooms or business services may be available, allowing for meetings or work tasks to be handled directly at the airport.

Victoria Airport is well-equipped for the needs of all categories of passengers. An accessible environment has been created here for travelers with disabilities, including ramps, specially equipped restrooms, and the option to request staff assistance. Families with children can use baby care rooms. In case of need, the airport provides facilities for first aid. If you require overnight accommodation near the airport, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity, offering comfortable lodging and convenient transfers to the terminal.

At Victoria International Airport (YYJ), travelers will find several dining options capable of satisfying both hurried passengers and those with time for a full lunch. Establishments are located both in the public area and in the departures area after passing security control.

In the main area of the airport, before security screening (landside), the main establishment is White Spot Bar & Grill. This is a restaurant chain popular in British Columbia, where you can enjoy classic burgers, salads, and other North American dishes in a relaxed setting. It is an ideal place if you have arrived early or are meeting arrivals and wish to have a substantial meal. Operating hours usually cover most of the day but may vary depending on the season.

After passing security control (airside), the selection is focused on quicker snacks. Here you will find the famous Canadian coffee shop Tim Hortons, where you can grab coffee, fresh pastries, sandwiches, and soups. This is an excellent option for taking something with you on board. Also in the departures area, a Starbucks coffee shop and small kiosks offering beverages, snacks, and sandwiches usually operate.

Regarding special diets, vegetarian options can be found in most establishments, for example, meat-free sandwiches or salads. Gluten-free or vegan dishes might be harder to find, but it is worth checking availability with staff — coffee shops often offer packaged gluten-free snacks. The price range corresponds to standard airport tariffs, meaning slightly higher than in the city. For those wanting to try something local before flying out of Canada, the best choice would be White Spot, reflecting the culinary traditions of the region.

To ensure your journey through Victoria International Airport begins without stress, plan your time with a margin. For domestic flights within Canada, it is recommended to arrive 2 hours before departure, and for international ones — at least 3 hours. This will allow you to check in, drop off luggage, and pass security control without rushing. Online check-in, available on your airline's website, will help save significant time at the counters.

Security control at Victoria Airport is organized efficiently, but during the tourist season or holidays, it is better to be prepared for queues. Keep your passport and boarding pass ready. Regarding carry-on luggage, remember the rules: liquids and gels can be carried in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a single transparent bag. All laptops and large electronic devices must be removed from bags for separate scanning.

Passengers with transfers should clarify with the airline in advance whether their luggage will be transferred automatically or if it will need to be collected and checked in again. Upon arrival on an international flight, you will have to pass customs control. Be ready to present your passport and a completed customs declaration (increasingly, this can be done at electronic kiosks). Honestly declare all imported goods to avoid misunderstandings.

To save a little, bring an empty water bottle and fill it at drinking fountains after the screening zone. Prices for food and drinks at airports are traditionally high, so snacks brought from home will help save your budget. In case of a flight delay, first contact an airline representative for the latest information. While waiting, you can use the free Wi-Fi, visit cafes, or shops. One of the airport's features is the observation deck — a great place to pass the time watching takeoffs and landings.

And finally, a small tip: when flying out of Victoria or arriving in the city, choose a window seat. There is a high probability that stunning views of Vancouver Island and the Strait of Georgia will open up to you, becoming a wonderful addition to your journey.