Information About Our Islands

Weather and Temperatures: Victoria is a coastal city located on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, approximately 154 km northwest of Seattle, Washington, and approximately 65 km southeast of Vancouver, British Columbia. Boasting the mildest climate in Canada due to the warmer Pacific Ocean currents, we are generally mild at any time of the year. Summers are normally dry and warm; the average monthly rainfall in the summer is less than 2.5 cm (1").

That being said, because Victoria is closer to the open ocean entrances, it is more subject to sudden changing conditions. This is the norm for a coastal environment. A sweater or light jacket is recommended especially if you are going out at night.

For up-to-the-minute weather information for Victoria and area, contact:

Environment Canada
Victoria Weather Office
Tel: (250) 363-0410
Web: www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca

Getting Here: Vancouver Island is well connected to the mainland of British Columbia by BC Ferries. They operate daily vehicle and passenger ferry service between Vancouver and Victoria - BC Ferries (www.bcferries.com)

From Washington State, vehicle and passenger ferry service is available from Bellingham: Victoria San Juan Cruises (www.whales.com); from Port Angeles: Black Ball Transport (www.ferrytovictoria.com) or Victoria Express (www.victoriaexpress.com); and from Anacortes: Washington State Ferries (www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries). A high-speed catamaran passenger only service is available between downtown Seattle and Victoria's Inner Harbour: Victoria Clipper (www.victoriaclipper.com).

By air, Victoria International Airport is serviced by direct and connecting daily flights from cities throughout Canada and the United States. Harbour-to-harbour floatplane service is available via West Coast Air (www.westcoastair.com), and helicopter service is available via Helijet International (www.helijet.com). Charter flights are also available.

Bus companies provide daily service between downtown Vancouver and Vancouver International Airport to Victoria – Pacific Coach Lines (www.pacificcoach.com)

For more detailed information on Victoria check out Tourism Victoria’s website www.tourismvictoria.com