Victoria International Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended…

Victoria Airport is located on the Saanich Peninsula, about 25 km north of downtown: 25-40 minutes by taxi for 60-85 CAD, or 30-45 minutes by shared shuttle. Those who want the historic centre and the harbour find the classic Victorian bed and breakfasts in the Rockland neighbourhood; those who prefer to stay closer to the airport, with a pool and free parking, can head for Saanich, halfway along and close to the Butchart Gardens.

Rockland

Neighbourhood · Rockland is about 25 km and 25-40 minutes by car from the airport; from the neighbourhood, downtown Victoria is only 5 minutes by car.

Best for: Travellers who want to sleep in an old Victorian villa minutes from the historic centre and the harbour.

Pros

Period villas from the early twentieth century, a short walk from Craigdarroch Castle and the governor's residence
5 minutes from the harbour and the historic centre of Victoria

Cons

The same long transfer from the airport as the rest of the city, 25-40 minutes
Rooms are often limited in number: the smaller B&Bs sell out in high season

Recommended hotels in this area

Abbeymoore Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn: Period villa from the early twentieth century on Rockland Avenue, opposite the governor's residence and 600 metres from Craigdarroch Castle; a tailored breakfast with a choice of hot dish.
Amethyst Inn: Nine rooms with private bathroom in a period house in Rockland, 5 minutes from the Victoria harbour and the Royal Jubilee Hospital.

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Saanich and Elk Lake

Neighbourhood · The hotel is on Elk Lake Drive, in Saanich: about 15.7 km (15-20 minutes) from the airport and about 5.6 km from downtown Victoria.

Best for: Families and those who want to stay closer to the airport, with a pool and free parking, a stone's throw from the Butchart Gardens.

Pros

Halfway between the airport and downtown, with a shorter transfer than from Rockland
Close to the Butchart Gardens, outdoor pool and gym on site

Cons

A residential area with no walkable centre: a car is needed even to go out for dinner
Reviews are more mixed than for the Rockland B&Bs

Recommended hotels in this area

Holiday Inn Victoria - Elk Lake by IHG: On the shore of Elk Lake, in Saanich, halfway between the airport and downtown Victoria and close to the Butchart Gardens; outdoor pool and gym.

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