Page last updated: 2024-03-17

Transportation

Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island. As there is no bridge to the mainland, getting to Victoria requires taking a ferry (car or passenger) or flying.

Consider going car-free!

If you’re staying downtown during the tournament, you won’t need a car. There are plenty of restaurants and shops within walking distance.

You could save yourself some ferry and parking costs by leaving your car at home, or at a mainland ferry or seaplane terminal. If you haven’t tried a seaplane yet, it’s well worth the experience. Whether coming from Vancouver or Seattle, you’ll get fantastic views of mountains and islands. Being a foot passenger on the Clipper, or one of the ferries is also a lot of fun.

Ferry options:

From the Vancouver area, BC Ferries offers regular scheduled service for cars and foot passengers to Victoria (Swartz Bay) and Nanaimo. If you’re a walk-on passenger, take a #70 bus to downtown. The bus stop is right at the exit of the ferry terminal.

From Seattle, Clipper Vacations operates a fast, (2.5 hours) passenger-only catamaran to downtown Victoria.

From Port Angeles, Wa, the Coho Ferry (cars and foot passengers) crosses the Juan de Fuca Strait to downtown Victoria in 1.5 hours.

Flying in:

Parking

Underground parking is available at the venue. The entrance is on Douglas St at the east end of the VCC. Tournament attendees benefit from an exceptionally good rate, $10/day with in-and-out privileges (normally $30).  Parking spaces are quite small and in limited numbers within the underground, labyrinthine parking garage.  A number of wide handicapped parking stalls are available right next to the elevators. If you don’t mind a little exercise, the city-run Broughton St Parkade, a six-minute walk away, offers a more pleasant experience for only slightly more ($12.50/day).

Detailed instructions for parking at the tournament venue:

  • Attendees must take a ticket when they first enter the parking lot, and if they intend to leave and re-enter, pick up a parking pass at the toll booth. They must then present their parking pass as they leave the parking lot to receive their $10.00 rate.
  • If they plan to re-enter, they must keep this parking pass, take a regular ticket when they enter for the second time and then present the pass as they exit the parking lot.
  • There is no guarantee that they will receive a spot if they leave and then come back. Parking is still on a first come, first served basis.

Accessibility

The tournament venue is fully accessible including lifts, elevators, ramps, automatic doors, and accessible parking. Click here for complete information (note that our event is being held on Level 2).


Lodging

A selection of lodging options will be posted here by September 2024.


Things to do in Victoria

When you’re taking a break from bridge, you’ll find Victoria offers many attractions and activities.
Click here to find out more.