Roberta Aguirre
Victoria International Airport (IATA: YYJ, ICAO: CYYJ) is located 12 nautical miles (22 km; 14 mi) north-northwest of Victoria on the Saanich Peninsula. The airport is situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and is an essential air link to Victoria and other southern Vancouver Island communities. The airport is run by the Victoria Airport Authority and has many non-stop daily flights to Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Victoria International Airport |
| IATA Code | YYJ |
| ICAO Code | CYYJ |
| Location | 12 nautical miles (22 km; 14 mi) north-northwest of Victoria on the Saanich Peninsula |
| Address | 1640 Electra Blvd, Sidney, British Columbia V8L 5V4, Canada |
| Province | British Columbia |
| Country | Canada |
| Runways | 3 |
| Terminals | 1 |
| Gates | 9 |
| Amenities | Retail stores, restaurants, free WIFI internet, currency exchange, free baggage carts, children's play area |
| Transport | BC Transit routes 87 and 88, car (20-40 minutes from downtown Victoria via Highway 17) |
| Nearby Airports | Victoria Inner Harbour Airport (YWH/CYWH), William R. Fairchild International Airport (CLM/KCLM), Friday Harbour Airport (FRD/KFHR/FHR), Roche Harbour Seaplane Base (RCE/W39) |
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What You'll Learn
The airport is 12 nautical miles north-northwest of Victoria
Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is located 12 nautical miles (22 km or 14 miles) north-northwest of Victoria on the Saanich Peninsula. The airport is situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and is an essential air link to Victoria and other southern Vancouver Island communities. The airport is run by the Victoria Airport Authority, which operates from the homeland of the WSÁNEĆ people, and the airport itself is located beside Patricia Bay.
The airport is normally a 20-minute drive from downtown Victoria with little or no traffic, and a 40-minute drive with traffic via Highway 17. There are also BC Transit routes 87 and 88 that make connections to the airport, and passengers can connect with the intercity bus service in Victoria. The airport has short-term and long-term/daily parking lots next to the terminal, with an additional overflow lot.
YYJ has many non-stop daily flights to Vancouver International Airport (YVR), which is a major airport serving many global routes. It also has non-stop service to Seattle (SEA) and national service to Ottawa (YOW), Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL, summer only), Calgary (YYC), Edmonton (YEG), and several smaller cities in British Columbia and Yukon. Seasonal (late fall to early spring) non-stop service to several Mexican resort destinations is also available.
The airport has three runways and one passenger terminal with nine gates. Amenities include retail stores, restaurants, free WiFi, a currency exchange, free baggage carts, and a children's play area.
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It is beside Patricia Bay
Victoria International Airport is located beside Patricia Bay. The airport is 12 nautical miles (22 km; 14 mi) north-northwest of Victoria on the Saanich Peninsula. The majority of the airport, including the passenger terminal, is in North Saanich, with a small portion of the airfield extending into Sidney. The airport is accessible by car via Highway 17 and is a 20-minute drive from downtown Victoria with little to no traffic. It usually takes 40 minutes to drive there from the city centre during rush hour.
The airport is classified as an airport of entry by Nav Canada and is staffed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). CBSA officers at YYJ can handle aircraft with no more than 450 passengers when unloaded in stages, or 120 normally. The airport does not have United States customs and border preclearance. However, many passengers first fly to Vancouver International Airport (YVR), which has US preclearance.
YYJ served 1,872,033 passengers and recorded 95,615 aircraft movements in 2024, making it Canada's 11th busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic. It was also British Columbia's third busiest airport in terms of passengers and aircraft movements.
The airport offers many non-stop daily flights to Vancouver International Airport (YVR), which is about 15 minutes away. Additionally, Victoria International Airport provides non-stop service to Seattle (SEA) and seasonal service to several Mexican resort destinations.
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It's 20 minutes from downtown Victoria by car
The Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is located in a unique and convenient spot, just a short drive from the heart of Victoria, British Columbia. It is positioned in North Saanich, about 25 kilometres (15 miles) north of downtown Victoria. This proximity to the city centre makes it highly accessible and a preferred choice for travellers heading to and from Vancouver Island.
Indeed, one of the standout features of this airport is its proximity to downtown Victoria. It takes just 20 minutes by car to reach the vibrant core of the city, which is known for its charming harbour, beautiful architecture, and lively atmosphere. This convenience is a major advantage, especially for business travellers or those with tight schedules. The airport is easily reachable via Highway 17, offering a direct and scenic route that showcases the beauty of the region.
The drive from the airport to downtown Victoria is straightforward and offers travellers a glimpse of the region's natural beauty and urban development. As you leave the airport, you'll find yourself amidst the lush, green landscapes and rural settings of North Saanich. This area is known for its agricultural charm and peaceful ambiance. As you continue towards Victoria, the scenery gradually shifts towards a more urban landscape.
Upon reaching downtown Victoria, travellers are greeted by the city's vibrant and historic core. The Inner Harbour, with its picturesque waterfront and majestic legislative buildings, is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. The city's compact and walkable nature makes it easy to explore on foot, with many attractions, restaurants, and shops just a stone's throw away from the harbour.
In summary, Victoria International Airport's location just 20 minutes from downtown Victoria by car is one of its key strengths. This proximity not only makes it convenient for travellers but also showcases the beauty and accessibility of Vancouver Island. The drive itself offers a pleasant and scenic experience, providing a glimpse into the diverse landscapes and attractions that the region has to offer. Whether arriving or departing, the airport's location ensures a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.
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It's on the traditional territory of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples
Victoria International Airport is located on the Saanich Peninsula, 12 nautical miles (22 km or 14 miles) north-northwest of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. The airport is situated beside Patricia Bay, which proved to be an excellent location due to the prevalence of flying boats at the time. The airport is served by BC Transit routes 87 and 88, and it is typically a 20-minute drive from downtown Victoria via Highway 17.
The airport is located on the traditional territory of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples, also known as the lək̓ʷəŋən People. They are a Coast Salish people who reside on southeastern Vancouver Island, specifically in the Greater Victoria area. The Lekwungen people have a long and rich history in this region, with evidence of their presence dating back thousands of years. They have traditionally hunted, fished, and gathered across southern Vancouver Island, the lower Gulf Islands, and the San Juan Islands, extending into coastal areas of the Lower Mainland and northwestern Washington State. The traditional territory of the Lekwungen encompasses most of what is now the Greater Victoria area, including the Discovery, Chatham, and San Juan islands.
The Lekwungen people were organised into several families or settlements, each with their own designated territories. These territories were often centred around natural landmarks such as Mount Douglas (P’q’a’ls), Cadboro Bay, Oak Bay, and James Bay. The Lekwungen people were skilled in land management practices such as controlled burning and food cultivation, which Captain James Douglas observed when he anchored off of Clover Point in 1842. Their artistic traditions are unique, and their artwork has been featured on internal house posts and household objects.
The Lekwungen population was estimated to be 8,500 in 1859 but declined significantly over time, with fewer than 200 people counted in 1914. The community was impacted by the arrival of Europeans and the establishment of Fort Victoria by the British in 1843. The Lekwungen people have a treaty with the British negotiated by Sir James Douglas, governor of the Vancouver Island colony, in 1850. However, in recent years, the Lekwungen have taken legal action against the province and the Government of Canada, arguing that the terms of the 1850 treaty have not been honoured.
The Victoria Airport Authority acknowledges that the airport operates from the homeland of the WSÁNEĆ people and is committed to strengthening relationships with local First Nations, including the Tseycum First Nation, Tsartlip First Nation, Tsawout First Nation, and Pauquachin First Nation.
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It's Canada's 11th busiest airport
Victoria International Airport, also known as YYJ, is Canada's 11th busiest airport. It served 1,872,033 passengers in 2024, with 95,615 aircraft movements. The airport is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, 12 nautical miles (22km; 14 miles) north-northwest of Victoria on the Saanich Peninsula. The airport is run by the Victoria Airport Authority, which operates on the traditional homeland of the WSÁNEĆ people and the Lekwungen-speaking peoples of the Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations.
YYJ is an important economic driver for the region, generating approximately $880 million in total economic output and 4,700 jobs. The airport has been recognised with several awards, including being rated one of the top ten most-loved airports in the world by CNN Travel. It offers a range of facilities and services, including taxi and ridesharing services, car rentals, short-term and long-term parking, and food and beverage options.
The airport provides non-stop daily flights to Vancouver International Airport (YVR), which is a major hub for global routes. Additionally, Victoria International offers non-stop service to Seattle (SEA) and several destinations within Canada, such as Ottawa (YOW), Toronto (YYZ), and Calgary (YYC). Seasonal flights are also available to Mexican resort destinations and tourist destinations in Las Vegas and Mexico.
The airport has a rich history, initially serving as an excellent location for flying boats on Patricia Bay. It was known as Victoria (Patricia Bay) Airport, and the name "Pat Bay Airport" is still used by locals. The airport underwent significant renovations and expansions between 2000 and 2005, improving the airside hold room, arrivals rotunda, and departures area. In 2015, a new $155 million heliport was constructed for the 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron, named Arundel Castle.
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Frequently asked questions
The Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, 12 nautical miles (22 km) north-northwest of Victoria on the Saanich Peninsula.
The airport is located about 14 miles from the city of Victoria. By car, it is usually a 20-minute drive from downtown Victoria with little or no traffic and a 40-minute drive with traffic via Highway 17.
The airport has three runways and one passenger terminal with nine gates. It offers retail stores, restaurants, free WiFi, a currency exchange, free baggage carts, and a children's play area.
