Transportation

Flying

Flying is the quickest way to travel long distances and into remote, rural communities. There are regularly scheduled flights to airports all over the province. Some regional airlines offer service to smaller communities, often using float planes to reach isolated villages.

There are two major commercial airlines in Canada: Air Canada and WestJet. For a list of regional airlines in British Columbia, visit the British Columbia Adventure Network.

The major airports in British Columbia are in Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna. Transport Canada provides a list of all airports in B.C. Many airport websites have valuable and up-to-date information, including all departure and arrival times, directions to the airport, links to commercial airlines and travel tips and regulations.

Before flying, be sure to visit the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority website to find out the requirements and regulations for air travel in Canada. This includes information about items allowed in carry-on luggage, passenger screening and security.

Driving

Driving in British Columbia requires a valid licence and insurance. For more information about regulations for driving in B.C., click here.

If you plan to drive a long distance, visit Drive BC. This website provides current and detailed reports on weather and road conditions across the province. You can even check web cameras along popular routes and information about wait times for BC Ferries and Canada-United States border crossings.

For detailed information about driving in British Columbia, including recommended routes and scenic tours, visit the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure website. The ministry also provides maps and suggestions for interesting self-guided Circle Route tours.

Driving in Winter

Weather conditions can make winter driving a challenge, especially for people who do not have experience driving in snow, sleet or ice. Always remember to slow down, plan your route carefully, check road conditions and make sure your vehicle is properly prepared for winter driving. The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia provides some more helpful suggestions for winter driving.

Public Transit

You may also be interested in travelling by bus. For information about routes and fares:

Greyhound Lines: Travel within B.C. and North America

Pacific Coach Lines: Hourly bus service between the Lower Mainland, Victoria, and the Vancouver International Airport.

BC Transit provides public bus transportation in various B.C. communities.

Translink is the transportation service in and around the Lower Mainland that co-ordinates buses, the Skytrain, the West Coast Express and even seabuses across Burrard Inlet.

Coastal service and BC Ferries

BC Ferries provides service to coastal communities on Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, the Sunshine Coast and the North Coast, including Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands). Visit the BC Ferries website for detailed information on routes, schedules and fares.

Ferries run on a schedule, so it is important to plan your trip and arrive at the terminal in time to catch the ferry you want.

Many ferry routes are extremely busy on Thursday, Friday and Sunday evenings - especially on holiday weekends and through the summer. Many residents will make a reservation to book a spot on the sailing they want.

Weather can occasionally disrupt sailing schedules, so take the time to check weather reports and sailing conditions, especially during the winter months.

Inland ferries

Inland ferries cross rivers and lakes in the interior of British Columbia, and, unlike BC Ferries, are free of charge. In fact, the route between Balfour and Crawford Bay on Kootenay Lake is the longest, free ferry ride in the world. For information about schedules, routes and current conditions, visit the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure website.

Travelling to Washington, U.S.A.

Travelers can enter Washington State from British Columbia by driving through border crossings, or sailing from Vancouver Island. There is regular ferry service between:

• Victoria and Seattle
• Anacortes and Sidney
• Port Angeles and the San Juan Islands.

For information about crossing the Canada-United States border, including regulations, a list of entry points and current conditions, visit this website.