Flights To Vancouver IslandVictoria YYJ • Nanaimo YCD • Comox YQQ • Campbell RIver YBL
Flights Deals to Vancouver Island:
How to Get to Vancouver Island by Air
Looking for flights to Vancouver Island? You’ve got a few good options. Whether you’re flying straight into Victoria (YYJ), landing in Nanaimo (YCD), or flying into Vancouver (YVR) and hopping on a ferry, here’s what you need to know to plan the smoothest trip.
Use the flight search above to find the best fares, then scroll down for some local tips.
Flying into Victoria (YYJ)
If you’re heading to the southern part of the Island, places like Victoria, Sooke, Sidney, or the Gulf Islands, Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is your best bet. It’s the largest airport on the Island and offers direct flights from major Canadian cities and some U.S. destinations.
YYJ is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Victoria and has rental cars, taxis, shuttles, and public transit available.
Common direct routes:
Vancouver · Calgary · Edmonton · Toronto · Seattle (seasonal) · San Francisco (seasonal)
Airlines flying into Victoria:
Air Canada, WestJet, Pacific Coastal, Flair, and Alaska Airlines (seasonal)
Flying into Nanaimo (YCD)
For mid-Island destinations like Parksville, Qualicum Beach, and the Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo Airport (YCD) is a convenient option. It’s smaller than Victoria’s airport but still has regular service from Vancouver and Calgary.
It’s a great choice if you’re heading to central or west coast spots like Port Alberni, Ucluelet, or Tofino, and you’ll skip the drive south from Victoria.
Airlines flying into Nanaimo:
Air Canada, WestJet, Flair
Other Airports on the Island
Depending on where you’re headed, you might find a regional airport even closer to your destination:
- Comox Valley (YQQ): Good for Courtenay, Comox, and Mount Washington
- Tofino (YAZ): Seasonal flights for beachgoers and surfers
- Campbell River (YBL): Gateway to the northern Island
- Port Hardy (YZT): For remote adventures and wildlife trips
- Floatplanes: Harbour Air and Seair offer quick flights from downtown Vancouver to Victoria, Nanaimo, and Tofino
Fly into Vancouver + Take the Ferry
Want to explore Vancouver before heading over to the Island? Many people fly into Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and take the ferry over, especially if they’re planning a road trip or renting a car.
Ferry routes to Vancouver Island:
- Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay (near Victoria) – about 1.5 hours
- Tsawwassen to Duke Point (just south of Nanaimo) – about 2 hours
- Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay (downtown Nanaimo) – about 1.5 hours
If you’re short on time, floatplanes from downtown Vancouver can get you to the Island in under an hour and come with stunning views.
Our Local Advice
It’s great having smaller airports across Vancouver Island, and places like Nanaimo, Comox, and Tofino do see direct flights from parts of BC, Alberta, and even Toronto on occasion. But if you’re flying in from anywhere else, especially internationally, your best bet is usually to come through either Victoria International Airport or Vancouver International Airport.
Victoria is the Island’s main airport, while Vancouver offers more flight options and a great way to experience Vancouver, and then take BC Ferries over and explore the island. Looking for a car rental? Check out our guide to renting a car on Vancouver Island.
Use the flight finder above to check prices and book your Vancouver Island flights, then get ready to explore.
For more information on how to be prepared for your visit to Vancouver Island,
check out our Vancouver Island Trip Planner