YYJUpdated September 24, 2026

Victoria airport

Victoria · Canada

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Victoria airport (YYJ)
Illustrative image
YYJ · Overview
Weather now
5 °C
Passengers 2025
2 million
From the city
22 km

About the airport

Victoria airport (YYJ)
Illustrative image

Victoria International Airport (YYJ), opened in 1939, is the primary aviation gateway to Vancouver Island and one of the busiest airports in British Columbia. It operates a well-established network of domestic flights connecting the provincial capital with major Canadian hubs, along with direct international services to Seattle and seasonal flights to popular sun destinations in the United States and Mexico, including Las Vegas, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and San José del Cabo.

Official Website: yyj.ca

Phone: +1 250 953 7500

Social Media:

Terminals

The airport operates through a single, modern and efficient passenger terminal, open daily from 4:00 am until the arrival of the last scheduled flight (approximately 1:00 am). Its compact design ensures seamless movement between check-in desks, security screening, and departure gates.

Annual traffic (2025): 2 million passengers.

Information Desks

The main information counter is located in the arrivals hall, next to the baggage claim carousels. Operating hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, Saturdays from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm, and Sundays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. In addition, the "Red Coats" volunteer team, recognizable by their red jackets, provides hands-on assistance across the terminal public areas.

Location

The airport is located on the Saanich Peninsula, 22 km (14 miles) north of the city of Victoria.

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Airlines and terminals All check-in, passenger service, and baggage drop counters are located in the main departures hall of the single terminal. Air Canada / Air Canada Express: scheduled… Full guide → Getting to and from YYJ Victoria International Airport offers several ground transportation options connecting travelers with Sidney, the Saanich Peninsula, and downtown Victoria. Ride-hailing services such as Uber have a designated… Full guide → Car rental Car rental company desks are located in the arrivals hall directly opposite the general information counter, allowing travelers to arrange their vehicle immediately after deplaning. Avis… Full guide → Frequently asked questions Take BC Transit Route 88 to the McTavish Exchange. From there, transfer to Express Route 70 or Route 72, which travel directly into downtown Victoria. Payment… Full guide →

Services and VIP lounges

The terminal features a full range of retail, dining, and practical passenger services both landside and airside.

Financial Services and Connectivity

  • ATMs: Located throughout both the public departures hall and the post-security hold room.
  • Currency Exchange: An International Currency Exchange (ICE) counter is located in the arrivals hall.
  • Free Wi-Fi: High-speed internet is available across the entire building, provided complimentary by Telus.
  • Charging Stations: Power outlets and USB charging ports are installed at work stations and seating clusters throughout the terminal.

Food and Dining

Dining options at YYJ, managed primarily by SSP Canada, combine popular Canadian staples with Vancouver Island favorites:

  • Landside (Pre-security): Tim Hortons (coffee, baked goods, and breakfast items) and The Fickle Fig Farm Market (fresh farm-to-terminal baked goods, artisan sandwiches, and snacks).
  • Airside (Post-security): Spinnakers On the Fly (gastro brewpub with local craft beer on tap, regional wines, and full hot meals) and Fresh Cup Café and Bar (locally roasted organic coffees, gluten-free items, and drinks).

Shopping

Breakwater Books & Gifts and the Breakwater Boutique offer a selection of books, magazines, local artisan gifts, apparel, and travel essentials. Automated convenience vending machines are also available airside.

Baggage Services

Complimentary luggage carts are available in parking lots and terminal entrance zones.

Lost and Found: For items misplaced inside the terminal or at the security checkpoint, fill out the official YYJ lost and found form. For items left on board an aircraft, contact your airline directly.

Additional Amenities

  • Families: Dedicated children's play area near Gate 7 and private nursing rooms equipped with changing tables.
  • Bicycle Facilities: On-site bicycle assembly and storage station equipped with tools for cycling travelers.
  • Water Refill: Filtered bottle filling stations located past security.
  • Pet Relief Areas: Outdoor pet relief zones outside departures and arrivals, plus a dedicated post-security service animal relief room.

Parking

Victoria Airport provides automated parking facilities situated within a short walk of the main terminal. No reservations are needed, as parking spaces operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Parking Facilities

  • Short Term Parking: Located immediately in front of the terminal, designed for passenger drop-offs and quick visits with a 2-hour maximum limit.
  • Daily Long Term Parking: Situated directly behind the short-term lot, suitable for overnight and multi-day travel. An overflow lot is opened and signposted during peak holiday travel periods.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging: Level 2 EV charging stations available in both short-term and long-term lots at no additional charging fee.

Payment and Rates

Exit gates are cashless. Payments can be processed via credit or debit card at terminal pay stations, at exit boom gates, or digitally using the HonkMobile mobile application.

Check official parking rates and availability

Special assistance

Victoria International Airport strictly complies with Canadian Transportation Agency accessibility regulations and provides fully accessible facilities for all passengers.

Special Assistance Request

The 24/7 curbside assistance program is coordinated through the Airport Service Centre (+1 250 953 7511) or by using the marked intercom button at the departures entrance. Passenger Experience and Safety Officers (PESO) offer wheelchair transport, luggage handling, and sighted guide assistance.

For end-to-end airline assistance (from check-in to aircraft seat boarding and baggage claim), travelers must contact their airline at least 48 hours in advance.

Accessibility Features

  • Hidden Disabilities Sunflower: YYJ participates in the global sunflower lanyard scheme to discreetly signal non-visible conditions to airport personnel.
  • Sensory Kits & MagnusCards: Free sensory backpacks containing noise-canceling headphones and tactile tools are available at customer service, complemented by digital airport walkthroughs on the MagnusCards app.
  • Assistive Tech: Induction hearing loops at boarding gates, lowered accessible check-in desks, self-serve kiosks with tactile keypads, and high-contrast Braille signage on restrooms and elevators.
  • Accessible Restrooms: Fully equipped stalls with grab bars, alarm pulls, and a motorized adult change table in the lower-level departure lounge.

Accessible Parking and Transit

Designated accessible parking spaces are positioned close to terminal entrances and pedestrian walkways. Local public transit and Yellow Cab both offer wheelchair-accessible transport options.

Hotels and overnight stay

While there are no hotels located directly inside the terminal building, the town of Sidney and nearby Saanichton provide several lodging choices just minutes away:

Hotels near the airport

  • TownePlace Suites by Marriott Victoria Airport Sidney: A recently opened property featuring modern suites with full kitchens, an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, and complimentary airport shuttle.
  • Days Inn by Wyndham Victoria Airport Sidney: Convenient lodging offering free scheduled airport shuttle bus service, well-suited for early morning departures.
  • Best Western Plus Emerald Isle Hotel: Located just 2-3 minutes away by car in central Sidney, offering easy access to local restaurants and taxi arrangements.
  • The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa: Waterfront boutique hotel in downtown Sidney featuring a full-service spa, dining, and scheduled airport shuttle service.
  • Sidney Waterfront Inn & Suites: Oceanfront hotel situated about 10 minutes by road from the airport terminal.

To browse additional nearby accommodations and check real-time availability, you can book your stay here.

See hotels near YYJ on Booking.com

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