Transportation in British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost province in Canada. The Trans Canada highway connects British Columbia to Alberta and eastwards to the rest of Canada and I-5 from Seattle, Washington is a major route into British Columbia. British Columbia is also accessible from Washington State and eastern Canada by rail and by water from Washington State. Of course, all destinations can arrive in British Columbia by air.
Driving within British Columbia
British Columbia's large highway network provides all-weather access to most regions of the province. There are approximately 23,710 paved kilometres of provincial highway, 18,730 unpaved kilometres and 2,727 bridges. This network opens up the province to residents and tourists alike.
Driving from the U.S.A.
If driving from the U.S.A., the main border crossing is the Peace Arch/Blaine crossing which is approximately 40 kms from downtown Vancouver. This border is open 24 hours a day. There is also a truck crossing near the Peace Arch crossing which is also open 24 hours a day and cars are allowed. There are also border crossings at Aldergrove/Lynden (59 km east of Vancouver) and
Abbotsford/Sumas (72 km east of Vancouver).
Flying into British Columbia
The Vancouver International Airport, (www.yvr.ca), located 13 km south of downtown Vancouver is the second busiest airport in Canada and likely to be your port of entry in BC. The Vancouver International Airport has an international and domestic terminal and a smaller South Terminal, which handles regional airlines, Helijet and floatplanes. Additionally, you may arrive from the U.S.A. and Canadian destinations into the Victoria International Airport (www.victoriaairport.com) and in the interior of British Columbia.
Air Transportation in British Columbia
There are two major airlines servicing flights into and around key centres in British Columbia,
Air Canada (www.aircanada.com) and Westjet (www.westjet.com). Additionally, the following regional airlines service many of the smaller communities in British Columbia:
Central Mountain Air: www.flycma.com
Provides services throughout BC and Alberta.
Helijet International: www.helijet.com
Provides service to Vancouver (Airport and Downtown), Campbell River,
Victoria Harbour, Whistler and Seattle.
Harbour Air: www.harbour-air.com
Provides floatplane service from Vancouver to Vancouver Island and in Northern BC communities.
West Coast Air: www.westcoastair.com
Provides Floatplane service from Vancouver to Vancouver Island.
Baxter Aviation: www.baxterair.com
Provides floatplane service from Vancouver to Vancouver Island.
Pacific Coastal Airlines: www.pacific-coastal.com
Provides service to western British Columbia.
Hawkair: www.hawkair.net
Provides service between Terrace-Kitimat, Prince Rupert, Smithers and Vancouver.
Tweedsmuir Air Services: www.tweedsmuirair.com
Provides service around Nimpo Lake during the summer, and in Kelowna during the winter months.
South Moresby Air: www.haidagwaii.net/smoresby
Charter flight between Skidegate and Prince Rupert, as well as other destinations.
Car & Passenger Ferry Services
Coastal towns and remote lodges are often serviced by a number small aircrafts, private water taxis and in some cases working ships that transport goods and workers on regular schedules. However the most important means of transportation connecting British Columbian mainland with dozens of coastal communities is the BC Ferry Corporation.
BC Ferries operates one of the largest ferry systems in the world. The fleet consists of 40 vessels operating on 26 routes between the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island and other coastal points, as well as inland waterways. BC Ferries routes travel through some of British Columbia's most spectacular scenery. Three major routes serve the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island serving the Port of Nanaimo and Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. For information on fares, routes, and times, or to make reservations, visit www.bcferries.com.
Passenger-only Ferry Services
Between Seattle, Port Angeles and Victoria:
Victoria Clipper offers service between Seattle and Victoria and Seattle and the San Juan Islands on a fleet of high-speed catamaran ferries. Visit their website at www.victoriaclipper.com.
Victoria Express is a passenger ferry with service between Port Angeles, WA and Victoria, BC (1 hour crossing) and between Victoria, BC and Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, WA (2-1/2 to 3 hour crossing). Visit their website at www.victoriaexpress.com.
Bus Service
Bus service is available to and from most points in British Columbia, allowing stopovers in some of our smaller communities. Reservations aren't generally required, which allows passengers the flexibility of picking up and moving along at their own pace.
Pacific Coach Lines provides bus service from downtown Vancouver as well as from Vancouver International Airport to Victoria. Visit their website at www.pacificcoach.com.
Perimeter provides transfer services from Vancouver International Airport to Whistler.
Visit their website at www.perimeterbus.com.
Greyhound provides bus service throughout British Columbia and Alberta and nationwide. Visit their website at www.greyhound.com.
Quick Coach Lines provides transfers service between the Vancouver and Seattle International Airports. Visit their website at www.quickcoach.com.
Rental Cars
Most major car rental companies are represented in British Columbia with rental outlets located in major centres, at airports and train stations. If you choose to drive, British Columbia has an extensive highway and road system. For informaton on touring routes, you may wish to visit www.hellobc.com or call 1-800 HELLO BC.
Rail Services
There are three passenger rail services available in British Columbia:
VIA Rail offers rail scheduled service in British Columbia. Their 'Canadian' service operates between Vancouver and Jasper and onwards to eastern Canada. They also operate the 'Skeena' train between Jasper and Prince Rupert. Additionally, VIA Rail's E & N Railway provides service on Vancouver Island between Victoria and Courtenay. Visit their website at www.viarail.com.
Rocky Mountaineer Railtours operates 2 day railtours between Vancouver, Kamloops and Jasper as well as Banff and Calgary. Visit their website at www.rockymountaineer.com.
Amtrak provides daily rail service between Seattle and Vancouver. Visit their website at www.amtrak.com.
