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Victoria International Airport (IATA code: YYJ) serves British Columbia’s capital and the communities of southern Vancouver Island. Located in Sidney, approximately 22 km north of downtown Victoria, it welcomes nearly 2 million passengers annually. It also ranks as the 11th busiest airport in Canada. Whether you’re traveling for business or to explore the island, this guide covers everything you need to know: airlines, lounges, ground transportation, parking, and ways to maximize your loyalty programs.
Also check out our selection of the best travel credit cards to get the most out of every trip.
Victoria Airport is managed by the Victoria Airport Authority. It has a single main terminal that handles domestic, transborder (to the United States), and seasonal international flights. Despite its modest size, YYJ offers a smooth experience thanks to generally short security lines.
YYJ’s Main Terminal consists of three levels. This compact layout makes navigation easy, even for first-time travelers.
Gates 3, 4, 12, and 13 are equipped with jet bridges. The other gates use direct tarmac boarding for regional aircraft.
Eight airlines serve YYJ, connecting Victoria to major Canadian cities as well as a few US and Mexican destinations. The domestic flight network remains strong, with frequent connections to Vancouver (YVR), Calgary (YYC), Edmonton (YEG), and Toronto (YYZ).
Several loyalty programs allow you to book flights from Victoria using points. Here are the most interesting options for Canadian travelers.
Aeroplan is the most versatile program from YYJ. Air Canada operates several daily flights to Vancouver and direct connections to Toronto and Montreal. In addition, Aeroplan provides access to Star Alliance partners for your international connections.
Check out our page on the best Aeroplan credit cards to accumulate points quickly.
WestJet Rewards operates on a WestJet dollar system. From YYJ, WestJet serves Calgary, Edmonton, and Toronto. Seasonal connections to Cancún and Puerto Vallarta also represent good opportunities to use your WestJet dollars in winter.
Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards is an interesting option for flights to Seattle (SEA). From SEA, you can access Alaska Airlines’ network to the US West Coast, Hawaii, and Mexico. The program also offers advantageous redemptions with partners like Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines.
British Airways Avios are particularly advantageous for short flights. By using Avios on Alaska Airlines flights from YYJ to Seattle, point fares can be very competitive. Check out our guide to the best cards for accumulating Avios in Canada.
Here’s an important distinction: YYJ currently has no traditional airport lounge. However, travelers with premium cards can take advantage of alternative options by using their benefits at other airports along their itinerary.
Unlike larger airports, Victoria does not host an Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, Plaza Premium Lounge, or other partner lounges. However, the terminal offers a few restaurants and cafés where you can wait before your flight.
Even though YYJ has no lounge, several Canadian premium cards provide lounge access at connecting airports.
For a complete comparison, check out the best credit cards for airport VIP lounges – April 2026 and our detailed article on airport lounge access based on your credit card.
Victoria’s terminal offers a decent selection of restaurants and shops for an airport of this size. Free Wi-Fi covers the entire terminal, and three baggage carousels handle arrivals (two for domestic flights, one for international flights).
The airport is located on the Saanich Peninsula, approximately 20 to 40 minutes by car from downtown Victoria via Highway 17 (Patricia Bay Highway). Several options connect the airport to downtown and surrounding areas.
Two BC Transit routes serve YYJ directly.
From McTavish Park & Ride, take Route 70 to reach downtown Victoria. The adult fare is $2.50 per trip, or $5 total with the transfer. This is the most economical option, but allow 60 to 75 minutes total.
Several rental agencies are located directly at the airport on the ground floor of the terminal: Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, and National. Alamo and Enterprise operate from off-site locations with shuttle service. Book in advance during high season (June to September), as demand is high.
YYJ offers several parking categories managed directly by the Victoria Airport Authority. However, the airport does not have free parking for drivers picking up passengers.
No hotel is located directly on the airport site. However, several properties are nearby, ideal for layovers or early morning flights.
YYJ is a modest-sized airport. CATSA (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority) lines are generally short. Still, allow 30 to 45 minutes before boarding during peak periods.
Unlike Vancouver (YVR) or Toronto (YYZ), Victoria Airport does not have US Preclearance. If you are taking a flight to the United States (e.g., Seattle on Alaska Airlines), you will clear US customs upon arrival in the United States.
The right credit cards make all the difference. Here are our recommendations to maximize your experience at Victoria Airport and on your flights from YYJ.
Since Air Canada is a major carrier at YYJ, an Aeroplan card is a logical choice.
Since YYJ has no lounge, these cards become useful mainly during your connections at YVR, YYC, or YYZ.
If your itinerary includes a transit in the United States (via Seattle, for example) or a stay in Mexico, a card with no foreign transaction fees is essential.
For a complete comparison, consult our guide to the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees.
Victoria is also accessible by ferry from Vancouver. BC Ferries operates frequent trips between Tsawwassen (Vancouver side) and Swartz Bay, located just 15 minutes by car from YYJ Airport.
This proximity offers an interesting option if YYJ–YVR flights are expensive or unavailable with points. You can take the ferry to Tsawwassen, then reach Vancouver Airport by ground transportation. The ferry trip takes approximately 1 hour 35 minutes.
Victoria Airport (YYJ) is a small, efficient airport that offers a pleasant, stress-free experience. Its connections to Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal, and Seattle cover the needs of most travelers. However, the absence of an on-site lounge highlights the importance of planning connections at larger airports to take advantage of premium benefits.
To maximize every trip from YYJ, accumulate Aeroplan points or WestJet dollars with a suitable credit card. Check out our page on the best credit cards to find the one that matches your travel habits. Also, subscribe to our newsletter to receive our analyses and good deals every week.
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