Looking for faster alternatives to the B.C. ferries in order to maximize sightseeing time in both Victoria and Vancouver. Staying 2 nights in each city in advance of a 9/3 inside passage cruise on the Mercury. Arriving by plane in Vancouver on 8/30 and heading immediately to Victoria. Means of transportation would need to accomodate cruise luggage of 2 adults unless there is some way we could secure some of our luggage in Vancouver. Thanks for your feedback.

It would probably make most sense for you just to fly from the Vancouver airport and to buy that extension before you leave home. It might be cheaper that way. If not, you can often just land in Vancouver and get on the next plane to Victoria. Try the Air Canada and Canadian Airlines ticket desks. <BR> <BR>At the US/International departure wing of the Vancouver airport have a look at the Bill Reid sculpture The Spirit of Haida Gwaii: <BR>http://hotel.cprost.sfu.ca/vanvr/Gal...ril231998.html

Thanks for the information. I will check out your suggestion.

I should have mentioned that there is a convenient shuttle bus from the airport into Victoria. It takes you right to your hotel if you're staying in town. They have a website with prices listed: <BR>http://www.akalairporter.travel.bc.ca/ <BR>Luckily their service is much better than their spelling. <BR> <BR>

My wife and I are doing a 12-day Western Canada adventure this July. With so much to see, we've done a lot of preplanning to make the most of our time. We are flying via seaplane from Van. Harbor to Nanaimo on Van. Is. The cost of flying is barely more than the ferry ($45 cdn), and you leave from downtown Van., not from a ferry landing that takes an hour to get to via motor coach. I believe you can also fly directly to Victoria Harbor, bypassing Vic. airport, which looks to be about 30 min. from downtown. Check out harbour-air.com for more info. Also, we're flying Helijet from Vic. to Seattle- about $80p.p. US, but well worth it I'm sure. Living in New England, we've seen our share of ferries and look forward to trying new and exciting forms of transportation!

Yes, Grant, the harbour planes fly right into Victoria's harbour. It's a beautiful flight and would be my #1 choice for transportation. However, I think there are stricter luggage limitations, and I figured it would be easier for Ron to just travel directly from the airport. On the other hand, the float planes and cruise ships in Vancouver are in the same location. So the time lost getting there from the Vancouver airport might be gained on the way back where one could probably walk right over to the ship. I'd check on the luggage limits though. There is another company - West Coast Air (but their website isn't working). <BR>

PS. I'm curious to know why you'd want to go to Nanaimo. <BR>

Helijet from Vancouver downtown to Victoria downtown. Their heliport is a short taxi distance from any downtown hotel or Canada Place where most cruise ship docks. Flying time is about 20-25 minutes. <BR>