I'm looking for advice on travel logistics for a 10-day trip in August in Victoria and Vancouver.

1) We aren't really interested in renting a car since I understand that it is not really necessary to have a car to tour around these two towns and parking is expensive. Is my understanding accurate?

2) We fly into Vancouver and want to head directly to Victoria for 4 nights. I have heard that taking the Pacific Coach lines bus trip from Vancouver Airport to Victoria is the best approach without a car. Opinions?

3) If the Pacific Coach lines option is the best way to go, what is the expected timing for getting through customs upon arrival? We are scheduled to arrive at 10:32 am (on a direct flight) and the bus leaves at 11:40 am from in front of the international arrivals terminal. Is this cutting things too short for that transfer?

Thanks for any expertise on these issues!

Getting the bus from the Airport is certainly the best way. As far as time to allow for customs etc is anyone's guess. If another plane lands say from the Orient and is a 747 and those passengers beat you to Immigration you can expect to be a long time. I have also been through Immigration in five minutes but had to wait twenty for my luggage. So, all things going well you could make it no problem. Just be prepared in case some of the other problems I mentioned arise. It isn't far from the baggage pickup to the doors where the bus stops. Catching the next bus is still better than renting a car so if you shouldn't make it get a locker for you luggage and have lunch - its a beautiful but big airport. Good Luck

Hi, Yes the pacific coach line is the best way to go to the Island without a car. You may make it though customs if it's not busy and your luggage is timely. You may want to rent a car for 1 day while on the Island. Downtown Victoria is easy to walk around but I think you could see everything and Butchart gardens in 3 days and then take a car up to sooke perhaps for a day. As with Vancouver. Downtown is easy without a car. You can take the bus up to Whistler for a night and you don't need a car there. Some of the outlying areas are more difficult to access with out a car. You could book tours of Capilano bridge, Grouse Mountain etc.

why don't you check the option of flying directly into Victoria? You can check out the ferry ride on the return trip.

Depending on your budget, you may want to check into Helijet, which offers helicopter service from YVR to Victoria.

http://www.helijet.com/