Looking to become an international pilot? Victoria, BC is a perfect choice for your first flight across the border. From Seattle it is only slightly further than Friday Harbor making it an easy day trip. Navigating is the simple part, dealing with customs is another matter. We strongly recommend you attend our Canadian Ops seminar to learn how to register yourself with Customs Border Patrol (CBP) and file your passenger manifest. A little extra planning is required but well worth the effort.
Airport Considerations
Victoria airport is actually located in the town of Sydney, about a 30 minute drive north of Victoria Harbor. It is tower-controlled with three intersecting runways so be sure to check out the airport diagram and become familiar with the layout. After landing taxi to AeroShell to clear customs. Parking is $30/day unless you just clear customs and depart. Victoria Flying Club is located next door with a restaurant. Flying regulations in Canada are very similar but not identical to our FARs. Again, we recommend you attend our seminar to learn Canadian procedural differences.
Things to Do
There are activities in Victoria to suit anyone’s tastes. From the airport you can get a rental car, taxi or public transportation to the city proper. Downtown Victoria surrounds the Inner Harbor with a wide variety of shops, museums and restaurants. If staying overnight I recommend one of the many bed & breakfasts within walking distance of downtown. For a special occasion check out the Empress Hotel and be sure to make reservations for high tea. Also consider staying in Sydney by the airport. The hotel rates are more reasonable and there are a variety of good restaurants by the marina. There are several bicycling, kayaking and golfing options but no visit is complete without a stop at Buchart Gardens. This 55-acre manicured garden is outstanding in the spring and summer drawing visitors from all over the world.