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Coach Transfers at Victoria's Ogden Point Terminal

Ogden Point is 2.4 km from downtown Victoria, but a bus cannot just drive in and collect a group. Terminal access comes first; the sightseeing is planned around it.

Who can pick up at the terminal

The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority runs the terminal. Every vehicle collecting passengers there needs a terminal decal. It must also carry insurance and a BC passenger transportation licence.

The authority's published terminal user guide dates from 2022. Under it, buses are kept off the terminal unless they are permitted shore-excursion buses or pre-arranged independent tours. A pre-arranged tour must carry an electronic receipt or manifest with the customer's name, the pick-up point and the party size. Ask the operator to confirm current access before the ship day.

MAN 57-seat coach, exterior
MAN 57-seat coach, exterior

Getting from the ship to the coach

  • The terminal is 2.4 km from Victoria's city centre, run by the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority.
  • 335 cruise calls and about one million passengers were anticipated for 2026, from April 10 to a final call on October 18.
  • All vehicles picking up passengers at the terminal (limousines, shuttles, vans, taxis and shore-excursion vehicles) need a terminal decal.
  • Vehicles must carry insurance and a BC passenger transportation licence to get terminal access.
  • Under the terminal user guide, buses other than permitted shore-excursion buses and pre-arranged independent tours are kept off the terminal.
  • Pre-arranged tours must carry an electronic receipt or manifest showing the customer's name, pick-up point and party size.
  • Buses park only in the designated bus area, arranged with terminal dispatch before arrival; the speed limit on the terminal is 20 km/h.
  • Vehicles may not idle for more than three minutes in any 60-minute period, except for air-brake safety or air conditioning above 24°C.

Nearest airports

On the terminal itself

Buses park only in the designated bus area, booked with terminal dispatch before arrival. The speed limit is 20 km/h. A vehicle may idle no more than three minutes in any 60-minute period, with exceptions for air-brake safety and for air conditioning above 24°C.

For the booking, send the ship name, the date, the lead passenger's name and the exact number travelling. That is what goes on the manifest.

Where groups go on a port day

The Butchart Gardens at Brentwood Bay is about 22 km away, around 30 minutes. It has on-site coach parking, and groups book through its Group Services department.

At the BC Parliament Buildings there is no visitor parking on the grounds. Coaches use the parking to the north of the Queen Elizabeth II Gardens, reached by Legislative Drive and then Walter Scott Way. The Royal BC Museum is next door.

The Cowichan Valley is about an hour away over the Malahat. Check the all-aboard time before adding it.

Airport and ferry links

Victoria International Airport is about 28 to 30 km from the terminal, roughly 35 to 45 minutes. Swartz Bay, for the ferry to the mainland, is about 31 km north of downtown. Coach space on BC Ferries should be reserved well ahead in summer.

Questions

Can any charter bus collect us from the ship?

No. It needs a terminal decal and a BC passenger transportation licence, and the terminal guide admits only permitted shore-excursion buses and pre-arranged tours.

What does the driver need to show?

An electronic receipt or manifest with your name, the pick-up point and the party size.

Is there step-free transport from the terminal?

The 2022 terminal guide requires every shuttle bus to be wheelchair accessible. For a private charter, ask for a lift-equipped vehicle when you book.

How long is the cruise season?

In 2026 it ran from April 10 to a final call on October 18, with 335 calls expected.

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