Victoria and Accommodation

About Victoria

Victoria is the Capital City of British Columbia, on the southern tip of Vancouver Island off Canada's Pacific coast. It is well known for its temperate climate and natural beauty. Because the city is located in a sub-Mediterranean zone, Victoria enjoys the mildest climate in Canada and offers a spectacular outdoor setting adorned with ocean views and mountain vistas. It is known as the “City of Gardens,” and is a popular, peaceful tourist destination that follows a relaxed pace of life. Plan your trip to allow time to enjoy Fisherman’s Wharf, Abkhazi Garden, Government House, Hatley Park National Historic Site, Butterfly Gardens, The Butchart Gardens, Beacon Hill Park, and The Gardens at HCP.

Climate

In June, it is typical to expect daytime temperatures nearing 20˚C, and evenings around 10˚C. There is minimal chance of rain, but due to its coastal proximity, there is usually a cool wind in much of the city. As the summer solstice approaches, the day length will be approximately 16 hours, with sunrise around 5 am, and sunset after 9 pm. 

Getting to Victoria

Arriving by Air

The city is served by Victoria International Airport (YYJ), with more than 120 daily flights from destinations throughout North America. Visitors from outside of North America must fly to major cities such as Vancouver (YVR), Calgary (YYC), Toronto (YYZ), or Seattle (SEA) and connect to Victoria. For more details about the Victoria International Airport, please go to: www.victoriaairport.com

Arriving by Ferry from Vancouver

Many travelers to Victoria from the mainland catch a ferry for vehicle and passenger services.

If coming from Vancouver, the ferry departs from the Tsawwassen terminal, and arrives in Swartz Bay, which is 32km North of Victoria. Travel to the Tsawwassen terminal from Vancouver International Airport is possible by bus or taxi. Travel from Swartz Bay to downtown Victoria is possible by bus or taxi.

Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay Ferry Schedule

 

Public transit options

YVR to Tsawwassen - Metro Vancouver Transit Trip Planner

For an up-to-date schedule, use the trip planner with the following:

Departing from: Vancouver International Airport

Going to: Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal

Swartz Bay to downtown Victoria Bus Schedule

 

Private transit

Pacific Coach - direct from YVR to Victoria (includes ferry)

Direct bus from YVR to downtown Victoria

 

Taxis in Victoria

Victoria has a number of taxi companies that can provide transportation.

Bluebird Cabs: +1 (250) 382-2222

Victoria Tax: +1 (250) 383-7111

Yellow Cab: +1 (250) 381-2222

Arriving by Ferry from the USA

Ferry travel from the United States to Victoria is possible through several routes that depart from Washington State. The San Juan islands route is scenic and can be planned through Washington State Ferries. If traveling from southern Washington, a more direct route is from Port Angeles directly to downtown Victoria onboard the Coho, operated by Blackball Ferries. 

Accommodations

On-Campus accommodation 

The University provides a number of different accommodations on campus for visitors. These range in price from $50/night for a private dormitory-style room, to $235/night for a house with four bedrooms and a full kitchen. This accommodation is most economical available for attendees of SILICAMICS.

UVic has several restaurants on campus, and other local restaurants, grocery stores, and attractions are available by a short walking distance to a local community area, Cadboro Bay.

Frequent buses are available for transit to the downtown area, or to other locations in the Greater Victoria Area.

 

University of Victoria Visitor Accommodation

UVic accommodations are a 10-minute walk from the conference location.

Due to the many conferences that are hosted at the university during the summer, on-campus accommodation will become limited very quickly.

Use the following webpage to see the various types of accommodations: Visitor Accommodation

Phone: 250-721-8395

Email: bookings@uvic.ca

 

Off-Campus accommodations

The following hotels are suggested as possible accommodation during SILICAMICS 2. These hotels are also designated as conference hotels for ASLO 2018. If you are planning on attending ASLO 2018, it is recommended to make your hotel bookings through the group rates that have been negotiated for that conference, and to include the dates required for SILICAMICS (June 6-8).

ASLO 2018 Accommodation Group Rates

Where possible, we have negotiated our own group rates for SILICAMICS, if you are not attending ASLO.

All of the hotels are located in downtown Victoria, within close walking distance to many attractions, restaurants, and major public transit routes. They are not walking distance to UVic, and are about 30 minutes away from UVic by public transit or other transport. How to get to UVic

Many other options for accommodation exist in Victoria, with excellent rates available online from your preferred travel search engine. In addition to the hotels listed below, here are some alternative accommodations for all budgets.

The hotels below are listed in order of increasing price.

 

Chateau Victoria Hotel and Suites

740 Burdett Avenue

Website: https://www.chateauvictoria.com

Phone: 1-800-663-5891

Rate(s): $149 CAD per standard guestroom per night plus applicable hotel taxes and fees. Other room types and rates are available. The hotel has suggested guests to book as part of the ASLO rate.

Description: Discover Victoria at its finest through an authentic local experience in the heart of downtown. With deeply entrenched roots in the local community and a strong sense of environmental responsibility – we strive to share all that makes Victoria special with each and every guest. Our owner, Mr. Clive Piercy, has a long history on Vancouver Island that began when his grandfather started J. Piercy & Co. back in the mid-1800s. To this day, we remain true to those origins in all that we do – from supporting local farmers to sponsoring local events. Experience the best of Victoria through a truly local hotel.

 

Swans Hotel & Brew Pub

506 Pandora Ave

Website: https://swanshotel.com

Phone: 1-800-668-7926

Rate(s): $165 CAD per standard guestroom per night plus applicable hotel taxes and fees. Other room types and rates are available. When booking, you must ask for the UVic Silicamics conference discount.

Description: Condo style suites in downtown Victoria featuring a friendly, upbeat Pub in a stunning heritage building.

 

Hotel Grand Pacific

463 Belleville Street

Website: http://www.hotelgrandpacific.com

Phone: 1-800-663-7550

Rate(s): $189 CAD per standard guestroom per night plus applicable hotel taxes and fees. Other room types and rates are available. This accommodation has requested that SILICAMICS attendees book through the ASLO 2018 link at the top of the page.

Description: Located right on Victoria, British Columbia’s picturesque Inner Harbour, the Hotel Grand Pacific offers guests welcoming comfort, world-class facilities, an unbeatable location, and access to Victoria’s most exciting experiences. 

One of the few hotels right on the Inner Harbour, and next to the landmark BC Legislature and Parliament Buildings, the Hotel Grand Pacific is just two blocks from Victoria’s downtown restaurant and shopping district, and five blocks from Fisherman’s Wharf—a working harbor surrounded by an array of casual food counters, unique shops, and water adventures including kayaking and whale watching.

 

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Victoria

777 Douglas Street

Website: DoubleTree by Hilton

Phone: 250-940-3100

Rate(s): $219 CAD per standard guestroom per night plus applicable hotel taxes and fees. Other room types and rates are available. Deadline to book with this rate is April 1, 2018. 

Description: An ideal downtown location steps away from the Inner Harbour, Victoria Conference Centre, boutique shops, whale watching, museums and many arts and cultural activities.

Online reservations: http://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/Y/YYJDSDT-SIM-20180606/index.jhtml

If unable to use the link above, you may book directly through the DoubleTree website using the special group rate "SIM" or by calling 1-800-222-TREE and asking for the Silicamics group rate.

 

Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour

728 Humbolt Street

Website: http://www.victoriamarriott.com

Phone: 1-888-236-2427, ask for the SILICAMICS 2 group rate.

Rate(s): $219 CAD per standard guestroom per night plus applicable hotel taxes and fees. Other room types and rates are available. Deadline to book with this rate is May 5, 2018.

Book your SILICAMICS 2 room

Description: Experience the perfect blend of modern style and comfort at Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour. Boasting a convenient downtown location near Victoria Inner Harbour and popular attractions including the Royal BC Museum, British Columbia Legislature and Crystal Garden, our hotel is perfect for vacationers and business travelers alike. 

 

The following two hotels are likely not available for June 6-8 due to the block on accommodation by ASLO 2018. If attending ALSO, please book through that conference website.

Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa

100 Harbour Road

Website: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yyjvo-delta-hotels-victoria-ocean-pointe-resort/

Phone: 1-800-268-1133

Rate(s): $189 CAD per standard guestroom per night plus applicable hotel taxes and fees. Other room types and rates are available. Due to limited availability, the hotel has suggested to make reservations through the ASLO group rate.

Description: With graceful accommodation, outstanding amenities and wonderful service, the Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort provides a memorable experience for business and leisure guests. You'll find us tucked along the waterfront in downtown Victoria's Inner Harbour; Butchart Gardens, the Royal British Columbia Museum and many other attractions are just moments away.

 

The Fairmont Empress Hotel

 721 Government Street

Website: http://www.fairmont.com/empress-victoria

Reservation Phone: 1-800-441-1414 

Rate(s): The normal rate for a room is $374 CAD per standard guestroom per night plus applicable hotel taxes and fees. Other room types and rates are available. The ASLO 2018 rate, which is available for the SILICAMICS dates, is $249/night. 

Description: Luxurious accommodation conveniently located in the city centre and across from the Inner Harbour.

 

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