Getting to Victoria

Here is a calculator to help you compile your carbon footprint getting to Victoria by Air.

If you fly:

  • Try to minimize the number of flights it takes to get to Victoria or if on business you could combine trips. For example, book more than one meeting in your destination city, so you don’t need to fly there several times. Or you could organize a video conference call
  • Fly the most direct route possible, since take-offs and landings use the most fuel
  • Fly during the daytime, because studies have shown that flights taken over night have a greater impact on the climate
  • Fly economy, because more people per plane means fewer emissions per passenger
  • Pack light, because lighter planes mean less fuel is burned to carry the weight
  • Purchase carbon offsets to account for the emissions from your flight. If the airline or travel agent you are using doesn’t currently offer its customers the option of offsetting their flights, ask them to consider it
  • If you are in Vancouver, BC, consider flying with Harbour Air or Westcoast Air; they purchase carbon offsets to help support the environment and reduce their GHGs (green house gas emissions) where they can

If you take the ferries

Getting Around Victoria:

  • Why not rent a Hybrid or Flex-fuel car, rent a scooter, rent a bike, walk or take a bus while around town
  • Walk The David Foster Harbour Pathway – more than five kilometres in length and once complete, the David Foster Way will be one of the longest, named pedestrian and cycling harbour pathways in North America connecting Ogden Point Cruise ship terminal to Rock Bay. Located in the heart of Victoria, the waterfront pathway showcases special places such as Ogden Point, Fisherman’s Wharf, Legislative Buildings, Royal BC Museum, Fairmont Empress, and Ship Point. The pathway will eventually include Barclay Point, and north through the new Johnson Street Bridge which is currently in development. IMAGE HERE
  • Pedi Cabs are available from downtown hotels
  • BC Transit System:  Click here
  • Victoria Harbour Ferry operates very small and diesel efficient water taxis that allow you see the harbour from a different perspective

Where to stay and what to do?

Victoria Sustainable Tourism Alliance (ViSTA):

Green Hotels, environmentally responsible eco-tour operators, carbon neutral and eco-friendly airlines, hybrid and eco-friendly rental car agencies, Oceanwise restaurants, attractions, and activities that maintain sustainable practices…with so many resources available at your fingertips, where is a would-be green traveller to start?

Vision

As leaders in sustainable tourism, our members give visitors and potential visitors to Victoria, BC and our surrounding communities, opportunities to make informed “green choices”.

Mission Statement

The conservation and preservation of our natural heritage is paramount and we strive to inspire environmentally responsible and culturally sustainable tourism.  Environmental protection, social responsibility and economic health (people, planet, and profit) describe the triple bottom line and the goal of sustainable tourism that forms the success of our members.

Goals

As leaders in sustainable, responsible tourism, we believe that by supporting each other in a common goal we can build value for our member companies and their guests and can influence the tourism sector, governments and local communities to identify and implement sustainable best practices.

The Victoria Sustainable Tourism Alliance is about letting people know what we do, and why we do what we do!