Travel

Getting Here

The farm is on Vancouver Island — a short ferry or flight from the mainland. Here are the easiest ways in.

Three ways to reach the Island

Vancouver Island is not connected to the mainland by bridge, so every route ends with a ferry or a flight.

Most international guests

Fly to Vancouver, then ferry

Vancouver (YVR) has the most international flights. Pick up a hire car and take a BC Ferries sailing to the Island:

Tsawwassen → Duke Point (Nanaimo), about 2 hours, then ~40 min drive south. Usually the easiest route to the farm.
Tsawwassen → Swartz Bay (near Victoria), about 1½ hours through the Gulf Islands, then ~1 hour drive north.
Horseshoe Bay → Departure Bay (Nanaimo) — handy if you're coming from Whistler or north Vancouver.

Reserve your car on the ferry ahead — summer weekends sell out.

Quickest

Fly straight to the Island

Connect through Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto or Seattle to Victoria (YYJ), about an hour's drive from the farm, or Nanaimo (YCD), about 30 minutes away. Hire cars are available at both.

Most scenic

Take a floatplane

Seaplanes fly from downtown Vancouver's harbour to Victoria or Nanaimo harbour in around 30–40 minutes — an unforgettable view of the islands. Luggage limits are tight, so check before you book.

Before you travel

Entry to Canada

Many visitors flying in need an eTA (electronic travel authorisation) or a visa before boarding. Check what applies to your passport at canada.ca.

Hire a car

The Island is big and rural, and public transport won't get you to the farm. A car gives you the freedom to explore. Canada drives on the right.

July weather

Warm and dry — typically 20–28°C in the Cowichan Valley, cooler on the coast and in the evenings. Pack sunscreen and a warm layer.

Summer wildfires

Some summers bring wildfires and smoky days inland. It rarely affects the coast for long, but it's worth having travel insurance and checking DriveBC for road updates.

Money & tipping

Canadian dollars. Cards (including tap) are accepted almost everywhere. Tipping is expected: 15–20% in restaurants and taxis. Prices are shown before tax.

Plugs

North American plugs (types A and B), 120V. Bring an adapter if you're coming from the UK, Europe or Australia.

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