Travel and Transportation Information

 Travel Reminders: Due to the constantly changing nature of travel, we urge people to research their own travel requirements, including Passport and Visa requirements, documentation for re-entry into country of residence, and any other identification needed, and allow sufficient time in advance of the meeting for processing of such documentation.

Be sure to confirm air and hotel arrangements at least 24 hours in advance of departure. As a reminder, never leave your wallet and passport unattended while traveling, and have xerox copies of all identification and credit cards in case of theft of originals.

More tips on traveling abroad

Please review the new requirements for US travelers to Canada

More tips on traveling to Canada

Also see...
  » Travel Tips
  » Frequently Asked Travel Questions
  » World Clock

 Map and Directions from Airport ...detailed map of area and directions from recommended airport.

 Airport Notes: There are a variety of transportation options available to Victoria including options from Vancouver and Seattle.

Taxis are available from the Victoria International Airport to your hotel at approximately $55 CAD.

Buses from the airport to Victoria and the ferry are also available.

Sea planes are available into Victoria from both Vancouver and Seattle and are within one city block of the hotel when they land. These flights are very weather dependant.

Flying into Seattle is easiest in terms of clearing Customs and Immigration. However not as many flights run into Seattle.

Vehicle and passenger ferries are available from Seattle and Port Angeles but the ferry takes about 4 hours from Seattle.

There is a parking charge at the Fairmont Empress. The town center is easily within walking distance of the hotel.

Please see the following Ground Transportation and Driving Directions sections for more information.

 Airport Lodging Notes: For pre and post conference lodging, we recommend The Fairmont Vancouver Airport. The Fairmont Vancouver Airport is offering a rate of $TBD CAD and up per night to Keystone Symposia conferees. You can contact the Fairmont Vancouver Airport at 800-441-1414; 604-207-5200 or e-mail fvares@fairmont.com. Mention group code KEY408 for the discounted rate.

 Ground Transportation: There are a variety of transportation options available from Vancouver or Seattle to Victoria and the Vancouver Island. AKAL Airport Shuttle Bus Link offers a rate of $18/person CAD from the Victoria airport to the Fairmont Empress or $11/person for groups of 4 or more (advance reservations required). For additional information call 877-386-2525 (In US & Canada), 250-386-2525 or visit, www.victoriaairportshuttle.com. Taxis are also available from the Victoria International Airport to your hotel at approximately $55 CAD.

 Driving Directions:

The hotel's main intersections are Government and Humboldt.

Vehicle & passenger ferries from Seattle and Port Angeles, as well as sea planes from both Vancouver and Seattle are within the immediate vicinity of the hotel.


From Victoria International Airport to The Fairmont Empress:

• Proceed south on Hwy 17 from the airport.   
• Hwy 17 becomes Blanshard Street at the city limits of Victoria.   
• Continue south on Blanshard Street.   
• Turn right on Belleville Street.   
• Continue on Belleville Street for two blocks.   
• Turn right on Government Street.   
• The Fairmont Empress is located at 721 Government Street.

From Vancouver (Tsawwassen Terminal) to The Fairmont Empress:

• Docks at Swartz Bay Terminal.             
• Proceed south on Hwy 17.             
• Hwy 17 becomes Blanshard Street at the city limits of Victoria.   
• Continue south on Blanshard Street.              
• Turn right on Belleville Street.              
• Continue on Belleville Street for two blocks.   
• Turn right on Government Street.              
• The Fairmont Empress is located at 721 Government Street.

   » See Map

If you need to rent a car, there is an Avis website for Keystone Symposia conferees.

 Getting Around the Conference Area:

• Floorplan of Conference area
  
  
• Conference Center Notes: Conference Center is attached to the hotel and very easy to get to on foot. The CC is also handicapped accessable.
  
  

 Also see: Travel Tips  |  Ground Transportation  |  World Clock