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Travel advisory:
Highway 17 Closures - Keating Cross Road Overpass Project - July 25, 29 and August 7, 2024
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Posted on: Friday, July 19, 2024
Highway 17 Closures
Keating Cross Road Overpass Project
Victoria to Swartz Bay
July 25, 29 and August 7, 2024
Patricia Bay Highway (Hwy 17) between Victoria and Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island will be temporarily closed from Tanner Road to Island View Road due to the Keating Cross Road Overpass Project during the noted times on the following dates:
Scheduled Highway Closures
|
Thursday, |
Monday, |
Wednesday, |
|
10:00 pm – 6:00 am |
8:00 pm – 6:00 am |
10:00 pm – 6:00 am |
Customers looking to travel to or from Swartz Bay terminal during closure times will be impacted and should plan their travel accordingly. A detour will be in effect via Central Saanich Road. Customers should be prepared for a 15-20 minute delay as a result.
Those using transit to Swartz Bay are strongly advised to take earlier bus departures because of the detour. Additional information is available online at: https://alerts.bctransit.com/RouteAlertsDetail/45/70/724.
For more information, please check the Keating Cross Overpass Project website here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation-projects/other-transportation-projects/highway-17-keating-cross-overpass.
For up-to-date sailing and departure information, check Current Conditions, follow @BCFerries on X, or phone 1-888-223-3779 for further assistance.
OVERVIEW
Visit the lush and beautiful oceanfront city of Victoria. The city is rich in British heritage, has the oldest Chinatown in Canada, and is home to the historic BC Parliament Buildings. You can enjoy lots of water and land activities, and taste a variety of craft beers and fresh seafood.
Known as the Garden City, Victoria is always in bloom and has one of the mildest climates in Canada—perfect for a trip any time of the year.
Top things to do
Credit: Destination BC / Tanya Goehring
Experience Chinatown
Stroll through the oldest Chinatown in Canada, including the famous Fan Tan Alley.
Credit: Destination Greater Victoria
Shop
Shop in quaint shops, local boutiques, and in local independent retailers, and find handmade gifts, local Aboriginal art or designs by fashion trendsetters.
Credit: Tourism Victoria / Jordan Dyck
Explore a castle
See how the prestige lived in the 1890s with a visit to Craigdarroch Castle—now a National Historic Site.
Credit: Destination Greater Victoria
Taste local beer
Tantalize your tastebuds with a wide selection of craft beers in the local bars and restaurants, plus check out one of the many local breweries along the BC Ale Trail.
Credit: Destination Greater Victoria
Visit Beacon Hill Park
Take a stroll through the 200-acre Beacon Hill Park. Enjoy the free gardens, check out the totem pole, rose garden, lily pond, cricket ground, Petting Zoo, and more. Plus, watch for a variety of wildlife, including: heron, owls, peacocks and turtles.
Explore activities
Vancouver Island Connector - Port Hardy Hotel to Victoria Hotel
If you’re travelling around the island and want to leave your vehicle behind, you can conveniently travel in comfy coach seating on an air-conditioned Vancouver Island Connector bus. The Vancouver Island Connector will pick you up from your Port Hardy hotel and drop you off at the Victoria Bus Depot. Please contact a Travel Consultant to discuss pick-up and drop-off locations.
Prince of Whales - Victoria Sunset Whale Watching Tour
Board a catamaran and depart from Victoria’s scenic Inner Harbour with Prince of Whales to experience the majesty of the Salish Sea during sunset. Join this 4-hour tour to lookout for wildlife, from whales and seals, to bald eagles soaring overhead. Learn about the animals from knowledgeable marine guides and mammal experts, while you stay warm, dry and hydrated in the heated cabin.
Highlights:
- Free photo package sent out after every trip, including group & wildlife photos.
- Complimentary tea, coffee & hot chocolate on board.
- 360 degree panoramic views from a 22ft tall elevated viewing platform.
- Fully guided whale-watching & marine wildlife tour.
Nearby cities
Sidney
Visit the seaside town of Sidney, just a few minutes down the road from Swartz Bay terminal, providing the ideal stop-off before or after you take the ferry. Go on an adventure to see local wildlife, or take a stroll in the town to check out the shops, marina and restaurants.
Sooke
Drive along the Pacific Marine Circle Route (Highway 14) to the picturesque seaside town of Sooke on winding, scenic coastline roads, past beautiful beaches, rainforest and parks. Relax at one of many local beaches and parks, or take part in a variety of land or sea outdoor activities.
Brentwood Bay
Visit the rapidly growing village of Brentwood Bay on the Saanich Inlet, a 30-minute drive north of Victoria, to enjoy waterfront restaurants, relaxing strolls along the bay and a warm, welcoming community.
Cowichan Bay
The waterfront fishing village of Cowichan Bay sits at the head of a beautiful and natural harbour, which is the main focal point of the town, where shops, cafés, galleries and homes float on the water. Dine out on some of the best seafood in the area, relax in waterfront cafés, or take part in a variety of water activities.
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