・By plane and train
You can reach Otaru by train through Sapporo, if you land at New Chitose Airport (direct service available, in less thar 90 minutes).
Then you can get to the canal area by taxi or bus from Otaru Station, but also walking there is a reasonable option.

・Bu sea
Otaru Port is reachable by ferry from Niigata and Maizuru (in Kyōto Prefecture), both in the island of Honshū.
You can enjoy Hokkaidō by car or motorbike. Many choose the motorbike in the summer.
A bus-line links Otaru’s port to Otaru Station.
You can reach the station also by taking a train at Otaru- Chikkō Station, located at walking distance from the ferry terminal.