Destination Guides: Victoria, Canada - City Information

Population: 74,125

Elevation: 56 feet

Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (the same as California and Oregon.) When it is Noon in New York City, it is 9:00 AM in Victoria.

Temperatures:

What to Pack

Take lightweight clothing and a rain jacket for summer travel. For fall and winter, select clothing that can be layered. Also pack an umbrella, waterproof shoes or boots, and a waterproof jacket. Clothing is casual: jeans are the norm even in expensive restaurants.

Taxes

There are three levels of taxation in Victoria. A 7 percent provincial sales tax (PST) is levied on most goods and services. In addition, there is a general, federal tax on the same items (GST). PST is not charged on accommodations. Instead, there is a 10% accommodation tax. With receipts (each for a minimum total of $50.) US and international visitors to Victoria can apply at Canadian Customs to have the GST returned to them, in full, when they leave the country. Mail-in forms are also available. Contact Revenue Agency’s Visitor Line at (800) 668-4748 for rebate rules. There are commercial sites (often in shopping malls and airports) that advertise “immediate GST refunds.” Be aware that these non-governmental businesses charge a fee for refunding the GST.

Holidays

Jan. 1 New Year’s Day

Spring Holiday Easter Monday

May 24 (or closest prior Mon.) Victoria Day

July 1 Canada Day

August (first Mon.) British Columbia Day

September (1^st Mon.) Labour Day

Oct. (2^nd Mon.) Thanksgiving

Nov. 11 Remembrance Day

Dec. 25 and 26 Christmas and Boxing Day

Getting There

By Air

Victoria International Airport is located 30 minutes from downtown Victoria

and serves daily flights from Vancouver International Airport and Seattle-Tacoma Airport, as well as direct flights from points throughout Canada and the US. Charter flights for sightseeing, wildlife viewing, hiking and fishing excursions, and to more remote Vancouver Island locations are also available.

By Sea

Victoria is connected to mainland British Columbia and Washington State by vehicle and passenger ferries and high-speed catamarans. These provide breathtaking views of the rocky coastline, forested islands, inlets and often of marine wildlife.

Washington State Ferry

Scheduled ferry service (passenger and vehicles) between Anacortes, WA. and Sidney, BC.

By Ground

Scheduled bus service is available for travel from Vancouver and Seattle to Victoria, as well as to and from other Vancouver Island destinations via the ferry.

Rail service is offered between Victoria and Courtenay (north of Victoria), with several stops along the way.

Travel options around Greater Victoria and surrounding areas include taxi and limousine service, airporter bus and public bus transportation. Car, RV, bicycle, motorcycle and scooter rentals are also offered at various locations in the Victoria area.

Quick Shuttle

Frequent daily service year-round to Sea-Tac Airport, downtown Seattle, Bellingham Airport and Vancouver International Airport.

Getting Around Victoria

Buses are an excellent way to get around the area and it will take you just about anywhere you want to go around Greater Victoria, Sidney and Sooke. They run frequently so you don't have to worry about wasting time waiting for one to arrive. Also the buses include bicycle racks and handicap-friendly features to make it even easier to get around. So, strap your bike on to the rack on the front of a bus and head out to the country to cycle. Transit service operates seven days a week, 365 days a year.