Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, Canada, known for its picturesque harbor, Victorian architecture, and vibrant arts scene. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 92,000 inhabitants. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 CAD ≈ 0.75 USD. Major banks include TD Canada Trust, Royal Bank of Canada, and Bank of Nova Scotia. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe to consume directly from the tap. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Telus, Rogers, and Bell, with various prepaid plans available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most banks accept credit/debit cards like Visa and Mastercard; online banking is widely used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb and local rentals are available; prices range around CAD 1,500/month for a 1-bedroom apartment. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit/debit cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo offer a variety of short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostelling International Victoria offers hostels starting around CAD 30/night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Inner Harbour area is highly recommended for its attractions and accessibility. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Downtown and Fernwood areas are popular for their cafe culture and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Dock is a popular coworking space located in the downtown area offering flexible memberships. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Habit Coffee offers a relaxed atmosphere with great coffee and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Victoria Tech Community hosts regular meetups and networking events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Victoria Expats Facebook group organizes regular meetups and social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Victoria has Uber and local taxi services available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals can be found at various local shops and through services like Go Bike. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Gonzales Beach is a popular nearby beach, approximately 15 minutes from downtown. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Harbour Air offers scenic flights from Victoria to Vancouver. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Canada and WestJet operate flights to major destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access via Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) provides good connectivity. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Victoria’s public transit is primarily operated by BC Transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes cost approximately CAD 85. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferry services (BC Ferries) connect Victoria to the mainland and other islands. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Royal Jubilee Hospital is the primary healthcare facility serving the area. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Moksha Yoga offers various classes for all skill levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym and Island Fitness offer comprehensive workout facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Coin-operated laundromats are available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | SkipTheDishes and DoorDash are popular food delivery platforms. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local seafood chowder, a regional specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Green Cuisine offers a variety of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | In the Nest provides delicious pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Victoria Public Market offers fresh local produce and affordable shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local businesses may offer online shopping; check platforms like Shopify. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instacart and local stores offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Lower Johnson Street is known for its lively bar scene. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Phillips Brewery is a well-known local craft brewery. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The VQA Wines at Government Street offers tastings of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food trucks can be found around the Inner Harbour, offering diverse cuisines. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Mediterranean Cafe serves a variety of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Butchart Gardens and the Royal BC Museum are must-see attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria showcases local and international art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Parliament Buildings are a historical and architectural highlight. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Christ Church Cathedral is known for its beautiful architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Victoria International Buskers Festival is a popular summer event. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Chinatown is the oldest in Canada and offers rich culture and dining. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Royal Theatre hosts various performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Bastion Square Public Market is a vibrant local market. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Victoria’s music scene features live performances at various venues, including the Capital Ballroom. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Victoria has various murals throughout the city as part of the public art program. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cedar Hill Recreation Centre offers cooking classes for all skill levels. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Madrona Gallery showcases contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Fairmont Empress is an iconic historic hotel. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Indigenous culture and art play a significant role in the local heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Gulf Islands National Park offers incredible kayaking and hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Pacific Rim National Park is a renowned national park, accessible by ferry. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Galloping Goose Trail is excellent for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Beacon Hill Park offers stunning views of the ocean and mountains. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Victoria Butterfly Gardens is great for birdwatching and nature walks. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas in Beacon Hill Park allow for bonfires (check local regulations). |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Canada Post and FedEx provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | The Tech Centre offers device repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Doak Road Recreation Centre has ping pong tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Victoria Language School offers classes in various languages. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Greater Victoria Public Library provides quiet study areas and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The James Bay Community Centre offers various resources and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Console Wars is a local spot for gamers to gather. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The View Royal Casino offers gaming options and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 5,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CAD 200,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 4,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CAD 168,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 5,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CAD 330,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 4,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CAD 288,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 5,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CAD 416,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 4,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CAD 344,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is 27% in British Columbia. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The dividend withholding tax rate is 15% for Canadian residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System | British Columbia's tax system is progressive based on income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The highest personal income tax rate is 20.5% for earnings over CAD 227,091. |
| 🧾 VAT | The provincial sales tax (PST) is 7%, plus a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST). |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Canada has CFC rules; specific conditions apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property taxes in Victoria are based on property value assessments. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transfer tax is 1% on the first CAD 200,000, and 2% on the remainder. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | British Columbia offers a friendly environment for digital nomads, with various tax incentives available. |