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Victoria digital nomad guide

Overview Economics Demographics Politics Environment Cities Map Jobs Visas Taxes Groups
Nomad score 6.5/10

48.4283, -123.3650 America/Vancouver #22

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Researched Updated Oct 21, 2026 Last changed Oct 31, 2026 About guide entries

Essentials

City
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, the provincial capital, on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. British settlement began with Fort Victoria in 1843, and the city was incorporated in 1862. The land is the traditional territory of the Lekwungen peoples, including the Songhees and Esquimalt. 1
Population
91,867 in the City of Victoria and 397,237 in the Victoria census metropolitan area at the 2021 census (11 May 2021). The city figure is up 7.1 percent from 85,792 in 2016. The metro figure is up 8.0 percent from 367,770. 1 2 3
Internet Speed
Ookla's Canada median for September 2026 was 376.49 Mbps fixed and 141.34 Mbps mobile. That is a national figure, not a Victoria table. 4
Currency & Banking
Canadian dollar (CAD). This Canada research run uses the Bank of Canada rate for 16 October 2026: 1 USD = 1.4154 CAD, so 1 CAD is about 0.71 USD. The 20 October 2026 print was 1.4054. 5
Tap Water
Safe to drink. Sooke Lake Reservoir supplies typically all of Greater Victoria's drinking water, and the supply is disinfected. The 2025 Victoria and Esquimalt distribution report says the system met the BC drinking-water rules except for one 10 October sample with E. coli; resamples the next day were clear, and the city report treats that hit as likely from sampling. CRD publishes the 2025 regional quality report. 6 64 65
Power
120 V, 60 Hz, type A and B plugs (two flat pins, or with a round ground). Visitors from Europe or most of Asia need an adapter. 7
SIM Card
Chatr, the Rogers prepaid brand, is the practical visitor SIM: CAD 35 a month for 30 GB with auto-pay (the 30 GB includes a 5 GB auto-pay bonus), unlimited Canada-wide talk, and Canada, US and international text. Prices are for new activations. Bring photo ID. Rogers-branded prepaid moved to Chatr in 2025. 8
Banking for Expats
Contactless cards and Interac debit are the normal way to pay. BC Transit readers take contactless Interac, Visa, Mastercard and American Express, and mobile wallets. A named bank that opens accounts for visitors without a SIN was not checked. 66
Accommodation
Rentals are listed on the usual Canadian sites. Zumper, updated 20 October 2026, puts a one-bedroom at about CAD 1,995 a month and the all-bedroom median at CAD 2,195. Fernwood averaged CAD 1,914 and downtown Victoria CAD 2,300 on that page. 15
Cashless Friendly
Yes for most day-to-day payments. BC Transit takes contactless cards and mobile wallets. Cash is still accepted on the bus, and it has to be exact. The Butchart Gardens gate takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Interac and cash. 66 17
Short Term Rentals
A stay under 30 nights needs a City of Victoria short-term rental business licence. The fee is CAD 150, licences run 16 January to 15 January, and the listing must show the licence number. The unit has to be the operator's principal residence. While the host is away, the whole unit can be rented for at most 160 nights in a calendar year. While the host is home, at most two bedrooms. A longer lease is the Zumper one-bedroom at about CAD 1,995 a month (20 October 2026). 13 15
Budget Accommodation
Ocean Island Inn, 791 Pandora Avenue, downtown: 24-hour front desk, free breakfast and dinner, a shared kitchen, laundry and Wi-Fi. Phone 250-385-1789. A current bunk rate was not on the page. 23 78
Best Area to Stay for Tourists
The Inner Harbour and James Bay, for the Parliament Buildings, the Empress, the Royal BC Museum and the walk into Beacon Hill Park. Butchart Gardens is a separate trip north, about 23 km, not a place to stay for the city. 63 81 89 18
Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
Fernwood or James Bay if the priority is a lower rent and a walkable neighbourhood. Zumper's 20 October 2026 neighbourhood averages were about CAD 1,914 in Fernwood and CAD 2,125 in James Bay, against CAD 2,300 downtown. theDock, at 722 Cormorant Street, is the CAD 30 day desk, and Caffe Fantastico is in Quadra Village. 15 10 43

Working and Networking

Best Coworking Space
theDock, 722 Cormorant Street: day pass CAD 30 (weekdays 8:30am-5pm), weekday hot desk CAD 245 a month plus sales tax, 24/7 hot desk CAD 345 a month plus tax. Phone 250-590-5179. KWENCH, 2031 Store Street, is the club-style alternative: day pass CAD 45 at the desk, staffed Monday-Friday 8am-6pm, phone 250-385-0352. eSpace, suite 500, 1815 Blanshard Street, lists a 24/7 hot desk at CAD 235 a month. 10 11 12 76
Best Cafe for Work
Caffe Fantastico, 965 Kings Road in Quadra Village, is the long-running cafe. The same owners' bar-deli at 102-398 Harbour Road, on the Galloping Goose, is open daily 7:30am-5:30pm (deli from 9:30am). For a full desk, theDock on Cormorant Street is CAD 30 a day. 43 44 10 86
Networking Events
VIATEC runs the tech community from Fort Tectoria, 777 Fort Street, and hosts workshops and networking events there. The building is staffed Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. Phone 250-483-3214. 52

Transportation

Best Taxi/Ride App
Uber lists Victoria and says the app can request a ride at any time, including to the airport. Uber Eats is also listed for the city. A metered local-taxi fare was not on a page that showed a current rate. BC Transit is the usual way around the core. 55 9
Bike/Scooter Rental
Lime is the city e-bike share, launched in August 2026. Helmets are required, riders must be 16 or older, and the bike has to be left in a parking zone. The city page says the fare is in the Lime app. At launch, CHEK reported CAD 1.15 to unlock and CAD 0.34 a minute, or CAD 3.99 for 30 minutes. There is no shared e-scooter system. The Pedaler, 321 Belleville Street, rents pedal bikes from CAD 27 for two hours (same day, in store) or CAD 37 for four hours, helmet included. The four-hour rental is seasonal, April to October. 39 73 40 74
Best Beach Nearby
Willows Beach, in Oak Bay, at the end of Dalhousie Street and Beach Drive. It is the main local swimming beach, with shallow water, grass and a playground. Beach fires are not allowed. 63 88 60
Top Regional Airline
Harbour Air flies seaplanes from the Victoria Harbour terminal at 950 Wharf Street, on the Inner Harbour, to Vancouver and other coastal harbours. Pacific Coastal Airlines uses Victoria International Airport (YYJ) for Vancouver and interior cities including Kelowna and Kamloops. 22 71
Top International Airline
Air Canada and WestJet use Victoria International Airport (YYJ), 201-1640 Electra Boulevard in Sidney, about 27 km north of downtown. Air Canada lists Toronto once or twice a day and Vancouver seven or eight times a day. WestJet lists Vancouver three or four times a day, plus Calgary and Edmonton. Alaska flies to Seattle three times a day. WestJet's winter sun flights include Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and San Jose del Cabo. Phone 250-953-7500. 71 63
Highway Access
Highway 1, the Trans-Canada, has its western terminus at the Mile 0 sign in Victoria, by Beacon Hill Park. Highway 17, the Pat Bay Highway, runs from the Swartz Bay ferry terminal down the Saanich Peninsula and continues into downtown as Blanshard Street. 1 63 56
Main Train/Transit Hub
There is no passenger rail station. The Legislature Exchange on Belleville Street is a downtown BC Transit layover and stop, including Bay G (stop 102467). It was still in the live stop list on 21 October 2026. 67 66
Public Transport Passes
BC Transit, paid with the Umo app or card, or by contactless tap. Adult single ride CAD 3, DayPASS CAD 6, adult monthly pass CAD 85 (ages 19 to 64). Youth and senior monthly pass CAD 45. Children 12 and under ride free. A DayPASS bought with Umo or a contactless card applies after the second tap that day. Fares are tax exempt. 9 66
Regional Travel
BC Ferries sails from Swartz Bay, north of Sidney, to Tsawwassen (Metro Vancouver). The fare index effective 16 June 2026 lists an adult foot passenger at CAD 21 one way, before a 5 percent fuel surcharge (CAD 22.05 with the surcharge). A standard vehicle up to 20 feet is CAD 89 before the surcharge, and that fare does not include the driver. Seniors ride free Monday to Thursday except statutory holidays. Children under 5 are free. 21

Health and Wellness

Best Hospital
Royal Jubilee Hospital, 1952 Bay Street. The emergency department is open 24 hours. Phone 250-370-8000, or 1-877-370-8699. Patients are seen by urgency, not arrival order. In an emergency call 911. 14 77
Yoga & Wellness Centers
KWENCH, 2031 Store Street, says its fitness classes are open to people who are not members. A drop-in price was not on the FAQ on 21 October 2026. The downtown Y, in the Bay Centre, also runs fitness programs. Hours are on the Y contact page. 11 25
Gyms & Fitness Centers
YMCA-YWCA Downtown, unit 470, 1150 Douglas Street, on the fourth floor of the Bay Centre (the opposite end from the food court). Monday-Thursday 6am-9pm, Friday 6am-8pm, Saturday-Sunday 7:30am-5pm. Phone 250-386-7511. The club left 851 Broughton Street for this site; the new floor has no pool. A drop-in price was not on the contact page. 25 69

Food and Drink

Best Food Delivery App
Uber Eats. Uber's Victoria page says the app does restaurant delivery and pickup in the city. 55
Best Local Dish to Try
Fish and chips at Red Fish Blue Fish, the seafood shack on the Inner Harbour dock at 1006 Wharf Street. Pacific cod is CAD 18 for one piece or CAD 25 for two, and wild salmon is the same, before GST. Open 11am-7pm daily. Phone 250-298-6877. Afternoon tea is the other local ritual, at the Fairmont Empress, 721 Government Street. A current tea price was not listed on the pages opened. 41 85 63 82
Vegan/Vegetarian Options
be love, 1019 Blanshard Street, is a plant-based restaurant. The menu is wheat, gluten, dairy and processed-sugar free. Sunday-Thursday 11:30am-9pm, Friday-Saturday 11:30am-9:30pm. Phone 778-433-7181. Virtuous Pie at 530 Pandora Avenue closed on 14 November 2025. 42 68 87
Best Dessert Spots
Rogers' Chocolates, 913 Government Street. The shop has been in this heritage storefront since 1903, and the company says some recipes go back to 1885. The homepage on 21 October 2026 listed sea salt caramels at CAD 24.99. 45 90
Affordable Shopping Spots
Fairway Market, 2635 Quadra Street in Quadra Village. Open 7am-10pm every day. Phone 250-380-9773. 46 91
Bar/Nightlife Area
Government Street, from the Inner Harbour up to Chinatown, is the main evening walk, with pubs and live music along it. Phillips Brewing, 2010 Government Street, is the large local taproom on that street. Swans, 506 Pandora Avenue, is the downtown brewpub Wikivoyage lists for nightly music. 63 24
Local Brewery
Phillips Brewing and Malting, 2010 Government Street. Phone 250-380-1912. The company has malted its own barley since 2015. Taproom hours were not on the homepage on 21 October 2026. 24
Street Food Stalls
Red Fish Blue Fish is the dock stall at 1006 Wharf Street, open 11am-7pm daily. On Saturdays, prepared food is also at the Victoria Farmers Market at Moss Street, 1330 Fairfield Road (10am-2pm from May through October). 41 47
Popular International Cuisine
Chinatown, on Fisgard Street between Store Street and Government Street, is the oldest Chinatown in Canada. The Gate of Harmonious Interest is at Fisgard and Government, and Fan Tan Alley runs between Pandora and Fisgard. That is the historic Chinese dining district. 1 63

Culture and Attractions

Must-See Landmarks
The British Columbia Parliament Buildings, 501 Belleville Street, finished in 1897, on the Inner Harbour. The Butchart Gardens, 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay, about 23 km north of downtown: in October 2026 the adult rate is CAD 36.75 including tax, and the gates are 9am-4pm. In November the adult rate is CAD 28.60. 1 17 18 81 79
Museums & Art Venues
Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street, beside the legislature. Adult admission (ages 19 to 64) is CAD 32. On 21 October 2026 the museum hours listed for the day were 10am-5pm. Phone 250-356-7226. The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is at 1040 Moss Street. A current gallery admission price was not on the homepage. 19 20 49 80 92
Historical Sites
Craigdarroch Castle, 1050 Joan Crescent, the Dunsmuir house. Adult admission CAD 23.50. Open Wednesday-Sunday 10am-4:30pm. The ticket desk closes 45 minutes before the castle. Phone 250-592-5323. It is about 2 km up Fort Street from downtown, and it is not wheelchair accessible. 48 83
Religious Sites
Christ Church Cathedral, the Anglican cathedral at 911 Quadra Street, in the gothic building downtown. 1 84
Annual Events
The Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival is free. In 2026 the races and the harbour festival were on Saturday 20 June at Ship Point, with offsite events on 19 June, because the usual August dates were taken. The organizers expect the August dates again in 2027. Rifflandia, the September music festival, ended for good. The organizers said so on 10 June 2026. 50 75 51
Cultural Districts
Chinatown, centered on Fisgard Street, the oldest Chinatown in Canada and the second oldest in North America after San Francisco. Fan Tan Alley, between Pandora Avenue and Fisgard Street, is the narrow commercial lane. 1 63
Theater Venues
Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street, at Blanshard Street. It opened in 1913 and has 1,416 seats. McPherson Playhouse, 3 Centennial Square, at Government Street and Pandora Avenue. Box offices are open Monday-Friday 10am-5pm. Tickets 250-386-6121. 56 57
Local Markets
Victoria Farmers Market at Moss Street, 1330 Fairfield Road. Saturdays year-round. May through October, 10am-2pm outdoors. November through April, 10am-1pm, partly indoors from November through March. 2026 is the 35th season. 47
Music Scene
The Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street, takes symphony, opera, jazz and touring shows. Hermann's Jazz Club, 751-753 View Street, is closed for a structural rebuild. On 26 August 2026 the operators said they hoped to reopen in the fall and did not have a date. 57 53
Art Galleries
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, 1040 Moss Street. Phone 250-384-4171. Exhibitions on the site in October 2026 include On the Road (3 October 2026 to 4 April 2027) and A View From Here (10 October 2026 to 2 May 2027). A current admission price was not on the homepage. 49 92
Historic Buildings
The Fairmont Empress, 721 Government Street, opened in 1908, on the Inner Harbour. The Parliament Buildings, 501 Belleville Street, were finished in 1897. 1 82 81
Local Heritage
Lekwungen territory, the Songhees and Esquimalt nations, with the W̱SÁNEĆ (Saanich) peoples on the peninsula to the north. Beacon Hill Park has the story pole raised in 1956, described as nearly 39 m when it went up. 1 63

Nature and Outdoor Activities

Nearby Nature Escapes
Beacon Hill Park, south of downtown to Dallas Road, with ponds, the children's farm, peacocks and the waterfront path. The Galloping Goose is the longer ride: a 55 km former railway from downtown to Sooke. From downtown, Thetis Lake is about 11 km one way via the Goose and then Six Mile Road. 63 58 89
National Parks Nearby
Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, in the southern Gulf Islands, a BC Ferries ride from Swartz Bay. The operations centre is at 2220 Harbour Road, Sidney. Sidney Island in the park reserve is closed from 15 October 2026 to 14 February 2027. There is no national park inside the city. 38 21
Cycling/Walking Paths
The Galloping Goose Regional Trail, 55 km from Victoria to Sooke, open 24 hours. From downtown, start at Wharf Street and Pandora Avenue, cross the Johnson Street Bridge, and join the path at Harbour Road. Dogs must be on a leash. On 21 October 2026 the CRD listed a closure through Viaduct Park to Dupplin Road for BC Hydro work on 19-22 October, and a View Royal closure between Island Highway and Atkins Road on 26-30 October. 58
Scenic Viewpoints
The south edge of Beacon Hill Park, on Dallas Road, looks across the strait to the Olympic Mountains. PKOLS, also called Mount Douglas Park, in Gordon Head in Saanich, is the close summit with trails and a view over the city and farmland. 63 94
Birdwatching Locations
Esquimalt Lagoon Migratory Bird Sanctuary, in Colwood, west of Victoria, on the Coburg Peninsula along Ocean Boulevard. It is a federal sanctuary of about 90 hectares, used year-round by seabirds, shorebirds and waterfowl. Dogs must be on a leash. Shellfish harvesting is closed. 59 93
Bonfire-Friendly Spots
None on Oak Bay beaches. The parks bylaw bans lighting or keeping a fire on any foreshore or beach in Oak Bay, which includes Willows Beach. The fire department also says beach fires are not permitted. On 16 April 2026 police put out a fire at Willows Beach and said the fine can be CAD 260. 60 61 62

Other Services and Amenities

Libraries & Study Spots
Greater Victoria Public Library, Central Branch, 735 Broughton Street. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10am-6pm, Tuesday and Thursday 10am-7pm, Sunday 1pm-5pm. Free Wi-Fi, public computers, and study rooms or pods for up to two hours. Phone 250-940-4875. Paid day desks are at theDock (CAD 30) and KWENCH (CAD 45). 26 10 11
Casino & Gaming Halls
Elements Casino Victoria, 1708 Island Highway, View Royal, west of the city centre. Sunday-Thursday 9am-2am, Friday and Saturday 9am-4am. Phone 250-391-0311. 54

Business

Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
Numbeo, updated 20 October 2026, lists CAD 696.94 per square foot in the centre, about CAD 7,502 per m². A 40 m² studio at that rate is about CAD 300,000. The sample is 155 entries from 26 contributors over 18 months. 16
Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
Numbeo lists CAD 580.31 per square foot outside the centre (20 October 2026), about CAD 6,246 per m². A 40 m² studio at that rate is about CAD 250,000. Same sample as the centre rate. 16
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
The same Numbeo centre rate, about CAD 7,502 per m² (20 October 2026). A 60 m² one-bedroom is about CAD 450,000 at that rate. The Victoria Real Estate Board's September 2026 benchmark condominium in the Victoria Core was CAD 547,800, a typical unit rather than a per-square-metre rate. 16 70
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
About CAD 6,246 per m² on the Numbeo outside-centre rate (20 October 2026). A 60 m² one-bedroom is about CAD 375,000 at that rate. 16
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
About CAD 7,502 per m² on the Numbeo centre rate (20 October 2026). An 80 m² two-bedroom is about CAD 600,000 at that rate. 16
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
About CAD 6,246 per m² on the Numbeo outside-centre rate (20 October 2026). An 80 m² two-bedroom is about CAD 500,000 at that rate. 16
Corporate Tax
27 percent combined general rate on active business income (15 percent federal plus 12 percent BC; the BC general rate has been 12 percent since 1 January 2018). The small-business rate on active income up to CAD 500,000 is 11 percent combined (9 percent federal plus 2 percent BC; the BC small-business rate has been 2 percent since 1 April 2017). 28
Dividend Withholding Tax
25 percent on dividends paid to non-residents with no treaty. Many treaties cut that to 5 percent or 15 percent when a company owns a set share of the payer. PwC's treaty table shows that split. Residents are not withheld at 25 percent; Canadian dividends are taxed in their income. 31
Tax System
Residents are taxed on worldwide income. A person is resident if ordinarily resident, or if they sojourn in Canada 183 days or more in a calendar year. Non-residents are taxed on Canadian-source income only. No nomad tax regime. 32
Highest Income Tax Bracket
53.50 percent combined federal and British Columbia marginal rate in 2026 on ordinary income over CAD 265,545. EY rates current to 15 January 2026. CRA lists the BC top rate at 20.5 percent above that threshold, on top of the 33 percent federal rate. The national combined top of 54.8 percent is Newfoundland and Labrador, not BC. 29 32
VAT
12 percent on most goods: 5 percent federal GST plus 7 percent BC PST. The small-business guide shows GST at 5 percent and the general PST at 7 percent. PST is 10 percent on liquor and 8 percent on accommodation, before any municipal and regional district hotel tax. 30 95
Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
Yes. Foreign accrual property income (FAPI) rules tax Canadian shareholders of controlled foreign affiliates on passive income as it is earned, whether or not it is paid out. 35
Property Tax
Yes. The 2026 City of Victoria residential total is CAD 5.6559 per CAD 1,000 of taxable assessed value (about 0.566 percent). That is general municipal CAD 3.7229, regional district CAD 0.2411, residential school CAD 1.1719, hospital CAD 0.1223, BC Assessment CAD 0.0381, Municipal Finance Authority CAD 0.0002 and BC Transit CAD 0.3594. The 2026 tax bylaw says payment is due by 4:30pm on 2 July 2026. It is a share of assessed value, not of the sale price. 27 72
Property Transaction Tax
BC property transfer tax: 1 percent of fair market value up to CAD 200,000, 2 percent on the slice to CAD 2,000,000, and 3 percent above CAD 2,000,000. Residential value above CAD 3,000,000 pays a further 2 percent on that slice. A foreign national, foreign corporation or taxable trustee also pays 20 percent of their share of the residential value in the Capital Regional District, which includes Victoria. 36 37
Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
No. There is no nomad tax rate. IRCC says a digital nomad working remotely for a foreign employer may use visitor status for up to six months without a work permit, if they do not enter the Canadian labour market. Many air travellers need an eTA (CAD 7). Residents are taxed on worldwide income, up to a 53.50 percent combined BC marginal rate. 33 34 29 32

About these guide entries

Method
Researched
Last updated
Oct 21, 2026
Last changed
Oct 31, 2026

Checked against the sources below and compared with similar cities. Numbers in the list point to these sources.

  1. Victoria, British ColumbiaReference
  2. Statistics Canada 2021 Census, City of VictoriaOfficial
  3. Statistics Canada 2021 Census, Victoria CMAOfficial
  4. Ookla Speedtest Global Index, Canada, September 2026Measurement
  5. Bank of Canada FXUSDCADOfficial
  6. CRD drinking water qualityOfficial
  7. Power plugs and sockets, CanadaSecondary
  8. Chatr prepaid plansOfficial
  9. BC Transit Victoria faresOfficial
  10. theDock coworking pricesOfficial
  11. KWENCH FAQOfficial
  12. eSpace desk rentalsOfficial
  13. City of Victoria short-term rentalsOfficial
  14. Island Health, Royal Jubilee HospitalOfficial
  15. Zumper Victoria rent, 20 October 2026Listings
  16. Numbeo Victoria property, updated 20 October 2026Index
  17. Butchart Gardens hours and ratesOfficial
  18. Butchart Gardens addressOfficial
  19. Royal BC Museum hours and addressOfficial
  20. Royal BC Museum public admission pricesOfficial
  21. BC Ferries fare index, effective 16 June 2026Official
  22. Harbour Air Victoria HarbourOfficial
  23. Ocean Island InnOfficial
  24. Phillips Brewing and MaltingOfficial
  25. YMCA-YWCA Downtown VictoriaOfficial
  26. Greater Victoria Public Library, Central BranchOfficial
  27. City of Victoria 2026 mill ratesOfficial
  28. BC corporate income tax ratesOfficial
  29. EY British Columbia combined tax rates, 15 January 2026Professional
  30. BC PSTOfficial
  31. PwC Canada withholding taxesProfessional
  32. CRA federal income tax rates 2026Official
  33. IRCC Tech Talent Strategy, digital nomadsOfficial
  34. IRCC eTA factsOfficial
  35. PwC Canada group taxation, FAPIProfessional
  36. BC property transfer tax ratesOfficial
  37. BC additional property transfer tax, 20 percentOfficial
  38. Gulf Islands National Park ReserveOfficial
  39. City of Victoria Lime e-bike shareOfficial
  40. The Pedaler pedal bike ratesOfficial
  41. Red Fish Blue FishOfficial
  42. be loveOfficial
  43. Caffe Fantastico, Kings RoadOfficial
  44. Caffe Fantastico bar-deli hoursOfficial
  45. Rogers ChocolatesOfficial
  46. Fairway Market Quadra VillageOfficial
  47. Victoria Farmers Market at Moss StreetOfficial
  48. Craigdarroch Castle hours and ticketsOfficial
  49. Art Gallery of Greater VictoriaOfficial
  50. Victoria Dragon Boat Festival 2026Official
  51. Rifflandia Festival closure noticeOfficial
  52. VIATEC Fort TectoriaOfficial
  53. Hermanns Jazz Club renovation, 26 August 2026Secondary
  54. Elements Casino VictoriaOfficial
  55. Uber in VictoriaOfficial
  56. Royal Theatre and McPherson Playhouse addressesOfficial
  57. Royal TheatreOfficial
  58. Galloping Goose Regional TrailOfficial
  59. Esquimalt LagoonOfficial
  60. Oak Bay Parks and Beaches BylawOfficial
  61. Oak Bay outdoor fire rulesOfficial
  62. Oak Bay Police, Willows Beach fire, 16 April 2026Official
  63. Wikivoyage VictoriaSecondary
  64. Victoria and Esquimalt 2025 drinking water distribution reportOfficial
  65. CRD 2025 Greater Victoria drinking water quality reportOfficial
  66. BC Transit Victoria rider guide, September 2026Official
  67. Legislature Exchange, Belleville StreetSecondary
  68. Virtuous Pie Victoria closed 14 November 2025Secondary
  69. Downtown Y move to the Bay CentreSecondary
  70. Victoria Real Estate Board, September 2026 statisticsOfficial
  71. Victoria Airport Authority airlines and destinationsOfficial
  72. City of Victoria Tax Bylaw 2026Official
  73. Lime Victoria launch pricesSecondary
  74. The Pedaler meeting point, 321 Belleville StreetOfficial
  75. City of Victoria, Dragon Boat Festival datesOfficial
  76. OSM KWENCH, 2031 Store StreetReference
  77. OSM Royal Jubilee HospitalReference
  78. OSM Ocean Island Inn, 791 Pandora AvenueReference
  79. OSM Butchart GardensReference
  80. OSM Royal BC MuseumReference
  81. OSM British Columbia Parliament BuildingsReference
  82. OSM Fairmont Empress, 721 Government StreetReference
  83. OSM Craigdarroch CastleReference
  84. OSM Christ Church Cathedral, 911 Quadra StreetReference
  85. OSM Red Fish Blue FishReference
  86. OSM Caffe Fantastico, Kings RoadReference
  87. OSM be love, 1019 Blanshard StreetReference
  88. OSM Willows BeachReference
  89. OSM Beacon Hill ParkReference
  90. OSM Rogers Chocolates, 913 Government StreetReference
  91. OSM Fairway Market, 2635 Quadra StreetReference
  92. OSM Art Gallery of Greater VictoriaReference
  93. OSM Esquimalt LagoonReference
  94. OSM PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park)Reference
  95. BC PST small business guideOfficial

Change history

    • Grocery Delivery Instacart (serving Real Canadian Superstore) and Thrifty Foods 'Sendenial' service. not set
    • Gyms & Fitness Centers Victoria YMCA-YWCA (851 Broughton St) - $17 drop-in; includes pool and sauna. YMCA-YWCA Downtown, unit 470, 1150 Douglas Street, on the fourth floor of the Bay Centre…
    • Highest Income Tax Bracket Combined Federal and Provincial: 53.5% (over $240,000 CAD). 53.50 percent combined federal and British Columbia marginal rate in 2026 on ordinary…
    • Highway Access Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) starts at Mile 0 in Victoria; Highway 17 (Pat Bay Hwy) to… Highway 1, the Trans-Canada, has its western terminus at the Mile 0 sign in Victoria, by…
    • Historic Buildings Empress Hotel (721 Government St) built in 1908. The Fairmont Empress, 721 Government Street, opened in 1908, on the Inner Harbour. The…
    • Historical Sites Craigdarroch Castle (1050 Joan Crescent) - Victorian-era mansion. Craigdarroch Castle, 1050 Joan Crescent, the Dunsmuir house. Adult admission CAD 23.50…
    42 more changes
    • Internet Speed Average 150-300 Mbps; Telus PureFibre offers up to 2.5 Gbps in downtown cores. Ookla's Canada median for September 2026 was 376.49 Mbps fixed and 141.34 Mbps mobile…
    • Language Classes Global Village Victoria; French classes at Alliance Française Victoria. not set
    • Laundry Services Scrub-A-Dub Laundry (850 Pembroke St) - full service wash and fold. not set
    • Libraries & Study Spots Greater Victoria Public Library (Central Branch, 735 Broughton St). Greater Victoria Public Library, Central Branch, 735 Broughton Street. Monday, Wednesday…
    • Local Brewery Phillips Brewing & Malting Co. (2010 Government St) - Tasting room and local favorite. Phillips Brewing and Malting, 2010 Government Street. Phone 250-380-1912. The company has…
    • Local Heritage Coast Salish indigenous carvings and totem poles at Thunderbird Park. Lekwungen territory, the Songhees and Esquimalt nations, with the W̱SÁNEĆ (Saanich)…
    • Local Markets Moss Street Market (Saturdays, May-Oct) for local crafts and organic produce. Victoria Farmers Market at Moss Street, 1330 Fairfield Road. Saturdays year-round. May…
    • Main Train/Transit Hub The Legislature Exchange (Belleville St) for regional buses; no passenger rail service. There is no passenger rail station. The Legislature Exchange on Belleville Street is a…
    • Museums & Art Venues Royal BC Museum ($29 entry) and Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street, beside the legislature. Adult admission (ages 19…
    • Music Scene Hermann’s Jazz Club (753 View St) - longest running jazz club in Canada. The Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street, takes symphony, opera, jazz and touring shows…
    • Must-See Landmarks British Columbia Parliament Buildings and Butchart Gardens (25 min drive). The British Columbia Parliament Buildings, 501 Belleville Street, finished in 1897, on the…
    • National Parks Nearby Gulf Islands National Park Reserve (accessible via ferry from Sidney). Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, in the southern Gulf Islands, a BC Ferries ride from…
    • Nearby Nature Escapes Beacon Hill Park - 200 acres of gardens and ponds in the city center. Beacon Hill Park, south of downtown to Dallas Road, with ponds, the children's farm…
    • Networking Events VIATEC (Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship Council) events at… VIATEC runs the tech community from Fort Tectoria, 777 Fort Street, and hosts workshops…
    • Parcel Delivery Service Canada Post (main office at 714 Yates St), FedEx, and UPS. not set
    • Popular International Cuisine Foo Asian Street Food (769 Yates St) and Bao (626 Fisgard St). Chinatown, on Fisgard Street between Store Street and Government Street, is the oldest…
    • Population 92,000 (City), 397,000 (Greater Victoria) 91,867 in the City of Victoria and 397,237 in the Victoria census metropolitan area at the…
    • Power 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. 120 V, 60 Hz, type A and B plugs (two flat pins, or with a round ground). Visitors from…
    • Property Tax Annual tax based on assessed value (Mill rate approx. 0.5% - 0.7%). Yes. The 2026 City of Victoria residential total is CAD 5.6559 per CAD 1,000 of taxable…
    • Property Transaction Tax Property Transfer Tax: 1% on first $200k, 2% on remainder; Foreign Buyer Tax: 20% extra. BC property transfer tax: 1 percent of fair market value up to CAD 200,000, 2 percent on…
    • Public Transport Passes Umo Cloud app/card: $5.00 for a Day Pass, $85 for a Monthly Pass. BC Transit, paid with the Umo app or card, or by contactless tap. Adult single ride CAD 3…
    • Regional Travel BC Ferries from Swartz Bay to Vancouver (Tsawwassen) - $19.20 per adult. BC Ferries sails from Swartz Bay, north of Sidney, to Tsawwassen (Metro Vancouver). The…
    • Religious Sites Christ Church Cathedral (911 Quadra St) - Gothic style architecture. Christ Church Cathedral, the Anglican cathedral at 911 Quadra Street, in the gothic…
    • SIM Card Telus, Rogers, Bell. Budget options: Public Mobile or Lucky Mobile. Typical 20GB plan: $45… Chatr, the Rogers prepaid brand, is the practical visitor SIM: CAD 35 a month for 30 GB…
    • Scenic Viewpoints Mount Douglas Park (360-degree views of the city and San Juan Islands). The south edge of Beacon Hill Park, on Dallas Road, looks across the strait to the Olympic…
    • Short Term Rentals Airbnb and VRBO (strict local regulations in effect); Swan's Hotel offers long-stay… A stay under 30 nights needs a City of Victoria short-term rental business licence. The…
    • Social Events for Expats Victoria Newcomers Club and 'Digital Nomads Victoria' Facebook group meetups. not set
    • Street Art Concrete Canvas murals in Rock Bay district. not set
    • Street Food Stalls Victoria Public Market at the Hudson (1701 Douglas St). Red Fish Blue Fish is the dock stall at 1006 Wharf Street, open 11am-7pm daily. On…
    • Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $11,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $460,000 CAD) Numbeo, updated 20 October 2026, lists CAD 696.94 per square foot in the centre, about CAD…
    • Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $8,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $340,000 CAD) in Langford/Sooke Numbeo lists CAD 580.31 per square foot outside the centre (20 October 2026), about CAD…
    • Table Tennis Spots Saanich Commonwealth Place; Victoria Table Tennis Club (various community centers). not set
    • Tap Water Drinkable and high quality (Sooke Lake Reservoir source). Safe to drink. Sooke Lake Reservoir supplies typically all of Greater Victoria's drinking…
    • Tax System Residency-based taxation; worldwide income for residents. Residents are taxed on worldwide income. A person is resident if ordinarily resident, or…
    • Tech Repair Services Black Apple (1001 Douglas St) for iPhone and Mac repairs. not set
    • Theater Venues Royal Theatre and McPherson Playhouse. Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street, at Blanshard Street. It opened in 1913 and has 1,416…
    • Top International Airline Air Canada and WestJet via Victoria International Airport (YYJ). Air Canada and WestJet use Victoria International Airport (YYJ), 201-1640 Electra…
    • Top Regional Airline Harbour Air (Seaplanes to Vancouver/Seattle) departing from the Inner Harbour. Harbour Air flies seaplanes from the Victoria Harbour terminal at 950 Wharf Street, on the…
    • VAT 12% Total (5% GST + 7% PST in British Columbia). 12 percent on most goods: 5 percent federal GST plus 7 percent BC PST. The small-business…
    • Vegan/Vegetarian Options Virtuous Pie (530 Pandora Ave) - vegan pizza and ice cream; Be Love (1019 Blanshard St). be love, 1019 Blanshard Street, is a plant-based restaurant. The menu is wheat, gluten…
    • Wine Bars The Courtney Room (619 Courtney St) - upscale wine list and cocktails. not set
    • Yoga & Wellness Centers Moksana Yoga Center (Fan Tan Alley) - $22 drop-in. KWENCH, 2031 Store Street, says its fitness classes are open to people who are not…

    Social Events for Expats, Laundry Services, E-commerce/Online Store, Grocery Delivery, Wine Bars, Street Art, Cooking Classes, Parcel Delivery Service, Tech Repair Services, Table Tennis Spots, Language Classes, Community Centers and Gaming Lounges cleared because the old places were not confirmed.

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