Victoria, Canada 🇨🇦
Nomad Score:
70%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, Canada, located on Vancouver Island. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 93,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speeds of 50-100 Mbps available through providers like Telus and Shaw |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 CAD ≈ 0.75 USD, multiple banks including TD Canada Trust and RBC available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, sourced from local reservoirs. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, Type A/B plugs. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Telus, Bell, and Rogers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular options include Scotiabank, HSBC, and Wise (formerly TransferWise). |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, widely accepted across the city. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo are popular for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | HI Victoria Hostel offers affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Dock Victoria offers a vibrant coworking environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Habit Coffee provides a cozy atmosphere for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech events and meetups frequently hosted at places like the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | International Coffee Hour at the University of Victoria is a great way to connect. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Lyft operate in Victoria. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Mobi by Shaw Go is popular for bike rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Gonzales Beach is a local favorite, 15 mins by bike. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Pacific Coastal Airlines offers flights to nearby regions. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Canada and WestJet for international travel. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) provides major access. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Victoria's downtown is a hub for local buses by BC Transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes available through BC Transit, offering unlimited travel. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferry services (BC Ferries) connect Victoria to mainland destinations. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Royal Jubilee Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Breath Studio offers a variety of yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | GoodLife Fitness and YMCA are popular gym options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Victoria Laundromat offers self-service and wash & fold. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | SkipTheDishes and UberEats are widely used. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Fish & chips from Red Fish Blue Fish is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Plentiful options including The Green Kitchen. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Discover pastries at Sweet Dreams Cakery. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit the James Bay Market for fresh local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon.ca operates with local delivery options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instacart and Spud.ca offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Government Street is known for its vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Phillips Brewing & Malting Co. offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Oak Bay Beach Hotel is a beautiful wine bar location. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Bastion Square hosts street food vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Sushi at Nubo Japanese Tapas is highly recommended. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Butchart Gardens is a must-see attraction. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Royal BC Museum showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Fairmont Empress Hotel is a historic landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Ann's Academy is a notable heritage site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Victoria Fringe Festival highlights local arts in August. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Fisherman's Wharf offers a unique cultural experience. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Belfry Theatre offers contemporary performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Victoria Public Market hosts local artisans. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Capital Ballroom features local and touring bands. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The downtown area has various murals and public art installations. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Ruthie's Cooking Class teaches local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria showcases Canadian art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Craigdarroch Castle is an iconic Victorian mansion. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The First Nations culture is celebrated throughout the city. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Giant Cedars Nature Centre offers easy access to walking trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Gulf Islands National Park can be accessed by ferry. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Galloping Goose Regional Trail offers scenic routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mount Douglas Park features stunning views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Beacon Hill Park is great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Clover Point Park has designated bonfire areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Canada Post and UPS offer reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech Cafe provides gadget repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table tennis available at the Victoria Table Tennis Club. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Canadian Language Centre offers various language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Greater Victoria Public Library has several branches for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Gordon Head Recreation Centre offers various activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | eSports Central provides a gaming lounge experience. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Victoria Casino offers gaming and entertainment options. |
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 4,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CAD 160,000) |
| 🏠 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 4,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CAD 270,000) |
| 🏡 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 4,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CAD 320,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 27% (including federal and provincial taxes). |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 25% for non-residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive income tax system based on residency. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 53.5% in British Columbia. |
| 🧾 VAT | 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST). |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations exist for foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Municipal property tax based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1% on first CAD 200,000, 2% on CAD 200,000 - CAD 2,000,000. |