Victoria BC - Insider Information

WHAT SHOULD I PACK?

The climate in Victoria is mild all year, ranging from highs of 21.8*C (71*F) in midsummer to 6.4*C (44*F) midwinter, occasionally dropping a little lower. Our B&B is close to the waterfront, so often we enjoy a gentle ocean breeze, which incidentally seems to blow most annoying bugs away! With over 2183 hours of sunshine yearly, don't forget your shades (sunglasses)!

When packing for your trip to our gentle island, you'll need a sweater for summer evenings, and comfortable walking shoes. Winter evenings require a coat. Being so close to the waterfront and we can go and admire beautiful ocean-spray on a windy day. The locals' favourite pastime here is walking, and most downtown attractions are within walking distance of each other. Dress in layers and you can't lose.

If you're coming from the U.S. don't forget your passport.  The U.S. border will be requiring this in the near future.

For a visit to the Empress for tea or dinner, or other top-notch dining establishments, dressy casual is the order of the day. However at most restaurants here you'll find an eclectic mix of attire from jeans to dressy.

WHAT ABOUT THE BORDER?

The following information is strictly a guide, and we suggest if you have any questions you should contact the appropriate office.

When visiting Canada from the US, US citizens and permanent residents should carry a birth certificate or baptismal certificate, or a voter's registration card. A passport is always great ID. Your driver's licence is secondary ID. Naturalized citizens should be able to produce documents proving citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or a green card or passport.

Visitors from other countries should have a valid passport.

Call Revenue Canada, Customs and Excise at 204-983-3500 from outside Canada, or 1-800-461-9999 from inside Canada for more information.

Beginning in 2008, EVERYONE will need a passport to cross the US border, even US citizens.

GST AND OTHER TAXES

There is a GST (Goods and Services Tax) of 7% on most goods and services in Canada. You can apply for a rebate of this tax if you are visiting the country. If travelling under your own steam (for instance by vehicle), submit receipts to a duty-free shop when exiting Canada, or have them validated by a customs official.

If travelling by plane, rail, bus or ferry, include your boarding pass or carrier ticket with your claim. Accommodation receipts do not need to be validated, but must be at least $200Can total. Call 902-432-5608 from outside Canada for more information, or 1-800-668-4748 from inside Canada.

Our B&B does not charge hotel tax - often 10%. We only charge GST, since we have only three suites.

SOME IMPORTANT LAWS

Seat belts, vehicle child restraints, bicycle and motorcycle helmets are mandatory in BC. If you need a bicycle helmet while you're here, we know of a rental outfit close to our B&B.

The legal drinking age in BC is 19, to purchase alcohol. There is an active anti-drinking-driving force in Victoria, which makes our roads safer. A cab from our B&B downtown is just about $9Can.

In British Columbia, fishing licences are required for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, including shellfish harvesting. Limits are in effect for certain species. You can purchase an annual, one-day, or eight-day licence at more than 1300 outlets in BC, including most sporting goods stores, tackle shops, resorts, service stations, marinas, certain department stores, and BC Access Centres. You can also receive your freshwater licence by mail.

IMPORTANT TIDBITS OF INFORMATION

Currency exchange is recommended at currency exchange outlets or bank machines or banks. Most stores, restaurants and attractions accept US dollars, but exchange rates can vary.

Outlets and voltage (110 or 220 volts) are the same as in the US. Adapters are required from other countries. Our B&B provides hairdryers and an internet computer.

VICTORIA TRAVEL TIPS

Our B&B is proud to be part of a group of hand-picked top-of-the-line B&B's in Victoria known as Victoria's Finest Bed and Breakfasts, to be found at www.victoriafinest.bc.ca.    

For even more information on reserving ferries, car rentals and other tips for your trip, visit our Travel Tips page.

What Canadians say eh?	What Americans say, huh?
Canadians say garbage	Americans say trash
Canadians say bathroom or washroom	Americans say restroom
Canadians say oot and aboot	Americans say out and about
Canadians say rubber band	Americans say elastic
Canadians say couch or chesterfield	Americans say sofa
Canadians say runners	Americans say sneakers
Canadians say Miss, Ms	Americans say Ma'am.
Canadians say wallet,	Americans say billfold
Canadians say Bar be que	Americans say grill
Canadians ask for the bill in a restaurant	Americans ask for the check
Canadians say tap	American s say faucet
Canadians say holiday	Americans say vacation
Canadians say pop	Americans say soda

Average Maximum Temperature

month	° C	F
January	6.5	44
February	8.4	47
March	10.2	50
April	12.9	55
May	16.3	61
June	19.3	67
July	21.8	71
August	21.8	71
September	19.1	67
October	14.1	57
November	9.4	49
December	6.4	44

DRIVING DISTANCES

To Port Angeles ferry from:
Aberdeen	165 miles	3 hrs 45 mins
Olympia	124	3 hrs
Crescent City, Calif	584	12 hrs
Grants Pass	497	10 hrs
Eugene	359	7½ hrs
Salem	295	6 hrs
Boise, Idaho	497	6 hrs
Portland	244	5 hrs

Seattle to Vancouver, BC 120 miles 2½ hrs

VICTORIA TO	KM	MILES	TIME
Sooke	27 km	16	24 min
Port Angeles (via car ferry) BY SEA			95 min
Port Renfrew	107 km	64	2 hr 30 min
Duncan	60 km	36	55 min
Chemainus	70 km	42	1 hr 15 min
Ladysmith	88 km	53	1 hr 30 min
Nanaimo	111 km	67	1 hr 42 min
Port Alberni	195 km	117	3 hrs
Ucluelet	291 km	175	4 hrs 28 min
Tofino	316 km	190	4 hrs 51 min
Parksville	147 km	88	2 hrs 15 min
Qualicum Beach	158 km	95	2 hrs 20 min
Courteney	219 km	131	3 hrs 22 min
Powell River	246 km	148	4 hrs 37 min
Campbell river	264 km	158	4 hrs 3 min
Port Hardy	562 km	337	7 hrs 48 min

Vancouver Island Population

Statistics for 2002

Greater Victoria	344,567
Vancouver Island	701,438

Facts & Figures

Visitors through Victoria International Airport (2003)	100,170
Passengers on BC Ferries (2003)	529,522
Number of visitors (2002))	3,650,000
Average price-single family home in Greater Victoria -November 2003	$347,564
Average price of all condominiums in Victoria in November 2003	$204,775