Victoria
Details
Before visiting any town or city make sure you know the basics. General details and important information.
- Emergency Services: 911
- Language: English
- Currency: Canadian Dollar
- Country Code: CA
- Travel Visa: eTa (click for more info)
- Population: 386,999
Risk Level
Researching various official sources, we perceive the risk to holiday makers and travellers are as follows;
Travellers Tips
Top travel advice and interesting tip bits of information from experienced travellers.
Emergencies
For the Emergency services just dial 911 from any phone.
Hospitals in Victoria
Tourist Offices
Travelling Around
Victoria is a great cycling capital, with routes travelling all over the city. Bike rentals are offered by Cycle BC Rentals, a reputable company within the city. Travelling by boat is another great mode of transport. Victoria Harbour Ferry stops at 12 docks around the Harbour, making it easy to get around neighbouring districts. Bus service are also available, Victoria Regional Transit, offers single passes covering a variety of routes. Children under 5 Tavel free.
Airports
Victoria Safety
How do I keep up with the local news?
What are some safety tips I should know?
Be careful when near the waters edge. Lots of Victoria’s attractions involve water, so take extra care when be involved in outdoor attractions.
Pickpocketing can be a problem in any city, make sure you are aware of your surroundings and are mindful of your belongings. Tourist areas are another hazard be aware of people distracting you with pointless conversation.
What are the common crimes?
Beware of pickpockets as they tend to operate in tourist areas.
Keep your valuables and belongings secure at all times and be careful if strangers try to make conversation or distract you as it could be an attempt to steal your valuables.
Over the years, Victoria’s assault crimes have increased.
Improve Your Personal Safety
Knowledge – the more you have the better equipped you are.
Awareness – the more you see the safer you become.
Response – the right reaction can change a situation.
Annual Events
Annual events allow a city come together for some amazing experiences. If visiting at this time, make sure you have your accommodation booked and are always aware of your surroundings when travelling around.
Victoria Events
World Oceans Day
Celebrated in mid-July, Victoria helps celebrate this global celebration of the Ocean. Promoting wildlife education and supporting natural wonders is a key principle in Canada. This event is held at Fisherman’s Wharf, where small businesses partner together to generate mass awareness. There are more than 25 environmental education and outreach partners.
Victoria Pride Week
At the end of June, Victoria holds a week-long celebration for the LGBTQ+ community. To welcome and inspire the community, there is a range of events that are put on, from parades and party events. For an inspiring event to remember, Victoria Pride is a must.
Victoria’s Canada Day
Celebrating Canada Day like many other Canadian cities, Victoria holds there own celebrations. This is a community celebration with an emphasis on the unique and local aspects of Victoria! On Monday July 1, an impressive line-up of local performers, family-friendly activities, and multicultural programming will be showcased, culminating in spectacular fireworks over Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
Downtown Victoria Busker’s Festival
This is a FREE five-day family-friendly community festival that showcases quirky and unique street talent. From the end of August, to early September, Victoria becomes a hub of busking talent with performers. The festivities will have talents scattered at busking “Pitch Stops” across the downtown core that make for a fun-filled day for people of all ages. So bring the kiddies, parents, grandparents, loved ones and even your furry friends along to check out some of the world’s best and brightest busking stars!
Victoria Highlights
What other attractions are there?
Victoria Pier
Situated by the waterfront, Victoria’s Pier is a great visit for incredible views and an afternoon of exploring. Entertainment can be found here, from street entertainers, there is always something going on. Get some amazing photos near the waterfront, where boats and yachts can be found. After exploring the streets, head to the local restaurants and shops that are placed alongside.Bug Zoo
The Victoria Bug Zoo opened its doors in 1997 and has been showing visitors of downtown Victoria our awe-inspiring bugs ever since. Discover roughly 50 fascinating species including giant walking sticks, beautiful praying mantis, glow-in-the-dark scorpions, hairy tarantulas, and Canada’s largest ant colony. Join a tour guide and learn invaluable information that will enhance your experience.Where else is great to visit?
Inner Harbour
This scenic patch of waterfront is the location of Victoria’s many tourist attractions, recreational activities, restaurants and shopping. For a special treat, have afternoon tea at the grand Empress Hotel or board a ferry for a harbor tour.Chinatown
Canada’s oldest Chinatown is characterised by narrow, winding streets and lots of little shops and restaurants. Experience authentic food, visit Don Mee’s for Dim Sum!Westsong Walkway
For an awe inspiring walk, head to the Westsong Walkway. It is a great way to watch the activity on the water and harbour. The entire walk can talk up to an hour, a very scenic trip where animals and wildlife can be spotted. Make sure to wear comfortable footwear.What are the main attractions?
Beacon Hill Park
Enjoy a relaxed walk around Beacon Hill Park. The park holds beautiful flowers and water features, scenery that is inspiring. The park does have a tree planted by Winston Churchill from 1929. From play areas, tennis courts and putting greens, there is so much to explore, a great day out for the family. So, grab a coffee and walk around this amazing park in Victoria.Criagdarroch Castle
If you are a lover of architecture, this is a must see. Completed in 1890, this stately home is called a ‘castle’ due to its imposing exterior. It features beautiful woodwork, unique Victorian artefacts, and an impressive collection of original stained glass, all within a pleasant walk from downtown Victoria.Royal BC Museum
Explore our core galleries and immerse yourself in tales of where we’ve been and where we are going. Experience Canada’s culture by exploring their totems and cultural treasures. Experience authentic artefacts and highly realistic settings, from the Woolly Mammoth in his rocky, icy world to a tar-scented trip on the HMS Discovery.
