See what the experts are saying about Victoria. Get expert advice on how to get there what to see and more.
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Health & insurance
Travel Insurance The cost of travel insurance varies widely, depending on the destination, the cost and length of your trip, your age and health, and the type of trip you're taking, but expect to pay between 5% and 8% of the vacation itsel... Continue reading »
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Entry requirements & customs
If you're driving from Seattle, you'll enter British Columbia, Canada, at the Peace Arch crossing (open 24 hr.; often there's a 30-min. or longer wait) in Blaine, Washington. If you're flying directly into Vancouver International Airport or V... Continue reading »
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Money
It's always advisable to bring money in a variety of forms on a vacation: a mix of cash, credit cards, and traveler's checks. You can exchange currency or withdraw Canadian dollars from an ATM upon arrival in Vancouver or Victoria. ATMs offer... Continue reading »
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Escorted tours & independent package tours
Packages for the Independent Traveler Package tours are simply a way to buy the airfare, accommodations, and other elements of your trip (such as car rentals, airport transfers, and sometimes even activities) at the same time and often at... Continue reading »
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Sustainable travel & ecotourism
In 2006, after years of protests and negotiations by First Nations tribes and environmentalists, Canada declared British Columbia's Great Bear Rainforest off-limits to loggers. This landmark decision preserves the largest remaining temperate... Continue reading »
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Tips for families
Vancouver and Victoria are two of the most child-friendly, cosmopolitan cities in the world. Where else would you find a market especially for kids? In addition to the standard attractions and sights, you'll find a lot of free, adventurous, o... Continue reading »
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Tips for gay and lesbian travelers
Since 2003, when the Province of British Columbia announced the legalization of same-sex marriage, Vancouver and Victoria have become favored sites for gay and lesbian weddings. (Same-sex marriage is now legal throughout Canada.) Information... Continue reading »
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Tips for senior travelers
Because B.C. has the mildest weather in all of Canada, Vancouver and Victoria have become havens for older and retired Canadians. Senior travelers often qualify for discounts at hotels and attractions throughout the area. Always ask; you'll b... Continue reading »
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Tips for student travelers
In Victoria, the University of Victoria (referred to locally as "U. Vic.") has a sprawling campus just east of downtown. The student population accounts for most, if not all, of Victoria's nightlife. Student discounts abound. Pick up a copy o... Continue reading »
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Tips for travelers with disabilities
Nearly all Victoria hotels have rooms equipped to accommodate travelers with disabilities, and downtown sidewalks are equipped with ramps, though few intersections have beeping crosswalk signals for the visually impaired. The Victoria Regiona... Continue reading »
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Suggested itineraries
Vancouver and Victoria are preeminently maritime cities, and the visitor is always aware of water and the closeness of the immense Pacific. Vibrant Vancouver is (mostly) on the mainland, but charming Victoria occupies the southern tip of Vanc... Continue reading »
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In one day
Victoria is less than a quarter of the size of Vancouver, and you can easily hit the highlights in 1 day if you arrive on an early ferry. The scenic ferry ride -- from Vancouver, Seattle, Anacortes, or Port Angeles -- is part of the fun. Alth... Continue reading »
Victoria Travel Experiences
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Deceptively Beautiful
Today its time to head home. Sadly Max didn't join us for breakfast this morning. Breakfast today was baked grapefruit, cornbread (with h... Continue reading »
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High Altitude
We woke up today and since the weather was beautiful we decided to tour Orcas Island. Breakfast first though! The spread for today starte... Continue reading »
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Back to the island
We drove back (well Theresa and Darren did) from Whistler to Victoria to stay at Theresa's for another couple of nights. We didn't do muc... Continue reading »
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So who's this Theresa one then?
Hello Theresa, friend of this lot but as far as I'm concerned kind stranger who has offered me a bed for the next week or so. Well,... Continue reading »
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Victoria - Royally British, charmingly English.
Victoria's quaint laid back atmosphere, old english charm and beauty, and its quieter pace of life, felt almost welcome and refreshi... Continue reading »
Popular Victoria Hotels
- Abigail's Hotel
- Victoria Regent
- Magnolia Hotel & Spa
- The Oswego Hotel
- Helms Inn
- Grand Pacific Hotel
- Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa
- Chateau Victoria Hotel
- Fairmont Empress
- Coast Victoria Harbourside Hotel and Marina
