Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

I have only 2 or 3 days to see Victoria, what should I do?

This is a matter of what you like to do, however, here are some suggestions.  Much of what you may want to do is in the Inner Harbour area. From there, you can catch a bus from the bus depot behind the Empress to Butchart Gardens (don't miss this place). Including Bus Trips, you will need about a half day (4 hours).   If you like excitement, take one of the many whale watching tours from the Inner Harbour.  The trips take about 3 hours with 30 minutes on each end to get ready and finish off.  Take in our Provincial Museum and Imax theatre.  They are just next to the Parliament Buildings (Legislature).  Spend a bit of time shopping.  If you are from the US you are in for big deals (prices are about the same, except your $ is worth about 1.5 of ours).  To shop go through Victoria's old towne (down Government Street from the Inner Harbour to Fisgard).  Take in about 2 blocks on either side of Government in either direction, so you don't miss anything.  Print out our restaurant guide for good dining.  If you have children, take them to the Petting Zoo in Beacon Hill Park, the Imax, the Bug Zoo on Wharf, and if you can get to Sidney Mineral World.  They may like Minature World in the Empress, the Undersead Gardens in the Inner Harbour, and the Wax Museum.  Lots to do for the kids.  If you want to pawn off the kids for the day, check out the programs at the YM/YWCA on Courtney Street.   Then, take a double-decker bus tour around the city.  That should fill up your time and engage you in the top four tourist attractions in Victoria.  Enjoy.

How do I get to Victoria?

Victoria is on Vancouver Island, so you need to come by Ferry or by Air.  There are Ferries from Vancouver BC to Swartz Bay (20 min north of Victoria), from Anacortes in Washington State to Sidney (15 min north of Victoria), and from Port Angeles in Washington State that comes into the Inner Harbour.  There are Airplanes coming from Vancouver, Seattle, and other locations.  Please refer to: http://tourismmall.victoria.bc.ca/transportation.htm  All of the float planes land in the Inner Harbour (right downtown).  The Airport is 15 minutes north of the City.  All of the ferries take cars, motor-homes etc.  There are buses coming to Victoria on the Ferries.

I am moving to Victoria.  How can I find a place to stay?

Victoria has a very low vacancy rate which means living accommodations are hard to come by.  When you arrive, you want to get a copy of the Times Colonist Newspaper and then move quickly to your choices to try to beat the rush.  There are agencies in Victoria that do home and apartment rentals.  Brown Brothers is one of those (250-385-8771).

Where can I get a good meal?

Once again, this is a very personal thing.  In our Mall, you will find a list of restaurants.  Only a few have links to web sites.  They are not into that very well yet.  The list comprises many locations that I would personally go back to again and again.  So, take your pick.  They are in categories for your convenience.  Go to: http://tourismmall.victoria.bc.ca/goodfood.htm

What can I expect at the border?

Well, our customs agents really don't like guns or drugs, so don't bring either.  They tend to get nasty.  Many people have tried and encountered problems.  They do random searches, but somehow, they just know.   If you are not sure, then check at:  http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/menu-e.html  

Ask if you are not sure, then you will not be disappointed.   The Good News is, you can get a rebate on the GST (Goods and Services Tax).  You can pick up forms at most businesses in Victoria.  Ask when you are there.  Then follow the directions.

I have visited the Tourism Mall but would like to obtain some written materials, can you help?

This is a private business and while we do not have all the glossy brochures and maps, only those printed on the Mall, we do have the Secrets of Victoria, a 70-page insiders guide to Victoria.  If you need brochures and maps, visit: http://www.tourismvictoria.com  or send an email request for literature to:info@tourismvictoria.com

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