About Victoria, British Columbia

Settle In

Cost of Living in Victoria

According to Numbeo, the cost of living (exclusive of rent) is about 21 percent lower in Victoria than it is in New York City. Living in Victoria is also less expensive than living in Toronto, with an average rent savings of nearly 17 percent. Groceries, however, cost nearly 19 percent more in Victoria than in Toronto.

Numbeo: Cost of Living in Victoria
Cost Comparison: Victoria vs. Toronto

Real Estate

Victoria is divided into thirteen distinct neighbourhoods with their own history, culture, and demographic makeup. Housing prices have surged dramatically all across Canada, and Victoria is no exception with a median housing cost of $542,400. Apartment rent is rising slower, and the average rent per month for all unit types is $918.

The Best Neighborhoods in Victoria
Homes for Sale in Victoria
Apartments for Rent in Victoria

Locate Key Resources

Hospitals

Healthcare on Vancouver Island is provided by the Vancouver Island Health Authority. In 2011, Victoria-area hospitals overhauled their cooking system. The change enabled patients to order their food restaurant-style from a menu of over 100 choices. Since then, patient satisfaction with the taste of the food has increased from 56 to 90 percent.

Vancouver Island Health Authority
Best Hospitals in Victoria

Transportation

Victoria is friendly to pedestrians and is locally considered the cycling capital of Canada. Ferries, automobiles, trucks, and trailers all offer passage to the mainland. There are over 60 daily scheduled flights out of the Victoria International Airport and other small air services like Helijet and West Coast Air.

Transportation in Victoria
Victoria International Airport
Victoria Bicycle Master Plan

Schools

The Greater Victoria School District provides high-quality education to over 19,000 students. The district consists of 27 elementary schools, 10 middle schools, and 7 secondary schools, as well as continuing education programs for adults. The University of Victoria ranks among the top 250 universities in the world by Times Higher Education.

The Greater Victoria School District
University of Victoria

Enjoy The City

Hotels

The Strathcona Hotel, set in a gold rush era historic landmark, is family-owned and operated. The hotel is just one part of a complex of nightlife and entertainment, including The Sticky Wicket pub and family restaurant, the Distrikt nightclub, a games room, a liquor store, and more. Abigail’s Hotel is a 5-star hotel that blends resort luxury with the charm of a bed and breakfast.

The Strathcona Hotel
Abigail’s Hotel

Restaurants

If you’re looking to try something new, Victoria is the place for you. The city offers unique twists on food and cocktails. The Mint is a popular Asian fusion restaurant. It was founded in 2002 by three friends from Kathmandu, Toronto, and Victoria who followed their dream to blend traditional Himalayan dishes with contemporary West Coast cuisine. Hanks *A Restaurant is a tiny local gem in downtown Victoria with only 18 seats that serves a variety of innovative and delicious dishes and cocktails.

The Mint
Hanks *A Restaurant
Trip Advisor Best Restaurants in Victoria

Things To Do

Victoria’s healthy arts scene and mild climate offer a wealth of nightlife, cultural activities, and outdoor fun year-round. Whale watching is one of the top attractions, and Eagle Wing Tours is consistently rated the best whale watching company on TripAdvisor. The Belfry Theatre, the largest theatre company on the island, holds 10 to 12 shows between August and May in a beautiful heritage church.

The Belfry Theatre
Eagle Wing Tours
Victoria Tourism

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