Moving to Vancouver Island

Everyone who visits Vancouver Island, is wowed by the beauty of the Island. With charming towns and gorgeous cities, stunning forests, wildlife, culture and adventure, Vancouver Island is a special place. It’s so special, that between 2014 and 2021, over 89,000 people decided to permanently call Vancouver Island home! There’s a lot to consider when thinking about moving but if a relocation to Vancouver Island has been on your mind, we’re here to give you a better idea if the move is right for you! Whether you’re thinking about just trying out the Vancouver Island lifestyle or you need a rental before moving to your permanent Vancouver Island address, EMR is the best place to start! Not only does EMR offer short term and long term rentals, but you can find an incredible selection of family homes, downtown condos, waterfront properties and more to choose from all over Vancouver Island. With EMR you’re sure to find exactly the kind of property you need to make your relocation easy and fun! 

About Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is a large Island at approximately 31,000 km² with a population of almost 800,000 people off the coast of British Columbia. There are around 500 communities all across the Island that vary greatly in size, amenities, and location so it’s important to decide what kind of Island lifestyle you’re looking for. No matter where you live on the Island one thing is for sure: with the mildest climate in all of Canada, Vancouver Islanders enjoy warm summers and mild winters – which means incredible outdoor activities year-round! Here, you really can ski, golf and surf all in the same day! For more in depth information about moving to and living on the wild West Coast, check out these resources! 

A Government of BC website that provides helpful information for anyone looking to relocate to B.C., including an excellent page exclusively for information about working on Vancouver Island.

A registered non-government, non-profit society that promotes regional economic development through collaborative partnerships with members. This website provides detailed maps and regional information about the various communities on Vancouver Island. 

Is Vancouver Island Affordable?

This is an important question when you’re considering a move. Generally speaking, the cost of living on Vancouver Island is high compared to cities in Alberta and Manitoba but people coming from the Lower Mainland BC or Ontario especially Metro Vancouver and Toronto will find that the cost of living on the Island is relatively similar. It also depends on where on the Island you choose to live – are you hoping to live in the heart of Victoria, in the countryside of the Cowichan Valley or are you looking for an oasis on one of the stunning Gulf Islands? This cost of living calculator is an incredibly helpful tool to make an informed decision about how much it’ll cost to live in various regions on the Island. 

Vancouver Island Housing Options and Resources

There are many types of housing options on Vancouver Island from large family homes to chic condos and everything in between but the housing available will vary largely by the area you’re in. In the cities you’re more likely to find a wide variety of housing and in the country and near small towns, you may have a harder time finding condos and townhouses. The first step is to figure out where you want to live on Vancouver Island and what type of housing you’ll need to create a search with your criteria. The one thing that is important to note is that housing on Vancouver Island can be very expensive, especially in Greater Victoria and Nanaimo. For more information about renting, check the Find a Place to Live page or download the Newcomer’s Guide on the Welcome BC website and check the links below! If you’re looking for real estate on Vancouver Island, there’s no getting around it: it can take time! You have to be willing to go to showings and open houses and be prepared to put in offers that don’t always pan out. It’s an adventure and can be stressful but there’s a silver lining! EMR has lovely short term and long term homes of every type all over Vancouver Island so you can settle in and start living the Island lifestyle right away while you look! Below, there are some incredible resources linked that will help you find your new home on Vancouver Island! 

Vancouver Island Real Estate Resources:

Vancouver Island Real Estate Listings – Search for real estate listings across Vancouver Island.

More Vancouver Island Real Estate Listings – Search for real estate listings across Vancouver Island.

Vancouver Island Rental Listings – Search for rental listings across Vancouver Island.

Vancouver Island Real Estate Board – Search for real estate listings across Vancouver Island.

Vancouver Island Open Houses – Search for open houses across Vancouver Island.

Vancouver Island Rental Resources:

Rent BC

Craigslist 

Used.ca

Kijiji Home Rentals

Sublet.com

Job Opportunities on Vancouver Island

Whether you’re moving to Vancouver Island for a current job or looking for a new position, you’re sure to find lots of opportunities on Vancouver Island. In fact, a 2021 Labour Market Outlook predicted that between 2021 and 2031 there would be over 160,000 job openings in the Vancouver Island/Coastal region alone! While this report indicates that the opportunities on Vancouver Island will be mainly in healthcare, social assistance, retail and construction, there are also two unique industries on Vancouver Island that attract job seekers from every professional stratum: Provincial Government and tourism. There are 30,000 employees in the Provincial Government who live and work in the capital region around Victoria. This industry attracts professionals with a variety of skills and is a great jumping off point for anyone looking to relocate to the Victoria area. Similarly, the tourism industry on Vancouver Island is massive, bringing in billions in revenue with close to 100,000 employees who serve the millions of international and domestic tourists who flock to Vancouver Island yearly. To kick off your job search on Vancouver Island check out these employment resources on the Work BC website and get one step closer to a life on the Island! 

Vancouver Island Lifestyle

So, what’s it really like living on Vancouver Island? That really depends on where you choose to live but generally, Vancouver Island, even in the cities, is a very laid-back place to call home. While you can find people dressed up for a night out or professionally for work, Vancouver Islanders are known for their casual, comfortable style and it’s not uncommon for some offices to have a very laid-back dress code. Vancouver Island is also known for its outdoor recreation. Whether you’re into hiking, biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, skiing, snowboarding, boating or  more, you’ll find pristine, natural beauty to enjoy it in and if you’re looking for people to join you, you’ll have no problem finding Vancouver Islanders who are passionate about getting outside! There is an abundance of arts and culture on the Island as well – you can find galleries, workshops, theatres, museums and many Coast Salish ancestral sites. For kids, the public and private schools are safe and provide children with important academic and social education by highly trained dedicated teachers and administrators. You can also find excellent universities and colleges in Victoria, the Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, Courtenay and Campbell River where older kids can start their post-secondary education and adults can grow their professional skills. There are hospitals, fire stations and police that service each community and no matter how remote your community of choice might be, there is an abundance of high-quality grocery stores, pharmacies, and other important amenities all over the Island. No matter where you choose to live on Vancouver Island, you can be sure that you’ll have all the comforts required to thrive! 

Ultimately the decision to move is a big one with many factors to consider carefully before taking the leap but if you’re determined to relocate somewhere in Canada, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better place than Vancouver Island! 

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Our Travel Guide to Ladysmith BC!

hiking in the forest on a sunny day

When you’re planning a trip to British Columbia, Canada, you should consider Vancouver Island! When it comes time to plan your trip here, it’s likely that you’ll end up staying in one of the two major cities on the Island: Victoria or Naniamo. These cities are filled with heritage sites and offer incredible dining, shopping, entertainment and endless outdoor adventures – but there is so much more to Vancouver Island! All over this incredible Island you can find gorgeous little towns to explore who have their own unique histories and identities. Just south of Nanaimo, perched on the edge of the ocean and on the 49th parallel, there is the little town of Ladysmith BC where you can find incredible Edwardian-era heritage buildings, stunning natural beauty, incredible dining, boutique shopping and friendly people! So if you want to explore more of the Island during your visit to Nanaimo or the Cowichan Valley, a day trip to Ladysmith is a great idea! 

Ladysmith’s History

For over 5,000 years the Stz’uminus First Nations communities have lived and thrived on this land where the coastline offers abundant fishing and the dense forests, plentiful hunting to ensure the health and survival of the communities. The colonial history of Ladysmith, BC began in 1896 when James Dunsmuir of the Dunsmuir coal and mining family chose Oyster Harbour as the shipping port for his nearby mine. This decision required homes, shops, churches and hotels to be built in a short time to accommodate the miners, shipyard workers and their families who moved to the area. These buildings were brought to the area by rail from Naniamo and from there, Ladysmith expanded. In 1904, the town of Ladysmith, named after the siege of Ladysmith, South Africa during the Boer War, was officially founded. For the next 80 years, Ladysmith’s economy was driving almost solely on natural resources. Copper and coal mining as well as forestry were the chief sources of revenue for the area until the 1980s when the town began to diversify. Tourism, retail, service and other business sectors grew as more and more people began visiting Vancouver Island. Today, Ladysmith is a part of the Cowichan Valley Regional District and is focused on progressive projects and partnering with the Stz’uminus First Nation to create an inclusive and prosperous town. 

Dining in Ladysmith

While Ladysmith may not be well known as a Vancouver Island dining destination, this little town has been serving up some incredible food and drinks in the past few years! On First Avenue in downtown Ladysmith, you can find an incredible array of cuisines from Japanese, Chinese and Indian to delicious plant-based goodies, Canadian comfort food and baked treats! Here are some of our favourite places to eat in Ladysmith! 

Oyster Bay Cafe on the Ocean  – 611 Oyster Bay Dr, Ladysmith

Floating on a dock in Oyster Harbour, this sweet little cafe serves up delicious, fresh, light lunches to keep up your energy while you explore Ladysmith! 

Apetit Food for Thought – 534 1st Ave, Ladysmith

This casual diner is a local favourite! Serving up huge portions of all the comfort-food classics, and global inspired dishes, this little diner is definitely worth a visit! 

Zack’s Lounge – 530 1st Ave, Ladysmith

This eatery is the place in ladysmith to find mouthwatering handheld classics and incredible cocktails! Perfect for a mid-exploration appy or a cozy dinner in downtown Ladysmith! 

Wild Poppy Market  – 541 1st Ave, Ladysmith

For the most incredible fresh, gluten-free dishes you’ll want to head to Wild Poppy Market! You can choose to sit in the little café to enjoy your food or take one of their many grab-and-go options if you’re on the move! 

Shopping in Ladysmith

While you’re visiting Ladysmith, you won’t want to miss out on popping in to some of the incredible shops! You can find antiques, women’s fashion, gourmet kitchenware and so much more! Here are some not-to-miss boutiques we love!

Neck of the Woods General Store – 28 Roberts St, Ladysmith

If you’re looking for a local store that carries a wide selection of handmade local items, Neck of the Woods is the place to go! You can spend hours here browsing through the jewellery, pottery, glassware, home decor and more! 

Antiques Post Office Mall  – 340 Island Hwy, Ladysmith

Are you an avid antique hunter? Then you’ll want to make the trip to one of Vancouver Island’s largest antique malls! With three floors of treasures to hunt through, you can find everything from large furniture items, collectibles, clocks, art and so much more! 

Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery  – 444 Parkhill Terrace, Ladysmith

Vancouver Island is known for its vibrant art scene and Ladysmith is no exception! This art gallery has an incredible collection of art by local artists so you can take your time to peruse the work and purchase something that catches your eye! 

Left Coast Fashions – 432 1st Ave, Ladysmith

With a great selection of unique, one-of-a-kind women’s fashions, jewellery and bath products, left coast fashions is where the locals find the best gifts and local, ethical fashion and accessories! 

Outdoor Recreation 

LIke most places on Vancouver Island, there are almost endless outdoor adventures to have from Ladysmith year-round! 

Kayaking & Paddleboarding 

If you’re looking for an easy way to enjoy the ocean while you’re visiting Ladysmith, check out Sea Legs Kayaking at beautiful Transfer Beach! This company rents kayaks and paddleboards, ideal for anyone who wants a calm way to paddle around Ladysmith Harbour and the shores around Burleith Arm. If you’re travelling to Vancouver Island with a boat or if you’re looking to rent one, there are municipal boat launches to get your vessel in the water.

Hiking

Estuary Trail

Distance: Approx. 400 m – Time: 10 min. – Rating: Easy

This short, refreshing walk near the waterfront offers gorgeous views of the water. At low tide, you can enjoy a stroll along the shore all the way to Transfer Beach Park and the Marine Walk. In the fall, you might even be able to spot some salmon entering Holland Creek. 

Heart Lake Loop

Distance: Approx. 6.4 km – Time: 2 hrs – Rating: Challenging

Even though there are some steep climbs on this trail, with stunning views of the town, Gulf Islands and Mount Baker at the summit, this hike is worth it! 

Holland Creek Trail

Distance: Approx. 5.8 km – Time: 3 hrs – Rating: Easy

If you’re looking for an easy hike with some spectacular sights along the way, this is it! This beautiful trail leads you around Holland Creek where you can see Crystal Falls and the Colliery dams, plus in the fall you’ll see the salmon spawning! This is an excellent trail for people with mobility issues as it’s mostly wheelchair accessible from the Methuen / 6th Avenue entrance west to the upper Collier dam. 

Marine Walk

Distance: Approx. 1 km – Time: 25 min. – Rating: Easy

As a part of the Trans Canada Trail, this regularly maintained trail starts at Transfer Beach and meanders through the trees to the waterfront.

Beach

Transfer Beach is the best beach in Ladysmith! Located in the heart of town, it’s a great place to enjoy sunny days, beachcomb and storm watch during the fall and winter months! Here, you can find some great seaside walking trails, public beach volleyball, a spray park and playground for the kids, and it’s the perfect beach to launch a kayak or paddleboard.

Biking

Whether you’re an experienced rider or a novice, Ladysmith has both on-road and off-road cycling trails that are perfect for you! There are on-road routes through town that connect to shopping and services with the least amount of hill climbing. If you’re an avid rider, you could take on the trip from south Cowichan Valley all the way to Ladysmith and back and Nanaimo to Ladysmith is a gorgeous ride as well! For mountain bikers, the hills and trails west of Ladysmith provide prime off-road trails that are challenging and fun! If you’re looking for something more easy-going without traffic, the Rotary Bicycle Route and the Trans Canada Trail offer cycling routes to the north and south of town.

Bird Watching

Birdwatchers will love a trip to Ladysmith! While there are an abundance of gulls, sea ducks, and shorebirds the most exciting thing about Ladysmith (to an ornithologist) is that Ladysmith Harbour is one of the few nesting sites for the vulnerable purple martins species! These little guys happily nest in boxes on the dock pilings at the community marina so you’re sure to catch sight of a few! 

Golfing

Imagine being on the golf course, year-round! When it comes to Ladysmith, that’s the norm! While it may not be a Niklaus designed 18 hole course, Ladysmith’s 9-hole course is a fun way to spend a day where you can practice your game and enjoy the spectacular ocean and mountain views. 

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How to Get from Seattle to Victoria by Ferry

ferry from victoria to seattle

The Pacific Northwest is a special place. With wild coastlines, dense forests and soaring mountains, there is no end to the natural beauty here. Nestled in this incredible wilderness, on the edge of the Puget Sound in the USA you’ll find the beautiful city of Seattle – the largest city in North America’s Pacific Northwest and one of the biggest tourist destinations in this part of the world. Whether you’re from the area or are just visiting, one of the most unique experiences you can have is taking the ferry from Seattle to Victoria BC, Canada. Because the southernmost tip of Vancouver Island dips below the mainland border between the US and Canada, the Canadian capital city of Victoria is geographically very close to Seattle making it easily accessible via ferry! Victoria provides visitors with a laid-back vibe – a perfect break from the hustle and bustle of a metropolis. So when you’re creating your Seattle itinerary, be sure to make time to visit Victoria!  

Victoria Clipper: Seattle, Washington to Victoria, British Columbia 

Once a day, one of the passenger-only, high-speed FRS Clipper catamarans, the Victoria Clipper V departs from the ferry terminal at Seattle’s Pier 69 in downtown Seattle to Victoria BC’s Belleville Terminal in downtown Victoria’s Inner Harbour. The ferry ride takes only 2 hours and 45 minutes during which you’ll have unprecedented views of the Puget Sound, San Juan Islands and Strait of Juan de Fuca. During the journey, you can do some whale watching and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the porpoises, sea lions and eagles that frequent these waters! As the only direct fast ferry service between Seattle and Victoria, the Clipper provides passengers with a stunning, affordable and fast way to travel between the US and Canada, year-round!  

Victoria Clipper Fares and Seating

There are three main classes of service that you can choose from on the Victoria Clipper ferry: Economy, Vista and Comfort with further upgrade options within each ticket class. No matter what ticket level you purchase, all guests can purchase locally sourced food, spirits and beverages from the onboard café! 

Economy: Offers guests comfortable main cabin seating with optional table or group seating if available. 

Economy Panoramic: Guests will be able to sit in a window seat in the main cabin area. Table or group seating is available in select areas. 

Vista: Vista ticket holders can enjoy the ride in deluxe leather seats with panoramic views and a unique skylight feature from the main upper deck area. Table and group seating is available in some sections. 

Vista Panoramic: Choose a spacious leather window seat and don’t miss a moment of the scenery from the upper deck. Table and group seating is available in some sections. 

Comfort: Comfort class ticket holders will be able to relax in the peace and quiet of a private cabin at the bow of the ship. With spacious leather seats and complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks, fruit and snacks, you can ride to and from Victoria in style!

Comfort VIP: In the private cabin, VIP ticket holders can enjoy panoramic views from front or side window seats in spacious leather seats. Complimentary snacks, coffee, tea and soft drinks are offered to VIP ticket holders. 

Victoria Clipper Day Trips 

Explore Downtown Victoria

Because the crossing from Seattle to Victoria takes less than 3 hours, it is absolutely possible to visit Victoria BC for a day trip! You won’t have to worry about needing a vehicle as the ferry conveniently departs from downtown Seattle and arrives downtown Victoria in the beautiful Inner Harbour. From here, you can explore historic Victoria, starting with the stunning Parliament Buildings and Fairmont Empress right in the Inner Harbour, take pictures in one of North America’s oldest Chinatowns and sample some delicious food, local beverages and spirits! At the end of the day, you simply meet back at Belleville Terminal to enjoy the beautiful crossing back to Seattle.

Visit the Butchart Gardens 

If you want to do more during your day trip to Victoria, consider the Butchart Garden package offered by Clipper vacations! Known as one of the most beautiful gardens in the world and rated as one of the top attractions on Vancouver Island, Butchart Gardens is a must-see! With over a thousand different blooms and five distinct gardens to enjoy, Butchart offers guests a beautiful and peaceful walk just north of Victoria. With Clipper vacations, it’s easier than ever to see Butchart Gardens from Seattle! Book the Butchart Garden package with Clipper and you’ll have a round-trip from Seattle to Victoria on the ferry plus a coach seat from Victoria to Butchart and access to the garden!

Overnight Trips

If you prefer to spend more time in the Garden City, you can! Simply book your return ticket for a different day and find a great downtown Victoria rental property! With an efficient public transportation system and easy walking access to the entire city, you won’t need a vehicle to make your trip to Victoria an incredible one! 

Victoria has more restaurants per-capita than any other Canadian city and it is really known for its incredible food scene. Most restaurants use locally sourced, seasonable and sustainable ingredients which means that everything you order is incredibly fresh and consciously made – for our favourite restaurants in the city, click here! Victoria also has incredible heritage sites to explore, amazing shopping, fun water taxis, gorgeous city walks, paddleboarding, whale watching and so much more! 

Port Angeles, Washington to Victoria, British Columbia

When you’re considering visiting Victoria from Washington State, another option is to take the MV Coho ferry operated by Black Ball Ferry Line from Port Angeles to Victoria. Port Angeles is a beautiful coastal town on the edge of Olympic National Park, a 2 hour and 45 minute drive away from Seattle. If you’re already planning on visiting Olympic National Park and Port Angeles, you should consider taking the 90 minute ferry for an overnight visit to Victoria! For more information on fees and schedules, check the website!  

Book the Perfect Victoria Rental Today!

Welcome to the Garden City! Everything you Need to Know about Visiting Downtown Victoria BC

Perched on the edge of the ocean at the southernmost tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is surrounded by the sparkling sea, rolling hills and majestic forests. For years, Victoria has been one of the top rated cities in the world to visit, not only because it has the mildest climate in all of Canada, but because this stunning city is the perfect balance of forward-thinking urban spaces, graceful heritage buildings and breathtaking natural beauty. Plus, from as early as February and as late as October the city is filled with blooming flowers, trees and every public and private garden is alive with colour – it’s no wonder Victoria is known as The Garden City. Downtown Victoria also has more restaurants per-capita than any other Canadian city, an incredible shopping district filled with unique, high-end, local and sustainable items, stunning heritage sites, and urban trails that meander along the coastline. One of the best parts about Victoria is that as a relatively small city, the downtown core is completely accessible on foot and each area of downtown is as beautiful as the next! So when you’re planning your next holiday, choose one of the incredible EMR Vacation Rentals downtown Victoria and explore everything the Garden City has to offer! 

Victoria’s History

While Vancouver Island was first explored by European settlers in the late 1770s, it wasn’t until the early 1800s that the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the southern tip of Vancouver Island, where the city of Victoria is now located, was discovered by Europeans. For thousands of years before that time, the area now called Victoria was home to the Coast Salish First Nations who lived in harmony with the environment. The ocean provided plentiful fishing, the forests, ample hunting and the natural resources such as cedar bark were used to build canoes, weave baskets, hats and so much more. When James Douglas came to the area in 1841, it was to establish a fur trading post that would coincide with the 1846 signing of the Oregon Treaty. This post became such a profitable trading centre that it officially became the capital of a newly-founded British crown colony that would later officially become a part of Canada as the province of British Columbia. During the gold rush of 1858, Fort Victoria, as it was called, grew into an established city that drew people from all over Canada and the world to seek their fortune in the west. By the early 1900s, Victoria was home to the stunning Empress Hotel and Parliament Buildings, and many wealthy Canadians called this city home creating vast wealth from the Island’s natural resources and building stately private residences around the city – which you can go visit today! 

Victoria Heritage Sites

While there are certainly many incredible heritage sites to see all over Greater Victoria, the ones downtown are some of the most impressive and important! For more heritage tourist attractions outside the downtown core to check out including the world famous Butchart Gardens click here!  

The Fairmont Empress Hotel

721 Government St, Victoria

Built in 1908 by Sir Francis Rattenbury, The Empress Hotel is a stunning piece of Victorian architectural history. When you visit the Inner Harbour you cannot help but marvel and the Empress’ soaring spires and majestic chateau-style architecture that overlooks the water and encompasses an entire city block. 

The Parliament Buildings

501 Belleville St, Victoria

Built by the same architect as the Empress, Sir Francis Rattenbury, this stately, turquoise-domed building, also known as the BC Legislature located in the Victoria Inner Harbour, has been one of Victoria’s landmarks since 1897 when it was completed for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Take a free guided tour to marvel at the structure, learn about the building, see historical pictures and artifacts and you can even watch when the Legislative Assembly is in session! At night, thousands of lights strung all over the exterior light up creating an air of whimsy and majesty to the Inner Harbour. 

Helmcken House

638 Douglas St, Victoria

Right outside the doors of the Royal BC museum, in Thunderbird Park sits the small, unassuming, Helmcken House. While it may not look like much, this structure was the home of Dr. John Helmcken, an incredibly important figure in Canadian history, and is officially the oldest house still standing in Victoria! It has been preserved in its entirety and stands on the site that it was originally built. As a visitor, you can tour the house and see how people in 1920 Victoria lived as well as getting a glimpse into the medical bag of a 19th century doctor! 

Book your stay at the Landmark Executive Sub Penthouse to be right near these stunning sites and the Inner Harbour! 

Chinatown

500 Fisgard St, Victoria

Victoria’s Chinatown, which initially was just a collection of crude wooden huts at the edge of a trading post-turned-burgeoning city during the gold rush of the mid 1800s, soon evolved into an area that was densely populated with thriving businesses, theatres, schools, temples and a hospital. You can still find North America’s second oldest Chinatown at the north end of Government Street, downtown Victoria but unlike 1911, today’s Chinatown only occupies the 500 to 600 block of Fisgard St. Both locals and visitors love visiting this National Historic Site famed for the incredible history, food, shopping and beautiful Gate of Harmonious Interest. 

Looking for a rental near Chinatown? Book your stay in Victoria at The Corazon and be right near all the action! 

Emily Carr House

207 Government St, Victoria

Right in the heart of the beautiful downtown neighbourhood of James Bay, sits the childhood home of the famous Canadian painter and author, Emily Carr. Known best for her abstract painting of the wilderness and First Nations totems and villages of BC, Emily Carr provides an invaluable voice to an era of Canadian history. While there is seemingly no end to the Emily Carr paintings at galleries and museums in BC, the Carr house provides something different – an intimate, interpretive look at the life, work, passions and legacy of this beloved artist. 

Have a look at these James Bay properties to find your perfect rental! 

Coffee in Victoria

If you’re wandering around Victoria downtown, you’ll quickly see how important great coffee is to this little capital city. With tons of locally owned and operated coffee shops, and incredible, locally roasted coffee you’re spoiled for choice when looking for great coffee in the city! Here are a few of our favourites that’ll get you feeling ready for a day out downtown Victoria!

Habit Coffee

552 Pandora Ave & 808 Yates St, Victoria

For years, Habit Coffee has been a local favourite coffee spot. With gorgeous, flavourful coffee and a dedicated carbon neutral business model, Habit is a must when you’re visiting downtown Victoria. 

Union Pacific

537 Herald St, Victoria

This warm, friendly coffee shop in a gorgeously refurbished heritage warehouse offers incredible coffee as well as a large breakfast and lunch menu, plus freshly baked, local goodies, yum!

Hey Happy

560 Johnson St #122, Victoria

This funky coffee shop right in the heart of the shopping district is a relatively new coffee shop but already has a dedicated following! With great coffee and scrumptious, healthy snacks and small bites, Hey Happy is a great place to check out! 

Farmhouse

10 Bastion Square, Victoria

Located right in Bastion Square, Farmhouse is the place locals go to get big cappuccinos and even bigger burgers! The perfect place to enjoy the sun and your coffee in Bastion Square and people watch! 

Discovery Coffee

1001 Blanshard St & 281 Menzies St, Victoria

For decades, Discovery Coffee has been serving incredible, ethically sourced, locally roasted coffee! If you’re looking for a reliable and well established local coffee place, this is it! 

Restaurants in Victoria

Finding incredible food in Victoria couldn’t be easier! Choosing which restaurant you want to go to – now that can be a challenge! We’ve rounded up our favourite downtown Victoria spots to make your decision a little easier! 

Nubo Kitchen and Bar

490 Pandora Ave, Victoria 

Located in a renovated heritage building on the edge of the water, Nubo offers guests elegant cocktails and stunning dishes inspired by global cooking techniques and seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. 

Pagliacci’s

1011 Broad St, Victoria

For years, Pagliacci’s has been a local staple for incredible, filling Italian food and friendly, European style service.

Il Terrazzo

555 Johnson St, Victoria, BC

For over 30 years, this lovely, fine-dining Italian restaurant has been the place to go for a delicious, upscale meal with an impeccable atmosphere, right in the heart of Old Town. 

Ferris’

536 Yates St, Victoria, BC V8W 1K8

While Ferris’ has been around for ages and delighting locals and visitors with scrumptious and healthy burgers, salads, soups and more, today, there’s so much more to Ferris’. Ferris’ Grill & Garden Patio is perfect when you’re in the mood for casual dining or a fun happy hour spot, there’s Ferris’ Upstairs Seafood & Oyster Bar for upscale and intimate dining and Perro Negro for a dash of Spain in the hear of Victoria! 

Breweries in Victoria 

If there’s one thing that Victorians love almost as much as food and coffee, it’s beer. For years, Victoria has had a passion for the microbreweries in the city, flocking to breweries to try a flight and buying locally made and produced beer to take home. If you’re in the city and want to go on your own walking tour to see what all the fuss is about, these are the breweries to check out downtown!

Whistle Buoy Brewing

Market Square, Lower Courtyard, #63, 560 Johnson St, Victoria, BC 

This tiny brewery has only 600sqft of space to create their beers, brews only 800L batches at a time! Because of their small capacity, their focus is on brewing incredible, small batch experimental beers with the highest quality ingredients. 

Drake Eatery

517 Pandora Ave, Victoria, BC

Known as Victoria’s craft beer parlour, this is the ultimate place to find an incredible selection of local and imported craft beer sourced solely from independently owned breweries.

Swan’s Pub

1601 Store St, Victoria, BC

As one of the most well-established breweries and one of the most beloved pubs in Victoria, Swan’s has a spot in every local’s heart. 

Herald St. Brew Works

506 Herald St, Victoria, BC

This brewery is the newest on the Victoria beer scene and while they had som stiff competition in town, they’ve quickly become a local favourite and a must-visit for visiting beer lovers!

Phillips Tasting Room

2000 Government St, Victoria, BC

With a scrappy history, a lot of dedication, passion and time, Phillips has become one of the most well-known and beloved beers in Victoria.

Have Fun in Victoria! 

Shopping

When you’re travelling, doing a little shopping is a must! Whether you’re looking for gifts to bring back with you or you’re ready to splurge on yourself, downtown Victoria has incredible shopping! Check out Government Street for boutiques and some of the oldest stores in the city, head to Pacific Centre for a classic mall experience and if you’re looking for more unique items, go straight to Lower Johnson – or LoJo as locals call it – where you’ll find high-end boutiques, curated vintage, unique housewares, children’s toys and so much more! 

Water Taxis

These tiny little boats skim across the ocean taking passengers all over the Inner and Upper Harbour in Victoria. If you’re looking for a fun way to explore more of Victoria’s downtown without breaking a sweat, this is a great way to do it! 

Walking in Victoria

One of the best ways to explore this incredible city is by walking! Victoria is an incredibly walkable city and has gorgeous urban hiking trails all over the city! Here are our top walking trails in downtown Victoria:

  • Dallas Road: Starting at Fisherman’s Wharf just past the Inner Harbour, you can walk along the seaside looping around the neighbourhood of James Bay. On this walk, you’ll see where the cruise ships come in at Ogden Point, have spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains across the Salish Sea/Strait of Juan de Fuca and can go all the way to Beacon Hill Park! 
  • Songhees Walkway: Starting at the Johnson Street bridge at the bottom of Johnson Street, you can cross using the pedestrian pathway and continue walking along the oceanside path all the way to the West Bay Marina. This walk gives you unique and stunning views of the Inner harbour and downtown Victoria.
  • Beacon Hill Park: While this park isn’t technically in the downtown core, it’s a must-see when you’re in Victoria, especially if you’re looking for a beautiful place to stretch your legs. Here you can find cultivated and wild natural spaces, gnarly Garry oaks, graceful bridges and waterways and the second tallest totem pole in the world! 

Get Out on the Water around Victoria! 

If there’s one thing that you have to do when you’re visiting Victoria is take advantage of the incredible ocean access all around the downtown area! You can whale watch or kayak and get up close and personal with the abundant marine life just off the shore of the capital city! Whether you want to catch a glimpse of the orcas, grey and humpback whales that pass through these waters on their migratory journey or if you’re happy to see some harbour seals, cormorants and starfish, it couldn’t be easier to get out there from downtown Victoria! 

Whale Watching Tours:

Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Tours – 1 Dallas Rd, Victoria (Fisherman’s Wharf)

Orca Spirit Adventures – 950 Wharf St, Victoria (near Harbour Air Seaplane office)

Springtide Whale Watching – 1119 Wharf St, Victoria

BC Whale Tours – 1234 Wharf St, Victoria

Kayaking:

Kelp Reef Adventures – 1 Dallas Rd, Victoria (Fisherman’s Wharf)

Victoria Kayak Tours & Rentals – 1006 Wharf St, Victoria

Ocean River – 450 Swift St, Victoria

Book a Victoria Rental Today!

Exploring Downtown Victoria BC!

downtown Victoria BC looking over the Inner Harbour toward the Empress, Wharf and Government Street

Perched on the edge of the ocean at the southernmost tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is surrounded by the sparkling sea, rolling hills and majestic forests. For years, Victoria has been one of the top rated cities in the world to visit, not only because it has the mildest climate in all of Canada, but because this stunning city is the perfect balance of forward-thinking urban spaces, graceful heritage buildings and breathtaking natural beauty. Plus, from as early as February and as late as October the city is filled with blooming flowers, trees and every public and private garden is alive with colour – it’s no wonder Victoria is known as The Garden City. Downtown Victoria BC also has more restaurants per-capita than any other Canadian city, an incredible shopping district filled with unique, high-end, local and sustainable items, stunning heritage sites, and urban trails that meander along the coastline. One of the best parts about Victoria is that as a relatively small city, the downtown core is completely accessible on foot and each area of downtown is as beautiful as the next! So when you’re planning your next holiday, choose one of the incredible EMR Vacation Rentals downtown Victoria and explore everything the Garden City has to offer! 

Victoria’s History

While Vancouver Island was first explored by European settlers in the late 1770s, it wasn’t until the early 1800s that the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the southern tip of Vancouver Island, where the city of Victoria is now located, was discovered by Europeans. For thousands of years before that time, the area now called Victoria was home to the Coast Salish First Nations who lived in harmony with the environment. The ocean provided plentiful fishing, the forests, ample hunting and the natural resources such as cedar bark were used to build canoes, weave baskets, hats and so much more. When James Douglas came to the area in 1841, it was to establish a fur trading post that would coincide with the 1846 signing of the Oregon Treaty. This post became such a profitable trading centre that it officially became the capital of a newly-founded British crown colony that would later officially become a part of Canada as the province of British Columbia. During the gold rush of 1858, Fort Victoria, as it was called, grew into an established city that drew people from all over Canada and the world to seek their fortune in the west. By the early 1900s, Victoria was home to the stunning Empress Hotel and Parliament Buildings, and many wealthy Canadians called this city home creating vast wealth from the Island’s natural resources and building stately private residences around the city – which you can go visit today! 

Victoria Heritage Sites

While there are certainly many incredible heritage sites to see all over Greater Victoria, the ones downtown are some of the most impressive and important! For more heritage tourist attractions outside the downtown core to check out including the world famous Butchart Gardens click here!  

The Fairmont Empress Hotel

721 Government St, Victoria

Built in 1908 by Sir Francis Rattenbury, The Empress Hotel is a stunning piece of Victorian architectural history. When you visit the Inner Harbour you cannot help but marvel and the Empress’ soaring spires and majestic chateau-style architecture that overlooks the water and encompasses an entire city block. 

The Parliament Buildings

501 Belleville St, Victoria

Built by the same architect as the Empress, Sir Francis Rattenbury, this stately, turquoise-domed building, also known as the BC Legislature located in the Victoria Inner Harbour, has been one of Victoria’s landmarks since 1897 when it was completed for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Take a free guided tour to marvel at the structure, learn about the building, see historical pictures and artifacts and you can even watch when the Legislative Assembly is in session! At night, thousands of lights strung all over the exterior light up creating an air of whimsy and majesty to the Inner Harbour. 

Helmcken House

638 Douglas St, Victoria

Right outside the doors of the Royal BC museum, in Thunderbird Park sits the small, unassuming, Helmcken House. While it may not look like much, this structure was the home of Dr. John Helmcken, an incredibly important figure in Canadian history, and is officially the oldest house still standing in Victoria! It has been preserved in its entirety and stands on the site that it was originally built. As a visitor, you can tour the house and see how people in 1920 Victoria lived as well as getting a glimpse into the medical bag of a 19th century doctor! 

Book your stay at the Landmark Executive Sub Penthouse to be right near these stunning sites and the Inner Harbour! 

Chinatown

500 Fisgard St, Victoria

Victoria’s Chinatown, which initially was just a collection of crude wooden huts at the edge of a trading post-turned-burgeoning city during the gold rush of the mid 1800s, soon evolved into an area that was densely populated with thriving businesses, theatres, schools, temples and a hospital. You can still find North America’s second oldest Chinatown at the north end of Government Street, downtown Victoria but unlike 1911, today’s Chinatown only occupies the 500 to 600 block of Fisgard St. Both locals and visitors love visiting this National Historic Site famed for the incredible history, food, shopping and beautiful Gate of Harmonious Interest. 

Looking for a rental near Chinatown? Book your stay in Victoria at The Corazon and be right near all the action! 

Emily Carr House

207 Government St, Victoria

Right in the heart of the beautiful downtown neighbourhood of James Bay, sits the childhood home of the famous Canadian painter and author, Emily Carr. Known best for her abstract painting of the wilderness and First Nations totems and villages of BC, Emily Carr provides an invaluable voice to an era of Canadian history. While there is seemingly no end to the Emily Carr paintings at galleries and museums in BC, the Carr house provides something different – an intimate, interpretive look at the life, work, passions and legacy of this beloved artist. 

Have a look at these James Bay properties to find your perfect rental! 

Coffee in Victoria

If you’re wandering around Victoria downtown, you’ll quickly see how important great coffee is to this little capital city. With tons of locally owned and operated coffee shops, and incredible, locally roasted coffee you’re spoiled for choice when looking for great coffee in the city! Here are a few of our favourites that’ll get you feeling ready for a day out downtown Victoria!

Habit Coffee

552 Pandora Ave & 808 Yates St, Victoria

For years, Habit Coffee has been a local favourite coffee spot. With gorgeous, flavourful coffee and a dedicated carbon neutral business model, Habit is a must when you’re visiting downtown Victoria. 

Union Pacific

537 Herald St, Victoria

This warm, friendly coffee shop in a gorgeously refurbished heritage warehouse offers incredible coffee as well as a large breakfast and lunch menu, plus freshly baked, local goodies, yum!

Hey Happy

560 Johnson St #122, Victoria

This funky coffee shop right in the heart of the shopping district is a relatively new coffee shop but already has a dedicated following! With great coffee and scrumptious, healthy snacks and small bites, Hey Happy is a great place to check out! 

Farmhouse

10 Bastion Square, Victoria

Located right in Bastion Square, Farmhouse is the place locals go to get big cappuccinos and even bigger burgers! The perfect place to enjoy the sun and your coffee in Bastion Square and people watch! 

Discovery Coffee

1001 Blanshard St & 281 Menzies St, Victoria

For decades, Discovery Coffee has been serving incredible, ethically sourced, locally roasted coffee! If you’re looking for a reliable and well established local coffee place, this is it! 

Restaurants in Victoria

Finding incredible food in Victoria couldn’t be easier! Choosing which restaurant you want to go to – now that can be a challenge! We’ve rounded up our favourite downtown Victoria spots to make your decision a little easier! 

Nubo Kitchen and Bar

490 Pandora Ave, Victoria 

Located in a renovated heritage building on the edge of the water, Nubo offers guests elegant cocktails and stunning dishes inspired by global cooking techniques and seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. 

Pagliacci’s

1011 Broad St, Victoria

For years, Pagliacci’s has been a local staple for incredible, filling Italian food and friendly, European style service.

Il Terrazzo

555 Johnson St, Victoria, BC

For over 30 years, this lovely, fine-dining Italian restaurant has been the place to go for a delicious, upscale meal with an impeccable atmosphere, right in the heart of Old Town. 

Ferris’

536 Yates St, Victoria, BC V8W 1K8

While Ferris’ has been around for ages and delighting locals and visitors with scrumptious and healthy burgers, salads, soups and more, today, there’s so much more to Ferris’. Ferris’ Grill & Garden Patio is perfect when you’re in the mood for casual dining or a fun happy hour spot, there’s Ferris’ Upstairs Seafood & Oyster Bar for upscale and intimate dining and Perro Negro for a dash of Spain in the hear of Victoria! 

Breweries in Victoria 

If there’s one thing that Victorians love almost as much as food and coffee, it’s beer. For years, Victoria has had a passion for the microbreweries in the city, flocking to breweries to try a flight and buying locally made and produced beer to take home. If you’re in the city and want to go on your own walking tour to see what all the fuss is about, these are the breweries to check out downtown!

Whistle Buoy Brewing

Market Square, Lower Courtyard, #63, 560 Johnson St, Victoria, BC 

This tiny brewery has only 600sqft of space to create their beers, brews only 800L batches at a time! Because of their small capacity, their focus is on brewing incredible, small batch experimental beers with the highest quality ingredients. 

Drake Eatery

517 Pandora Ave, Victoria, BC

Known as Victoria’s craft beer parlour, this is the ultimate place to find an incredible selection of local and imported craft beer sourced solely from independently owned breweries.

Swan’s Pub

1601 Store St, Victoria, BC

As one of the most well-established breweries and one of the most beloved pubs in Victoria, Swan’s has a spot in every local’s heart. 

Herald St. Brew Works

506 Herald St, Victoria, BC

This brewery is the newest on the Victoria beer scene and while they had som stiff competition in town, they’ve quickly become a local favourite and a must-visit for visiting beer lovers!

Phillips Tasting Room

2000 Government St, Victoria, BC

With a scrappy history, a lot of dedication, passion and time, Phillips has become one of the most well-known and beloved beers in Victoria.

Have Fun in Victoria! 

Shopping

When you’re travelling, doing a little shopping is a must! Whether you’re looking for gifts to bring back with you or you’re ready to splurge on yourself, downtown Victoria has incredible shopping! Check out Government Street for boutiques and some of the oldest stores in the city, head to Pacific Centre for a classic mall experience and if you’re looking for more unique items, go straight to Lower Johnson – or LoJo as locals call it – where you’ll find high-end boutiques, curated vintage, unique housewares, children’s toys and so much more! 

Water Taxis

These tiny little boats skim across the ocean taking passengers all over the Inner and Upper Harbour in Victoria. If you’re looking for a fun way to explore more of Victoria’s downtown without breaking a sweat, this is a great way to do it! 

Walking in Victoria

One of the best ways to explore this incredible city is by walking! Victoria is an incredibly walkable city and has gorgeous urban hiking trails all over the city! Here are our top walking trails in downtown Victoria:

  • Dallas Road: Starting at Fisherman’s Wharf just past the Inner Harbour, you can walk along the seaside looping around the neighbourhood of James Bay. On this walk, you’ll see where the cruise ships come in at Ogden Point, have spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains across the Salish Sea/Strait of Juan de Fuca and can go all the way to Beacon Hill Park! 
  • Songhees Walkway: Starting at the Johnson Street bridge at the bottom of Johnson Street, you can cross using the pedestrian pathway and continue walking along the oceanside path all the way to the West Bay Marina. This walk gives you unique and stunning views of the Inner harbour and downtown Victoria.
  • Beacon Hill Park: While this park isn’t technically in the downtown core, it’s a must-see when you’re in Victoria, especially if you’re looking for a beautiful place to stretch your legs. Here you can find cultivated and wild natural spaces, gnarly Garry oaks, graceful bridges and waterways and the second tallest totem pole in the world! 

Get Out on the Water around Victoria! 

If there’s one thing that you have to do when you’re visiting Victoria is take advantage of the incredible ocean access all around the downtown area! You can whale watch or kayak and get up close and personal with the abundant marine life just off the shore of the capital city! Whether you want to catch a glimpse of the orcas, grey and humpback whales that pass through these waters on their migratory journey or if you’re happy to see some harbour seals, cormorants and starfish, it couldn’t be easier to get out there from downtown Victoria! 

Whale Watching Tours:

Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Tours – 1 Dallas Rd, Victoria (Fisherman’s Wharf)

Orca Spirit Adventures – 950 Wharf St, Victoria (near Harbour Air Seaplane office)

Springtide Whale Watching – 1119 Wharf St, Victoria

BC Whale Tours – 1234 Wharf St, Victoria

Kayaking:

Kelp Reef Adventures – 1 Dallas Rd, Victoria (Fisherman’s Wharf)

Victoria Kayak Tours & Rentals – 1006 Wharf St, Victoria

Ocean River – 450 Swift St, Victoria

Book a Victoria Rental Today!

Your Travel Guide to the Beautiful Nootka Sound

hiker on Nootka Island

Canada is a country filled with unparalleled natural beauty. No matter what you’re looking for, whether it’s the big sky of the prairies, the soaring peaks of the Rockies or vast shorelines, we’ve got it all. But if you’re looking for one of the most temperate climates in the “Great White North”, you’ll want to consider visiting Vancouver Island in beautiful British Columbia. Vancouver Island is just under 500 kilometers long, and while it might be small in relation to the rest of Canada, it has some of the most unique, varied and stunning Canadian landscapes and is known for the vast wilderness, perfect for idyllic outdoor adventures. One of the most beautiful and stunning places for adventure seekers is the breathtaking Nootka Sound on the far west coast of Vancouver Island. Steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty, the Nootka Sound is a paradise for sport fishing, hiking, camping, ocean adventures and so much more.  So whether you’re a seasoned outdoor adventurer or not, the Nootka Sound is the perfect place to find tranquility in the stunning beauty of Vancouver Island’s wilderness. 

The History

Captain James Cook of the Royal Navy was the first European to set foot in British Columbia in March 1778 when he anchored in Resolution Cove on Bligh Island, across from Yuquot on Nootka Island. As the story goes, while the British ships were weighing anchor, the Mowachaht/Muchalaht met them in canoes and repeated itchme nutka, itchme nutka! This phrase means go around – they were trying to redirect the ships to go around to Nootka Island, but Cook believed that they were saying the name of the area and thus named it Nootka. For millennia, Yuquot has been the home of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation of the Nuu-chah-nulth people, and holds significant historical importance as the site of the first European and First Nation contact in British Columbia. Nootka Sound became an important area for early traders and explorers with English, Spanish and American ships landing in the sound to access Vancouver Island. Today this remote area is relatively unpopulated but the Nootka Lighthouse, built in 1911, is one of the few remaining manned lighthouses on the coast of British Columbia.

The Location 

Nootka Sound is located on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island, just over 70 km north of Clayoquot Sound where Tofino and Ucluelet are located. You can access Nootka Sound via the Gold River Highway that runs the width of north Vancouver Island from Campbell River on the east coast to Gold River on the west coast. The villages around Nootka Sound are tiny, the largest being Gold River with a population of just over one thousand people, Tahsis, the second largest, has a population of approximately three hundred people and Yuquot, the home of Chief Maquinna, is a small settlement of only six members of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht people and two full-time lighthouse keepers. This area is known for the rich sea life, mild climate, and the beautiful surroundings – qualities that drew First Nations settlers to this area thousands of years ago and are the same qualities that draw visitors to this magical place today. 

Outdoor Adventures on Nootka Sound

Kayaking: If you love kayaking, Nootka Sound needs to be added to your bucket list! There are so many places on the windswept Pacific coast of the Sound that are best explored and enjoyed from the seat of a kayak: small islands with deserted sandy beaches, sheltered coves, and ancient, towering forests. From the silence of a kayak, you can appreciate the sounds of this wild area from the marine birds who hunt in the waters, to all the beautiful creatures in the ocean: majestic humpback and gray whales, orcas, friendly sea otters, curious seals and huge sea lions, porpoises, octopi and more! 

Hike The Nootka Island Trail

If you’re an avid hiker and want to experience a once-in-a-lifetime hike, The Nootka Island Trail is it! Stretching 35 km from Louie Bay on the north side of Nootka Island to Yuquot on the south, this trail leads you over vast, windswept beaches, through dense forests and near rushing rivers. With approximately ¾  of the trail beach hiking and ¼ of off-shore forest hiking, this is truly a unique experience that you’ll need to be prepared for! While the trail is becoming more popular, it is still very remote and trail maintenance is sporadic and not for the faint of heart! You’ll be navigating over slick rocks, deep sand, tidal shelves, piled up driftwood, fallen logs, overgrown salal, steep sections that require ropes, slippery roots, and limestone cliff edges. While all this sounds daunting, there are also sections of powdery soft sand, some of the most breathtaking sunsets you’ll ever see and enormous Douglas firs that make every tricky section worth it!  If you’re looking for an adventure, this is undoubtedly it.

Fishing on Nootka Sound:

If you’re an avid angler, the Nootka Sound is a world-class location for fishing excursions where you can find an abundance of chinook, coho halibut, ling cod, red snapper and shellfish of every variety. If you’re looking to catch some world-famous BC salmon, there are seven rivers, including the incredible Conuma River, in the area that are filled with salmon and three hatcheries. You’ll want to visit in late summer and early September to get the best catches. For almost everything else, between early spring in April and September you can find great snapper, rockfish and halibut fishing. The halibut caught in the area range between 15 and 50 pounds but there are some anglers who have caught a halibut that is over 150 pounds in the area! If a fishing trip to the Nootka Sound is on your wishlist, check out Nootka Marine Adventures. 

Adventure Cruises on Nootka Sound

If you’re looking for a way to explore the Nootka Sound, Esperanza Inlet and Kyuquot Sound in style, you’ll want to consider booking a tour with Get West Adventure Cruises! You can explore these stunning waters aboard the comfortable MV Uchuck III, a 1942 American Yard Minesweeper ship that has been carefully reconditioned and converted into a 100 passenger vessel, perfect for navigating the historic waters of Nootka Sound. With a wood-finished lounge, coffee shop and spacious open-air seating on the top deck, the MV Uchuck III takes passengers all around the sound on three different cruise options: the Yuquot Day Cruise, Nootka Sound Day Cruise and Kyuquot Overnight Cruise. Learn about the day to day operations of a vessel in these waters as the crew picks up and drops off supplies at fisheries, logging camps, and remote resorts, visit one of the oldest working lighthouses in North America or make arrangements to wet-launch a kayak and enjoy some paddling in the remote areas the MV Uchuck III takes you! 

Book an EMR Rental to Explore the Nootka Sound Today!

Canada Ends COVID Restrictions for Travellers (Finally!)

At long last, there is good news for the Canadian tourism industry and travellers to Canada after the years of COVID restrictions! On Saturday, October 1st, the Federal Government is putting an end to all COVID-19 entry restrictions – no more negative pre-boarding test results, quarantine, masks on planes and trains, or the use of the ArriveCan app. 

While it might be coming after the peak of tourism season for many parts of Canada, for the Christmas season, winter destinations, alpine resorts, and milder climates like Vancouver Island, these changes mean that Canada’s tourism sector can begin to recoup the incredible losses incurred during COVID. While the full benefits of the lifted restrictions will likely take years to see in full, there’s no doubt that this news is being met with relief by business and travellers alike.  

During a Times Colonist interview, Paul Nursey, chief executive of Destination Greater Victoria noted that “Great Britain, New Zealand, Australia, Commonwealth countries, even ones that were very conservative during COVID have already done this, we are the last to drop these types of restrictions.” 

It has certainly been frustrating for Canadian businesses who rely on tourism to watch as other countries open back up and allow travellers to visit with ease while travellers to Canada struggle with time-sensitive COVID results and navigating the notoriously difficult ArriveCan app. 

But come Saturday, we can begin to welcome visitors from around the world again and breathe a sigh of relief.

Things to do in Nanaimo

There’s no doubt that Vancouver Island, British Columbia is one of the most stunning places to visit in Canada. Surrounded by the ocean and easily accessible by air or sea, Vancouver Island is filled with quaint towns and vibrant city centres surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

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How to Celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving on Vancouver Island

various pumpkins near bail of hay - thanksgiving - fall

When you think of Thanksgiving in North America, most people think of pilgrim outfits, pumpkin pie, the Mayflower and feast re-enactments between pilgrims and American Indians – typical images from many Hollywood movies and American TV shows.

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The Best Sushi Restaurants in Victoria!

sushi roll on plate - sushi in Victoria

It’s no secret that Victoria, British Columbia is one of the top places in Canada for dining. With a vibrant, multicultural population, access to fresh, local products and one of the mildest climates in the country, it’s easy to see why there are more restaurants per capita in Victoria BC than any other Canadian city.

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