Moving To / From Victoria
Victoria - Community Overview
In 1843, Chief Factor of the Hudson’s Bay Company, James Douglas chose present day Victoria as the site for a Hudson’s Bay Company’s trading post and fort. The smaller harbour of Victoria was chosen over that of Esquimalt for Fort Victoria (named after Queen Victoria) due to its extensive tracts of level to gently sloping land, ideal for agriculture.
The community remained small until it became the supply centre and jumping-off point for the Fraser Gold Rush of 1858. In 1862, the town was incorporated as a city. In 1865, the nearby Esquimalt Harbour was designated as a naval base by the British Admiralty and still performs this function today as CFB Esquimalt. In 1868, Victoria was named the capital city of the Crown Colony of British Columbia and when the colony joined the Dominion of Canada in 1871, Victoria became the capital city of the Province of British Columbia.
Today, Victoria is home to the provincial legislature, many governments and the naval base CFB Esquimalt. Tourism also plays an important role in the economy. Victoria is known as the vacation capital of Canada with over 3 million visitors throughout the year. The downtown contains many preserved and restored historical buildings housing restaurants, galleries and shops.
The City of Victoria, capital of British Columbia, is located on Highway #17, in the Capital Regional District. Victoria is situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, on a peninsular site where Victorians can view the bordering Juan de Fuca and Haro Straits. The city is backed by the Olympic Mountains of Washington to the south and the Gulf Islands to the east, with the volcanic peak of Mount Baker in the distance.
The population of the city of Victoria numbers approximately 78,659.
For more information about Victoria:
City of Victoria
1 Centennial Sq.
Victoria, BC
V8W 1P6
250-385-5711
www.victoria.ca
Weather
Victoria has an average July temperature of 15.2°C and an average January temperature of 4.1°C. The average annual precipitation is 608 mm.
For all other information please visit:
MEDIA
One of the best ways to learn about your new community is to subscribe to the local newspaper.
Times Colonist
Victoria News
EDUCATION
For information regarding curriculum and enrolment procedures, please contact:
Greater Victoria School District #61
556 Boleskine Rd.
PO Box 700 Victoria, BC
V8W 2R1
250-475-3212
www.sd61.bc.ca
Sooke School District #62
3143 Jacklin Rd.
Victoria, BC
V9B 5R1
250-474-9800
www.sd62.bc.ca
Additional educational institutes:
Camosun College
University of Victoria
Royal Roads University
Medical Information
Royal Jubilee Hospital
1952 Bay St.
Victoria, BC
V8R 1J8
250-370-8000
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-locations/hospitals-health-centre-locations/royal-jubilee-hospital-rjh
Queen Alexandra Centre for Children’s Health
2400 Arbutus Rd.
Victoria, BC
V8N 1V7
250-477-1826
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-locations/hospitals-health-centre-locations/queen-alexandra-centre-childrens-health
Victoria General Hospital
1 Hospital Way
Victoria, BC
V8Z 6R5
250-727-4212
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-locations/hospitals-health-centre-locations/victoria-general-hospital-vgh
Gorge Road Hospital
1952 Bay St.
Victoria, BC
V8R 1J8
250-370-8699
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-locations/long-term-care-locations/gorge-road-hospital-long-term-care
Public Services
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Cable TV
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Hydro
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Gas
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Water
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Garbage/Recycling
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Telephone
TRANSPORTATION
Motor Vehicle & Driver Licencing
ICBC
1-800-950-1498
www.icbc.com
Public Transit
BC Transit
250-382-6161
https://www.bctransit.com/choose-transit-system
BC Ferries
250-386-3431
www.bcferries.com
COMMUNITY
Parks & Recreation
Greater Victoria Public Library
Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre
Save on Foods Memorial Centre
For information about upcoming events in Victoria, visit:
Sports and Leisure
Parks & Recreation
YMCA
Golf Courses
Prospect Lake Golf Course
250-479-2688
www.golfprospect.com
Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa
250-391-7160
www.bearmountain.ca
Cordova Bay Golf Club
250-658-4444
www.cordovabaygolf.com
Highland Pacific Golf
250-478-4653
www.highlandpacificgolf.com
Special Attraction
Annual Events
Victoria is host to numerous annual festivities including Highland Games in May, JazzFest in June, Victoria Dragon Boat Festival in August and the Santa Claus Parade in November.
Markets
Victoria is home to two public markets, both held during the months of May-October. The Government Street Market is held on Sundays from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm and the James Bay Market is held on Saturdays from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Emily Carr House
Birthplace and childhood home of artist Emily Carr. Built in 1863, this restored home depicts the Victorian lifestyle of the Carr family.
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
This art gallery holds the largest Asian Art Collection in Canada. Emily Carr’s extensive work is also on display.
Royal BC Museum
Galleries and exhibits showcase the human and natural history of British Columbia.
Butchart Gardens
50 acres of groomed gardens located on a 1904 country estate. Featured are a Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, Italian Garden and elaborate fountains.
Beacon Hill Park
Natural and landscaped beauty incorporating grassy meadows, cliffs, gravel beach, lakes and streams. The park includes a wading pool, bandshell, sports fields and mini golf. Beacon Hill is mile”0” of the Trans-Canada Highway.
Grocery Stores
To find a grocery store in the Victoria area, visit:
Loblaws
Save on Foods
Thrifty Foods
Specialty Stores
Lifestyle Markets
Organic Grocery
250-384-3388
www.lifestylemarkets.com
Shopping Centres
Mayfair Shopping Centre
221-3147 Douglas St.
Victoria, BC
V8Z 6E3
250-383-0541
www.mayfairshoppingcentre.com
University Heights Shopping Centre
3980 Shelbourne St. #413
Victoria, BC
V8N 6J3
Entertainment
Movie Theatre
To find a movie theatre near you, visit:
Restaurants
To find local restaurants, visit:
Live Theatre
For production information, visit:
https://visitorinvictoria.ca/live-theatre-in-victoria-bc/
Nightlife
For information on nightclubs, visit:
Moving Tips Brochures
Call at 1-888-708-7700 to order the following brochures:
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Protecting your goods in transit
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Handling dangerous goods
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Do-it-yourself packing guide
