People move to the Island from Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and the Interior for all kinds of reasons. Some want a slower pace, some want to be closer to family and some just fell in love with the place on a visit. Whatever the reason, the same questions come up. Here are the answers.
Getting back and forth
The ferry is part of Island life. The main route runs between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay, and the crossing itself takes about an hour and a half. On long weekends and in summer, book a reservation. If you’re in a hurry, there are also float planes and a helicopter service from downtown Victoria to downtown Vancouver, plus regular flights out of Victoria International Airport.
For a lot of people, after a few months the ferry stops feeling like a barrier and starts feeling like the start of a getaway.
The weather really is milder
Victoria has some of the mildest weather in Canada. We get a lot less rain than Vancouver, snow is rare and usually gone in a day or two, and summers are warm and dry. You’ll still want a good rain jacket, but you might find yourself gardening in February.
Finding the right neighbourhood
Greater Victoria is made up of several municipalities, and each has its own feel:
- Victoria and Esquimalt: walkable, close to downtown, with lots of condos and character homes.
- Oak Bay: established, leafy and by the water.
- Saanich: family neighbourhoods, bigger lots and lots of parks.
- View Royal, Colwood and Langford: newer homes and more space for your budget, with a longer commute into town.
If you can, plan a weekend to explore before you buy. If you can’t, I’m happy to do video tours and send you neighbourhood notes so you can get a real feel from wherever you are.
Buying from a distance
Lots of people buy here before they’ve physically moved. Video tours, digital signing and a good inspector make it very doable. I’ll be your eyes and ears on the ground, and I’ll tell you honestly what I see, including the things that don’t show up in photos.
A few things to know about taxes
The Property Transfer Tax works the same here as anywhere else in B.C. Parts of the Capital Region are also covered by B.C.’s Speculation and Vacancy Tax. Most people who live in their home full time are exempt, but you still need to file a declaration each year. Your lawyer or notary can walk you through the details for your purchase.
Settling in
- Family doctor: sign up with the provincial Health Connect Registry as soon as you have your new address.
- Schools: check catchments early. Greater Victoria is served by a few different school districts depending on where you live.
- Getting out: the trails, beaches and parks are a big part of why people love it here. The Galloping Goose and Lochside trails will take you almost anywhere by bike.
Will I like living here?
I can’t promise you’ll love it, but a lot of people who make the move say the same thing a few months in: they wish they’d done it sooner. If you’re thinking about it, let’s talk. I’m happy to answer questions, even if you’re a year or more away.
Planning a move to the Island?
Let’s talk about where you’re coming from, what you’re looking for and which neighbourhoods are worth a look.