Tourist Information for Victoria, BC

Useful Phone Numbers: 
 

Important Information:

Non-Canadian visitors: be sure to pick up your GST refund forms and have all your G.S.T. (Federal Tax) rebated.
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Border Crossing Information:
U.S residents can cross the U.S.-Canadian border either way without passports or visas. To speed crossing, U.S. citizens should carry documentary evidence of citizenship.
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American Custom's Regulations:
After 48 hours stay in Canada, Americans are allowed $400 duty-free merchandise once every 31 days for personal use. Less than 48 hours stay, the allowance is $200 of merchandise.
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Canadian Customs Regulations:
For detailed information call Ship's Clearance Customs Office at (250) 363-3330 or (250) 363-3339.
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Victoria & Peninsula Transportation Services:
The vacation starts even before you reach Vancouver Island. You'll enjoy the spectacular scenery whether you choose to fly or take a mini-cruise on one of several ferries connecting mainland British Columbia and Washington State to Victoria and Vancouver Island. In addition to the marine routes, major airlines offer an efficient daily connector service. All that makes us definitely well connected.
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Ferries:
The British Columbia Ferry Corporation operates one of the world's largest and most modern ferry fleets, with 40 ships servicing 46 ports of call along the coast of B.C. The major southern route connects Tsawwassen on the mainland (south of Vancouver) to Swartz Bay at the north end of the Saanich Peninsula on Vancouver Island (37 km from Victoria). The fleet includes the new S-Class Superferry Spirit of Vancouver Island and Spirit of BC. During the peak summer months there are 16 scheduled sailings from each terminal daily. The crossing takes 1 hour and 35 minutes.

The major mid-island route connects Horseshoe Bay on the mainland (north of Vancouver) to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. During the peak summer months there are up to 12 scheduled sailings from each terminal daily. The crossing takes 1 hour and 35 minutes.

The Mid-Island Express route between Tsawwassen and Duke Point takes 2 hours. There are 8 scheduled sailings from each terminal daily.
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General Information:
Victoria and Vancouver 1-250-386-3431 or toll-free outside BC is 1-888-223-3779.
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Bus and Ferry:
Pacific Coach Lines operates an excellent bus and ferry service on BC Ferries between Vancouver and Victoria, and Maverick Coach Lines operate between Vancouver and Nanaimo. For up-to-date fare information and schedules, contact Pacific Coach Lines at 662-3222 in Vancouver or 385-4411 in Victoria. Contact Maverick Coach Lines in Vancouver and Nanaimo at 1-800-667-6301. The Island is fully serviced by Island Coach Lines Bus Service on a daily schedule from Victoria to Port Hardy.
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City Bus Service:
Victoria Regional Transit System's comfortable city buses cover the entire city from downtown Victoria to Sooke and Sidney. Take a single trip or ride all day with a day pass available from many outlets. For further information consult your Transit Ridersí Guide (available at the Visitors' Information Centre) or phone 382-6161.
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Victoria to Seattle:
The Victoria Clipper and Victoria Clipper II high-speed catamarans offer year-round, daily service between Seattle and Victoria.
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Sidney, B.C., to Anacortes, Washington:
Washington State Ferry operates at least 2 sailings daily in the summer months and one daily for the balance of the year. Cars, R.V.s, trucks and foot passengers are carried. Cafeteria service is available. Sailing time approximately 2 hours.
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Victoria to Port Angeles, Washington:
Blackball Transport Inc. (M.V. Coho) operates 4 sailings daily during the summer months, 2 to 3 sailings in spring and fall, and one during the winter. Vehicles are carried and a cafeteria is available. Sailing time is 1 hour and 35 minutes.
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The Victoria Express Passenger Ferry:
A foot passenger ferry connecting Port Angeles with Victoria's Inner Harbour during the summer months, is a convenient way to arrive. The 105-foot Victoria Express accepts reservations for up to 148 passengers and is a speedy one-hour crossing.
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Rail Service:
Via Rail, also known as the historic E & N Railway, originates in Victoria and provides a very enjoyable scenic train ride up the island to Courtenay. This is a daily service leaving Victoria early in the morning and arriving back in the city late afternoon.
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Fishing:
Tidal and fresh water sports fishing licenses are required and must be carried on your person while fishing. Full regulations and licenses can be obtained from most sporting goods stores for both fishing and hunting.
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Hunting:
It is unlawful to hunt over or trap in enclosed land or private property without the owner's permission.
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Additional Important Items Of Note:
When in Canada please be sure to use Canadian Postage Stamps.

When in B.C. and phoning long distance to locations also in B.C. you must dial the area code. Areas codes for B.C. are (250) for all areas except Greater Vancouver which is (604).