Victoria What to Pack

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Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: It's best to dress in layers. Being on the water, Victoria is a temperate place. It doesn't generally get frigid but it can be wet and cool. The weather is changeable on the island and it's best to be prepared for all seasons in one day. That said, when we were there, it was unusually warm. It was actually quite hot and we're from Florida!

Photo Equipment: A wide angel lens is great for taking photos of buildings and particularly of interiors.

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: We were happy to keep our tent and sleeping bags in the trunk of our car on this part of our six month camping trip around the western US!

Miscellaneous: It's great to have that special someone to stroll to all those great brewpubs with. Thanks D.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: It's quite possible to spend a few days in Victoria without having a car. If you're staying in the downtown area, you'll soon realize that it's very easy to walk up to pretty much all the attractions, so pack up a good pair of walking shoes and forget about the car!

Also, even though Victoria gets less rain than Vancouver does, I still think bringing a rain coat might be a good idea if you don't want to let a few drops ruin your trip :o)

Luggage and bags: For God's sake, don't wear a fanny pack. There is no better way to stand out as a tourist than to wear a fanny pack!

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Bring an umbrella, no matter what time of year you're visiting. It's the middle of August and it's pouring rain today... and our winters are notoriously mild and rainy (expected to be even rainier this year due to El Nino!). You don't need a heavy coat because it's not very cold... you just need something to keep you dry.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: We have pretty much everything you're looking for, however keep in mind that in general, we seperate grocery stores from drug stores. If you do buy medicine, toothpaste, tampons etc from a grocery store you can expect to pay significantly more.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: While visiting Victoria, smart, casual clothes will see you through most situations. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. This resort-style city is made for strolling, with downtown hotels, restaurants, shops and parks within close proximity of one-another.

Summer:
Victoria enjoys warm, comfortable summers that are rarely scorching.
Shorts, T-shirts and sandals are suitable, but with constant ocean breezes blowing in off the water, a sweater or light jacket may be required and is recommended in the evenings.

Fall:
Autumn is very mild with summer-like weather often stretching into October.
As the leaves start to fall, the air turns crisp in the morning and is cool overnight.
Layering your clothing is a good idea in order to adjust to the weather as the day unfolds. Warm clothing worn in the morning may be removed as the sun comes out in the afternoon, and then replaced again in the evening.
A waterproof jacket and umbrella are also recommended.

Miscellaneous: Winter:
Although winters are mild and rarely include snow, warmer clothing is recommended between the months of November and March.
To stay cosy and dry, you will need warm clothes, a raincoat and an umbrella.
Waterproof footwear is always a good idea.
Hats, gloves and scarves are not as readily worn as in other snow-covered areas of Canada, but are often appreciated.

Spring:
The fresh spring air blows in early to our seaside city. February or March start to see the early crocuses and daffodils popping up, quickly followed by an eruption of spring blossoms.
Recommended attire is similar to autumn, but with clothing geared slightly towards warmer, sunnier weather.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Comfortable walking shoes are a must. This resort-style city is made for strolling.

Shorts, T-shirts and sandals are suitable for summer, but with constant ocean breezes blowing in off the water, a sweater or light jacket is recommended in the evenings.

In the Fall it is very mild with summer-like weather into October. As the leaves start to fall, the air turns crisp in the morning and is cool overnight. Layering your clothing is a good idea. A waterproof jacket and umbrella are also recommended for this time of year.

Although winters are mild and rarely include snow, warmer clothing is recommended. To stay cosy and dry, you will need warm clothes, a raincoat, umbrella & waterproof footwear is always a good idea. Hats, gloves and scarves are not as readily worn as in other snow-covered areas of Canada, but are often appreciated.

Spring air blows in early as do the beautiful blossoms. Recommended attire is similar to autumn, but with clothing geared slightly towards warmer, sunnier weather.

Luggage and bags: Dont take too many bags... they may be searched at the border crossing especially since September 11.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Wear comfortable casual clothing and walking shoes. Bring along a nice outfit for the nicer restaurants. bring a raincoat and umbrella.

Photo Equipment: Lots of photo ops so bring lots of film

Miscellaneous: It used to be that you could get across the border and back with just your drivers license, but ever since 9-11 they are also asking for passports or birth certificates.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: For the trip across by ferry, I would recommend having a sweater, even on a warm day. The air out on the water was quite cold.
And of course, don't leave without your raincoat!

Photo Equipment: The majority of my trip pictures were of the ferry ride to Victoria and all around the city. I can't even describe the scenery...because any picture you take pales in comparison to seeing it with your own eyes.
Have lots of film with you because you'll want to take a picture of everything you see!

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: If coming from the UK bring Lucozade. It costs $8.00CDN here. You will need it in the mornings as there are a number of Brew Pubs with tasty beers you' ll need to sample. (I' ll tell you about those, once I have a chance to work on this page)

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: Loads of great camping sites on the island. Bring a tent and a warm sleeping bag. A nice thick foamy to lie on helps too.