Vancouver Island Regions

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General Information

Find comprehensive information on travelling to and within the Vancouver Island region at www.VancouverIsland.travel. Here you can view the Outdoor Guide online or order free print copies of it and Tourism Vancouver Island’s other travel-planning publications: Golf Vacations Guide, Outdoor Guide, Vancouver Island Garden Trail, and Wine & Culinary Guide. To contact us directly or for information on tour planning, call 1-888-655-3483 or email info@tourismvi.ca.

While Tourism Vancouver Island is the region’s official tourism organization, provincial and community organizations also serve visitors with additional information; visit www.VancouverIsland.travel for contact details.
For more information on other areas of B.C., visit www.HelloBC.com.

Climate

The Vancouver Island region is a year-round destination boasting the most moderate climate in Canada. In fact, Environment Canada has named Victoria and Nanaimo as “weather winners” with the most comfortable year-round conditions in the country. For average monthly temperatures, as well as daily weather reports, visit Environment Canada.

Alcoholic Beverages

The law in BC prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages to anyone under 19. Alcoholic beverages can be consumed only on licensed premises or private property and not in unlicensed public areas, including parks, beaches, and streets.

Taxes

In BC, a federal/provincial tax of 12% is applied to most goods and services, including retail purchases, restaurants, attractions, tours, and accommodation.

Entry/Customs

In general, visitors from other countries, including the United States, must have approved documentation and identification, such as a valid passport, visitor visa, or alien card permitting entry. For general information on customs and regulations when entering Canada (including a strict ban on all weapons and firearms),visit the website for the Canada Border Services Agency at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca. You can also call Canada Border Service at 204-983-3500 (from outside Canada) or 1-800-461-9999 (from inside Canada). Requirements for American visitors are available at the U.S. Department of State website.

Weapons

All firearms must be declared. Revolvers, pistols, fully automatic firearms and other weapons and self-defence sprays (e.g. mace, pepper spray) are prohibited. For more information contact the Canadian Firearms Centre at 1-800-731-4000. For more information on customs offices and regulations when entering Canada, visit the website for the Canada Border Services Agency at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca; or, call 1-800-461-9999 (toll-free within Canada), or 204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064 from outside Canada (long-distance charges apply).