Travel Planning:
1) What is the best way to get to Victoria?
2) Will I need a car while I am there?
3) What is the best time of the year to visit Victoria?
4) What do I need to cross the border into Canada?

Accommodation Planning:
1) Should I choose a B&B or hotel?
2) Where are the best areas in the city to stay in?
3) What are the taxes charged on accommodation?

Activity Planning:
1) What is there to do in Victoria?
2) What about Butchart Gardens?
3) How do I book Tea at the Empress?
4) What about whale watching?
5) What is going on while I am there?
6) Are there good places to eat in Victoria?

Travel Planning:


1) What is the best way to get to get to Victoria?
Victoria is on Vancouver Island off the shores of mainland British Columbia.
It can be reached by the Ferries from Tsawwassen (south of Vancouver and 10 miles north of the Canada US Border), Anacortes, Seattle, Bellingham and Port Angeles. (see Ferry Info)
HINT:  Consider leaving your car in Port Angeles or waiting until you get to Victoria to rent one. It is much easier and cheaper to be a walk-on passenger on the ferries. The PCL runs a very convenient bus connection from the bus terminal in downtown Vancouver to the terminal in downtown Victoria – three blocks from Scholefield House.
Victoria can also be reached by air from Vancouver Airport and Vancouver Harbour, and from Seattle Airport and Lake Union. (see Air Info)
If you are flying into either Vancouver or SeaTac, you can often add a connector flight to Victoria (on Air Canada or Alaska Airline) at very little cost if you do it when you are making your initial booking.

2) Will I need a car?
Not necessarily. Scholefield House is within easy walking distance of most attractions, good shopping, and fine restaurants.
HINT:  Wait and rent a car in Victoria. It’s easier and less expensive than taking one on the ferry.

3) What is the best time of the year to visit Victoria?
Victoria is a beautiful city all year round. It is most popular (and filled) with visitors during the summer high season from June through September. But flowers come out in late March, making April and May beautiful in the city, and October is still quite warm. The Off-season is a great time to stay in Victoria, the crowds are gone, the locals take back the city and there is much to do with local theatre, concerts, etc. The winters are relatively mild, sunny and drier than many expect.
HINT:  Come in the shoulder or off seasons for better rates all round the city.

4) What do I need to cross the border into Canada?
Canada is a friendly and safe country and welcomes international visitors. Since the events of September 11, 2001, there has been more concern about the borders, especially the one between Canada and the USA.This has resulted in tightened procedures particularly for those entering or returning to the US.
HINT:  Americans should make sure to have a passport if flying into/out of Canada. See more

Accommodation Planning:

1) Should I choose a B&B or hotel?
Hotels and Bed and Breakfasts offer different experiences depending on your taste.
Hotels are big, have services such as restaurants and bars, are less personal and are often located on major streets in the busier (and possibly noisier) areas of the city.

B&Bs are general small, are personally owned and operated, are more safe and secure, and are in quieter areas of the city. They include in the rate a breakfast but are not allowed by law to serve other meals. Some B&Bs are larger and function as inns, while some (like Scholefield House) are smaller and personally overseen by the owners.For more information, see "Choosing your own Bed and Breakfast experience."

2) Where are the best areas to stay in?
Victoria is the Capital of the Province of British Columbia. Originally it was a fort established by the Hudson Bay Company in the early 1800’s It has grown over the centuries to include a number of communities – Oak Bay, Saanich, Esquimalt, for example. (see map) – and they all have a Victoria postal address.
Most of the major attractions, activities, restaurants and shopping are still in the original Victoria.

HINT:  When choosing a place to stay, find out how far it is to walk to the Empress Hotel or Inner Harbour which are at the center of everything. Then you know where you are staying and not be surprised or disappointed.

3) What are the taxes?
There are three taxes in BC – the GST (Goods and Services Tax of 7%) which is refundable on accommodation for non-Canadians, the PST (Provincial Sales Tax of 7%) and the Hotel Tax (2.5% charged on accommodation).

HINT: Because of our size (number of rooms) Scholefield House does not charge PST or Hotel Tax – a saving of 10%.

Activity Planning:

1) What is there to do in Victoria?
There is enough to do in and around Victoria to easily fill a week or more, ranging from museums, art galleries, shopping, antiques to whale watching, kayaking, hiking, beach-combing, sailing and fishing.
HINT:  Check out the list of activities and attractions on this site.

2) What about Butchart Gardens?
Butchart Gardens, 15 miles outside of Victoria, is open all year round. But the best times are late spring and summer with all of the colour, or Christmas when the gardens are decorated and illuminated for the season. It can easily be reached by car, tour bus or city bus.
HINT:  In the summer, take the shuttle bus from the bus station three blocks from Scholefield House. Or go on Saturday evening and see the spectacular fireworks display.

3) How do I book Tea at the Empress?
High Tea at the Empress is internationally famous (and pricey.) You can book it directly by calling 250-389-2727 or we can book it for you on your arrival.
HINT:  There are other good afternoon or high teas available in Victoria:
- Tea at Butchart Gardens
- Tea at a traditional tea room – White Heather in Oak Bay

4) What about whale watching?
Many people don’t know that three pods (families) or Orca Killer Whales reside in the Straits just off of Victoria Harbour. From April to October, you can expect to see between 10 and 60 whales during a three hour cruise.
HINT:  Wait and book you trip when you get here and we can check on both the weather and the whales. Usual rates are $79-89 CDN for three hours but we have a special deal for our guests with WildCat Adventures for $59 CDN

5) What is going on while I am there?
There is always something going on in Victoria. Here are two sites that list some of the scheduled events:
VicFun and TourismVictoria
HINT:  We can let you know about more and help you with any reservations once you arrive.

6) Are there good places to eat in Victoria?
There are many fine restaurants in the city offering a wide variety of foods from northwest cuisine to ethnic foods and quick snacks.
HINT:   Cafe Brio and Restaurant Matisse are two of the most popular restaurants in the city. Book early to get a table. Check out our 'Dining' page too.