Moving to Victoria?
Did you know that Victoria, BC is considered to be one of the top places to live in Canada? Greater Victoria offers recreation, culture, culinary delights, community events and support around every corner.
Whether you are thinking about moving to Victoria, or have just arrived on Vancouver Island, our Greater Victoria Primer aims to help you learn more about your community so you feel at home.
Find other newcomers to Victoria, get involved in your community, or be up to date on the latest news and events affecting your neighbourhood. We hope the resources below will get you started:
Newcomers club of Greater Victoria https://newcomersclubofgreatervictoria.ca/
The Newcomers’ Club of Greater Victoria warmly welcomes women of all ages to the club. They are a non-profit group, with members volunteering for all the positions that make this club so dynamic. If you’ve recently moved to the Greater Victoria area or have lived here for up to four years, joining this club is an excellent way to enjoy your new home, to meet other members and to develop lasting friendships. Explore lots of activities including walking and hiking groups, stitching, dining out, art making, golf or make suggestions of something you’d love to share with others.
For men: Victoria Region Men’s and Newcomer’s Club https://vrmnc.ca/
This group embarks on organized hikes, wine making, social bridge, golf, paddling, billiards and so much more.
Meetup Victoria:
This is a very popular way to join in activities you love and try new things. They offer everything from walking groups to karaoke for adults of all ages. Simply enter your city and sort your preferred activities – from hiking to dancing and cycling to cooking – meet-up groups is a great way to meet new people who share your interests. https://www.meetup.com
Volunteering in Victoria can be a wonderful way to meet new people or get involved in your new community. There are not-for-profit organizations always looking for volunteers that can help with events or governance. Whatever role you choose to play, it all contributes to a stronger and healthy community. https://volunteervictoria.bc.ca/
Where to Get News and local stories about Victoria
Looking for the latest news, local stories or information about events happening in Victoria, Oak Bay, Sidney, Saanich, Esquimalt or the West Shore. Check out the links below or subscribe to the feeds and newsletters of your favourites, for an easy way to stay up-to-date:
- Downtown Business Association https://downtownvictoria.ca/
- This Week In Victoria https://thisweekinvic.beehiiv.com/
- Tourism Victoria https://www.tourismvictoria.com/events-calendar
- Monday Magazine will keep you up todate on what’s trending, what’s happening and even local contests: https://www.mondaymag.com/
- Daily Dish Local News https://www.vicnews.com/local-news
- Victoria Buzz https://www.victoriabuzz.com/category/events/
- Capital Daily https://www.capitaldaily.ca/
- Yam Magazine https://www.yammagazine.com/
- Boulevard Magazine https://www.boulevardmagazines.com
- VicNews https://www.vicnews.com/
- Douglas Magazine (business magazine) https://www.douglasmagazine.com/digital-issues/
Greater Victoria Community News and Events:
To find out more about what’s happening in your municipality or neigbhourhood explore the links below:
The City of Victoria offers this link to community associations in each neigbhourhood https://www.victoria.ca/community-culture/neighbourhoods
Oak Bay: Events, Festivals & year round happenings
- https://www.oakbay.ca/explore-oak-bay/festivals-events/calendar
- https://www.visitoakbayvillage.ca/index.php?page_id=1011
- Sign up for the local newsletter https://www.oakbaynews.com/newsletters
Downtown Victoria:
- Events: https://events.downtownvictoria.ca/events/
- https://www.oakbaynews.com/newsletters
- Downtown Resident’s Association: https://www.victoriadra.ca/
- City-Vibe https://www.victoria.ca/community-culture/arts-culture/festivals-events
Fairfield & Gonzales: https://fairfieldcommunity.ca/about-us/fgca-newsletter/
Fernwood: https://thefca.ca/category/latest-news/
Cook Street Village: https://www.thecookstvillage.com/
Esquimalt: https://www.esquimalt.ca/community-events/subscribe
North Saanich:
- https://northsaanich.ca/news-events/newsletters/
- Events & happenings: https://northsaanich.ca/news-events/
Saanich:
Sidney:
- https://www.sidney.ca/discover-sidney/town-talk-newsletter
- News and Community happenings https://www.sidney.ca/notification-subscription/
Vic West & Songhees:
View Royal:
West Shore:
- https://www.thewestshore.ca/
- https://thediscourse.ca/west-shore-newsletter
- Colwood: https://www.colwood.ca/news-events/news/colwood-connection-newsletter
- Langford: https://langford.ca/langford-launches-city-fact-check-page-as-a-resource-for-residents/
- Langford Blog: https://langford.ca/blog/
INTEREST SPECIFIC
Victoria Music lovers:
- Hermann’s Jazz Club: Stay connected to their calendar of events https://www.hermannsjazz.com/
- Baroque: https://victoria-baroque.com
- Victoria Symphony: https://victoriasymphony.ca/
- Country Music:
- You’ll always find good live music at Duke’s Saloon https://thedukesaloon.com/
- Country Music Festival: https://www.sunfestconcerts.com/
- Bluegrass: https://www.victoriabluegrass.ca/events.htm
- Scottish Country Dancing: https://rscds.org/branches-and-groups/vancouver-island-scottish-country-dance-society
- Latin Music: https://vivavictorialatinfest.ca/
- Victoria Events Centre venue for music, theatre and dance: https://victoriaeventcentre.ca
For Vancouver Island Foodies:
- Mushroom Lovers: https://www.westcoastforager.com/
- Wine lovers: https://www.decanter.com/
- Specialty food sources: https://tastingvictoria.com/p/9-specialty-grocery-stores-in-victoria
- Tourism Victoria also keeps tabs on the best places to eat: https://www.tourismvictoria.com/plan-your-trip/travel-itineraries/food-lovers-journey
- Tasting Victoria: https://tastingvictoria.com/
- Happy Hour in Victoria is very popular! Watch the sun go down in the winter months or relax on a patio with an Ocean view. This lists rates the best places to take some time with friends.
Families with kids
This link will connect you to parent groups, sports for kids, playgrounds and so much more! You’ll also find a complete list of community centres which in Victoria we also call ‘rec centres’.
- Family Activities Downtown Victoria https://downtownvictoria.ca/family-activities-downtown/
- Island Parent Magazine: https://islandparent.ca/
Ready to open a new door?
Audra Poole brings a unique level of knowledge, experience and service that is hard to find. She is a skilled negotiator and a highly respected marketing and public relations executive with more than twenty-five years of local, regional and international experience.
Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home in Victoria, Oak Bay, Sidney, Saanich or on Vancouver Island – she’ll be on your side and make the process as stress free and seamless as possible.
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