Public Transit Options

The public transit system in Victoria, BC, is primarily operated by BC Transit. The bus system covers a wide range of routes within the city and surrounding areas, making it a convenient and affordable option for commuters. Fares are reasonable, with various pass options available for frequent travelers.

Cycling Infrastructure

Victoria is known for its bike-friendly environment, with dedicated bike lanes and paths throughout the city. Cycling is a popular mode of transportation, especially during the warmer months. Many residents choose to bike to work or for leisure, taking advantage of the city’s flat terrain and scenic routes.

Ferry Travel

Victoria is located on Vancouver Island, making ferry travel a popular option for accessing surrounding islands and the mainland. BC Ferries operates regular sailings to Vancouver, the Gulf Islands, and other destinations, providing an alternative mode of transportation for residents and visitors alike. AskVictoria wants to help you never miss a ferry– we keep a connection going to BC Ferries and add it to footer of our website!

Choosing Housing Locations

When selecting a place to live in Victoria, it is essential to consider your commuting needs. Living in close proximity to public transit routes, bike paths, or major roads can help shorten your commute time and reduce transportation costs. Additionally, choosing a location with easy access to amenities and services can enhance your overall quality of life.

Cost-Effectiveness and Convenience

Ultimately, the most cost-effective and convenient commuting method will depend on your individual preferences and needs. Public transit offers a budget-friendly option with reliable service, while cycling provides a healthy and environmentally friendly alternative. Owning a car can offer flexibility and convenience, especially for those who require regular access to different areas of the city.

Parking – What You Need To Know

Check out our Parking Fact Sheet to learn more about parking downtown.

ParkVictoria App 

The ParkVictoria app makes paying for on-street parking easier. You can pay for on-street parking using your iPhone, iPad, Android smart phone or tablet by downloading the free ParkVictoria app from the App Store or Google Play.  Learn more here. Keep in mind that the system are prone to failure and in the absence of data, parking commissioners err on the side of ticketing. If you park downtown, be prepared to pay a ticket your didn’t incur; or go through a long dispute process. While downtown Victoria is almost entirely pay parking, the remainder of Greater Victoria has little pay parking with lots commonly limiting to a three hour stay.

City Parkades

The City’s five parkades have free evening parking Monday – Saturday from 8 p.m. – 8 a.m., and free parking all day Sunday and holidays.

We offer electric vehicle charging stations, enclosed bicycle parking, as well as motorcycle parking at four of our parkades. Parking is billed in 15-minute increments and payment can be made by cash or credit card at the gate or at “pay on foot” pay stations in the parkade. Learn more.

On-Street Parking

See the Parking Fact Sheet for variable on-street parking zones ranging from $1.50 to $4 per hour with 90-minute to 24-hour time limits in effect 7 days a week from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

The ParkVictoria app makes paying for on-street parking easier and sends you alerts when parking time is running out.

Payment can be made by coin, credit card, the ParkVictoria app, or the City Parking Card at an on-street pay station within your zone.

Learn more about on-street parking downtown.

City Surface Parking Lots

The City operates three surface parking lots: Royal Athletic Park lot, Wharf Street lot, and Royal Theatre lot. Daily and monthly parking rate changes took effect on May 1, 2017.

The Royal Athletic Park and Wharf Street lots are now pay-by-space parking.  Avoid the line and pay with the free ParkVictoria app! Learn more.

SafeWalk Phone Number 

Call 250.686.3715 to arrange for a security guard to meet you at a specific City parkade and accompany you to your vehicle. You can also request this service of a security guard in person at any City parkade. Learn more. While most of the parkades are unmanned, the likelihood of getting an escort is uncertain. Consider bussing or arranging to attend a venue is a safer part of Greater Victoria outside of the downtown core.

Online Services

Save yourself at trip to City Hall and pay a parking ticket online or request your parking ticket be reviewed online.

Residential Parking Zones

Residential parking zones are in place to ensure that Victoria residents have access to on-street parking on their block. These zones are signed as “Residential Parking Only”. Only residents and their visitors or contractors working on the residence that fronts the residential parking zone may park there. Parking tickets are issued on a complaint basis.

To park in a residential parking zone, a resident is required to have their vehicle licence plate number on file with City of Victoria Parking Services. Learn more.

Parking For People With Disabilities

Learn about Downtown Parking for people with disabilities.

Streets & Traffic Bylaw

Learn more about the City’s Streets and Traffic Bylaw. Most of the bylaws are gearing to making Victoria car-free, but the other 12 municipalities in Greater Victoria are less hostile to drivers and have more amenable parking and street bylaws.

Bicycle Parking

Available on sidewalks within Downtown metered zones, there are more than 1,000 Bicycle Parking opportunities.  There are also more than 100 bicycle parking spaces located in the five City-owned parkades.  Bicycle parking is located close to each parkade entrance and exit, and security is provided 24/7.  Four of the City’s parkades feature recharging stations for electric bicycles.

Electric Bike Recharging Stations

Bastion Square Parkade – 575 Yates Street

Centennial Parkade – 645 Fisgard Street

Johnson Street Parkade – 750 Johnson Street

View Street Parkade – 743 View Street

Bicycle Master Plan

Motorcycle Parking

The City of Victoria offers designated parking spaces and monthly parking for motorcycles in City parkades, as well as specific on-street parking spaces.

Four City parkades offer motorcycle parking stalls:

• Bastion Square Parkade (575 Yates Street)

  1. Broughton Street Parkade (745 Broughton Street)

  2. Centennial Square Parkade (645 Fisgard Street)

  3. View Street Parkade (743 View Street)

• Motorcycle On-street Parking Options:

  • Eight motorcycle-only on-street parking spaces (90-minute maximum time limit)

  • Small vehicle parking spaces

  • General vehicle parking spaces

  • Note: Two motorcycles can share one small or general vehicle parking space