©2006 Victoria Downtown Bed and Breakfast, Victoria British Columbia
Frequently asked questions
Visiting 
Canada?
Your hosts at Victoria Downtown Bed and Breakfast are always here to answer your questions or find the answers for you. However, if you prefer to do a little research yourself, check out these links.
travel info | immigration | complaints | tourism | work | demographics | currency
g.s.t. | tipping | guns | driving | customs | metric | weather | packing tips
What is a bed and breakfast in Canada? What rules apply?
A bed and breakfast experience can offer the finest features of a quality hotel, with the added pleasure of making instant friends in a strange city.
A B&B differs from a hotel in that the innkeeper usually owns the property and resides there. There are usually fewer than six guest rooms and they can provide very personal attention. There is no hard rule for this. Some 20-room inns offer breakfast and advertise themselves as a B&B even if the owner is nowhere in evidence. In an urban environment, this can be less than desirable. Get references! And don't trust "rating" services as no unbiased rating service, such as AAA, Mobile or Michelin, is available to Bed and Breakfasts of less than 4 rooms.
As there is very little municipal legislation, you should get references (previous guest comments or reviews are helpful), see pictures and talk to the innkeepers, before making reservations. You will be living in their home; you should feel comfortable from your very first telephone contact. A quality B&B will have a toll-free number to encourage you to call. [VDBAB is 1-877-950-6200. Please call! Also see our Guest Comments page of previous guest comments.]
Innkeepers themselves usually have a few rules out of respect for other guests and for the home itself. Cooking and unregistered guests are usually not allowed. Smoking, pets and children are always something that must be confirmed in advance. Avoid embarrassing yourself and your innkeeper by keeping these considerations in mind.
In a city property, parking is often not available on site, but public transit makes it easy to get around. Guests have their own key and can come and go at any hour. Check-in time must be confirmed in advance, so the innkeeper can be there to meet you. Not all B&Bs accept all or any credit cards. Deposit and cancellation policies are generally less forgiving than hotels (as a late cancellation may mean a significant loss to the small innkeeper). [VDBAB has parking and accepts Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, American Express and Discover. See our Cancellation Policy here.]
A B&B may indeed cost less than a hotel, especially when you consider that fewer taxes are applied, there is no charge for local phone calls, breakfast is included, snacks are usually free and you don't tip the bellman. Despite this, a bed and breakfast should not be selected as a cheaper alternative to a hotel. This is to belittle the love and attention the innkeeper lavishes on the property and on their guests.
In the words of one of our colleagues, to distinguish the difference between a hotel and a bed and breakfast: "When was the last time you hugged the hotel clerk as you checked out?"
If you select Victoria Downtown Bed and Breakfast, we can guarantee you an unforgettably wonderful experience.
An Innsitter is a friend or professional who attends a bed and breakfast during the absence of the owners to maintain income during their vacation, similar to any hotel or other business. It is our personal belief (not necessarily shared by all our colleagues) that a B&B is such a personal experience that the presence of the owner-hosts is an integral part of the experience, that to visit a B&B during the tenure of an Innsitter is not a full experience. If this is a concern to you, we suggest you ask when booking if the owners will be in residence during your visit. [When we are on vacation, Victoria Downtown Bed and Breakfast is closed.]
What about children?
Urban B&Bs are often child-free zones. Is that because B&B owners don't like children? This is seldom the situation. In fact, it is most bed and breakfast Guests who prefer an adult environment. Indeed, it is for the assurance of this environment that most B&B guests have selected a B&B, rather than a hotel. Most families are more comfortable at a hotel/motel/resort with pool, etc., for their children. As a result, many B&Bs are not generally set up to accommodate children safely, and many of the better ones are furnished (and catered) with adult tastes in mind. [VDBAB welcomes children of age 13 and up, with a maximum of 2 persons per room, any age.]
Why a minimum stay of two or more days?
There are two reasons why B&Bs often do not accept one-night visitors. We would like to think that, first and foremost, it is because the innkeepers are in this profession because they enjoy getting to know people from all over the world. This is not often possible when a guest checks in at 10 p.m., has breakfast at 7 a.m. and checks out. There is no "satisfaction" for the innkeeper. The second reason is economics: With few rooms to let, it maximizes occupancy if the visits are longer; accepting a one-night Saturday visit, for example, might prevent the another guest from staying from Thursday to Monday. [VDBAB has a 2-night midweek and 3-night weekend minimum stay.]
What should I pack?
That's a whole separate essay, nicely written by Sandy Soule of BedAndBreakfast.com. Take a moment to read it, and you'll save yourself a lot of lugging!
What about tipping?
That's another advantage to B&Bs over hotels. Innkeepers will always go out of their way to ensure you have every comfort and service within their power, and never expect gratuities.[If you choose to express your gratitude at VDBAB, it will be passed directly to the cleaning staff.]
Tips or service charges are not usually added to restaurant bills in Canada. As well, salary levels in many restaurants are based on the assumption that staff will receive a significant proportion of their income in tips.
If you are satisfied with the service received, a tip of 15 percent is the usual amount given. Following the introduction of the federal goods and services tax (GST), many Canadians have begun to tip on the pretax amount.
Some restaurants will place a mandatory service charge on a bill for a large party. Your waiter or waitress should explain this to you before you order. Barbers, hairdressers and taxi drivers are also usually tipped at 15 percent. Bellhops, doormen, redcaps (porters) and similar staff at hotels, airports and railway stations are generally paid C$1 per item of luggage carried.
How far is it from Victoria Downtown Bed and Breakfast to ...?
Please see our special "how far is it" page: www.VDBAB.com/howfarto.htm.
Can you give me travel information about Canada?
Travel information about Canada can be obtained from the provincial and territorial tourism offices and visitor bureaus of specific cities that you wish to visit. Contact information can be found in the Travel Canada section of the CTC Web site: www.canadatourism.com. and at http://www.travelcanada.ca/
What kind of identification do I need to come into Canada?
For specific information you may telephone 613-944-4000 or 1-800-267-8376 in Canada.
Immigration Requirements
Whether you enter Canada by land, sea or air there are certain formalities at the border. There are numerous seaports and international airports. For those entering Canada from the U.S.A. by land, there are border crossings spread right across the thousands of miles of frontier between the two countries.
For short term visits to Canada you will need a valid passport, unless you are an American citizen or permanent resident arriving from the U.S.A. in which case you must provide proof of citizenship or residency upon request. Proof of citizenship consists of a passport, original or certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate, current voter's registration card, U.S. military discharge papers, or certificate of citizenship or naturalization. Photo ID required. If you are a permanent resident of the U.S.A., but not a U.S. citizen you must provide your 'green card' if requested. Persons under 16 years travelling without their parents should have a letter of authorization from a parent or guardian to travel into Canada.
Visa not required for U.S. citizens entering from the U.S. for a stay up to 180 days. Anyone with a criminal record (including a DWI charge) should contact the Canadian Embassy or nearest Consulate General before travel. U.S. citizens entering Canada from a third country must have a valid passport. For student or business travel, check with the Canadian Embassy, 501 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001 (202/682-1740) or nearest Consulate General: CA (213/346-2700), MI (313/567-2085), NY (212/596-1700 or 716/858-9501), or WA (206/443-1777).
For citizens of certain countries, Canada requires a visitor's visa to be obtained from their nearest Canadian Consulate before entry into Canada, please check if this is required before your trip. If you intend to enter Canada to take up or obtain employment, attend an educational institution or take up permanent residence, and are not a Canadian Citizen or have current landed immigrant status - different regulations apply. Please consult your local Canadian Consulate before planning your journey. See disclaimer.
Where can I make a complaint about a tourism business?
Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia have agencies who deal specifically with travel or tourism complaints. In Ontario: 1-888-451- or 416-975-0818; tico@tico.on.ca. In Quebec, 418-643-1484, Fax 418-528-1714. In British Columbia, phone 604-660-3540. For complaints outside these provinces, contact the Better Business Bureaus for the specific province. Contact information can be found at www.bbb.org/.
Where can I obtain statistics about the Canadian tourism industry?
The Tourism Reference and Documentation centre of the Canadian Tourism Commission has many resources to answer these kinds of questions or can refer your question to the appropriate CTC staff members. Contact the reference centre at trdc.ctc@ic.gc.ca. Telephone 613-954-3943; fax 613-954-3945.
Could you send me some information on Canada?
For information about Canada's history, population, climate, geography, work permits, etc., contact the Canada Information Office at 1-800-622-6232 or 613-941-4823. http://www.canada.gc.ca/main_e.html. As well, most public libraries will have reference books with information on Canada. To plan a vacation in Canada, please visit the Travel Canada section of the Web site http://www.travelcanada.ca/.
Money, Currency and Tax Refunds
Currency & Exchange
The currency system in Canada uses dollars and cents as in the U.S. In the past decade, the US$ has been very strong compared to the CDN$, giving American visitors a most favourable exchange value for their money. For precise conversions, in any currency, visit http://www.xe.net/pca/
It is always best to change your money at a recognized financial institution, bank, trust company or currency exchange. Stores, hotels and restaurants will also exchange currency but the rate will not be as good as a financial institution. And always convert some of your money prior to leaving home.
Canada has one- and two-dollar coins, affectionately called the "loonie" and the "twonie", in addition to 1-cent (penny), 5-cent (nickel), 10-cent (dime) and 25-cent (quarter) coins. The paper money comes in different colours and designs. The most common are $5 bills (blue), $10 bills (purple), $20 bills (green), $50 bills (red) and $100 bills (brown).
You are advised NOT to accept $100 notes. They are very difficult to spend, because of counterfeiting.
Credit Cards / Bank Machines
Major cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted in Canada, even in parking meters! Diners Club is not as widely accepted; Discover only rarely accepted. Keep in mind your financial institution at home will automatically make the currency exchange before you receive your monthly statement.
Credit card companies will often charge an exchange rate that is somewhat less favourable than the official rate by about 4%, but often a better rate than a retail merchant will give for cash. The best rates are given by ATM transactions, but they often charge a $1 or $1.50 service fee per transaction.
You can use virtually any bank card for the Plus/Cirrus/Interac system with just about every automated banking machine in Canada, conveniently located at banks and other locations (most service stations and even corner grocery stores), throughout every city and at airports. You cannot use foreign bank or debit cards to make purchases in Canada however; they are only valid at cash-dispensing machines.
There are also Thomas Cook money changers at the airport arrivals lounge, and several dozen money changers located in downtown Toronto.
Travellers' Cheques? (that's "Travelers' Checks" to our friends from the States)
Our advice? Don't bother. They are more trouble to cash; even banks won't accept them readily unless you have an account there.
Federal Goods & Services Tax (GST)
The Federal Goods and Services Tax (G.S.T.), of 6% is a value added tax that is applicable to most purchased goods and services. Visitors to Canada can claim a rebate on the G.S.T. The rebate only applies to accommodation charges and for goods that will not be consumed in Canada, and for amounts over $200CDN. Some products purchased such as tobacco and alcohol are not eligible for a G.S.T. rebate whether or not they are to be consumed outside of Canada. There are many GST refund services that will process your refund for you in exchange for a percentage. Or you may do it yourself directly with the Canadian tax authorities after you leave the country. Please ensure you retain receipts for all your purchases, and tickets and boarding cards from your journey to and from Canada. For a refund form or more Information call 1-800-66-VISIT (Canada) or (613) 991-3346 or contact your nearest Canadian consul. See disclaimer.
Visitor Tax Rebates
Nonresident visitors to Canada are entitled to a rebate of GST/ HST on certain goods they take out of Canada as well as short-term accommodations. Keep your receipts if you wish to apply for a GST (Victoria Downtown Bed and Breakfast™ provides guests the proper forms; GST paid on accommodation is completely refundable to visitors.)
I want to go hunting in Canada. Can I bring my own gun?
Hunting licences can be purchased from any Canadian Postal outlet. For information about bringing firearms into Canada, contact Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. [VDBAB does not welcome armed guests. Victoria is not a hunting district.]
Do I need a special permit to drive a motor bike / RV in Canada?
The regulations concerning recreational vehicles vary from province to province. For information, contact Canada Customs and Revenue Agency.
Motor Vehicles, Bicycles and Car Rentals.
If you intend to drive a private or rental vehicle during your stay in Canada it is recommended for visitors from outside North America that you obtain an International Drivers Licence which should be carried in addition to your regular drivers licence. Highways and roads in Canada are of a very high standard. In Canada vehicles drive on the right hand side of the road. Speeds and distances are posted in metric measurements. (1.6km = 1 mile). Fuel is sold in litres (1 litre = 1 quart U.S. approximately). Driving regulations vary slightly from province to province, for full details please check with your local automobile or motoring association, or your car rental company upon arrival.
For those who will be riding bikes or motorcycles please note that helmets are mandatory in most cases (adults exempted from helmet requirement on bicycles). See disclaimer.
Renting a car is easy all over Canada. All major car rental firms are well represented nationwide. Drivers must be over 25 with a valid driver's licence and a major credit card.
Can I bring [alcohol / tobacco / pets / animals / plants / fruit ]?
Please contact Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/menu-e.html.
Canada Customs
There are certain restrictions on what you may bring into Canada aside from your own personal effects. There are regulations concerning pets and livestock, firearms, prescription drugs, plants and meat products, alcohol, tobacco, commercial samples and anything you may leave in Canada. See disclaimer. For detailed information on what you are allowed to bring in please click on the following link: Bringing Goods into Canada for Personal Use
Metric? Or how much is a Celsius?
Canada uses the metric system. Distance is measured by kilometres (km), speed signs are in kilometres per hour (km/h). Miles x 1.6 = kilometres; kilometres x 0.6 = miles; (50mph=80km/h; 100km/h=62mph).
Gas is sold by the litre (approx. 4 1/2 litre = 1 Imperial gallon and 3.8 litre = 1 U.S. gallon) but, while converting, don't forget that $US1.00 = approx. $C1.20.
Temperature is measured on the Celsius scale (to convert celsius to Fahrenheit very approximately multiply by two and add 32; 0C=32F).
It is helpful to know the dates of Canadian public holidays, especially when making plans for hotel and transportation reservations. Many other non-statutory holidays are celebrated such as Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Mother's Day, Halloween etc.
Just how wet is it in Victoria? |
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Right now, it's
click for forecast |
Victoria has less than half the annual rainfall of Vancouver, Seattle or New York city, and only about a third of Tucson's in the summer! Summer in Victoria is beautifully dry, warm and sunny. Although the winter can be grey, wet and cool at times, there is still a huge range of indoor and outdoor activities and the climate will certainly not prevent a visitor from enjoying their stay. While spring, summer and fall are all ideal times to visit, winter is particularly popular with other Canadians escaping the snow! |
The temperatures below are in Fahrenheit. A conversion table follows. See disclaimer. |
|
| Month | Average high | Average low | Average precipitation |
| JAN. | 44 |
33 |
5.56 |
| FEB. | 47 |
34 |
3.91 |
| MARCH | 50 |
35 |
2.83 |
| APRIL | 55 |
39 |
1.65 |
| MAY | 61 |
44 |
1.31 |
| JUNE | 67 |
49 |
1.07 |
| JULY | 71 |
51 |
0.69 |
| AUG. | 71 |
51 |
0.93 |
| SEP. | 66 |
47 |
1.44 |
| OCT. | 57 |
42 |
2.93 |
| NOV. | 49 |
36 |
5.48 |
| DEC. | 44 |
33 |
5.97 |
|
-20F |
0F |
20F |
|
|
|
|
|
|
98F |
|
-29C |
-18C |
-7C |
|
|
|
|
|
|
37F |
* |
Damn Cold |
Freezer Cold |
Very Cold |
Freezing |
Cold |
Cool |
Nice |
Room Temp |
Warm |
Body Temp |
If you are unsure about which federal department you should be contacting, call InfoCanada at 1-800-O CANADA or, outside Canada, 613-992-1692, fax 613-941-5992.
More Facts on Canada from the Official Canadian Government site.
Disclaimer: We are not the government, a tourist agency, the weather bureau, or a lawyer. Nothing here should be taken as gospel until checked and re-checked with an appropriate authoritiy.
Time for Victoria ! |
Victoria Downtown Bed and Breakfast
is not opening until 2009.
In the meantime you may contact us at
Toronto Downtown Bed and Breakfast
57 Chicora Avenue
Toronto ON M5R 1T7
416-921-3533
E-mail us
Or... please visit our colleagues in Victoria already, eager to host your visit:
A B&B A Beautiful Island Away ... Binners' B&B
Arbutus Hill Bed and Breakfast
Evergreen Hideaway Bed and Breakfast
The Yellow House Bed and Breakfast
- Or, our sister just across the Strait: