ISOPP CAPhO Symposium 2025

Click on the links to go directly to any of the following sections:

• About Victoria
• General Information on Canada and Victoria
• Getting to Victoria
• Getting around Victoria
• To See and Do

About Victoria 

Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is a mesmerizing blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Its iconic stately Parliament Buildings reflect both regal heritage and modern vitality. The city warmly embraces visitors with a safe and inviting atmosphere. Beyond its governmental significance, the city boasts a wealth of cultural treasures. The Royal BC Museum is a testament to the region's rich history, while galleries and theaters thrive, showcasing vibrant arts and performances across the city. Victoria's walkable layout ensures easy access to attractions, from the lively Inner Harbour to the peaceful Fisherman's Wharf, aided by efficient public transportation. This captivating city effortlessly blends heritage with contemporary allure.

Did you know?

• Longest Coastline: Canada boasts the world's longest coastline, spanning over 202,000 kilometres
• Hockey Nation: Ice hockey is Canada's national sport, deeply embedded in its culture
• Maple Syrup Giant: Canada produces around 71% of the world's maple syrup
• Bilingual Identity: English and French are Canada's official languages, reflecting its diverse linguistic heritage

General information on Canada and Victoria

Canada is a vast country situated in North America, known for its diverse landscapes and cultures across 13 provinces and territories. Its capital city is Ottawa, while major urban centers include Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary.
Covering an expansive area of 9.98 million square kilometers (3.85 million square miles), Canada is the second-largest country globally. With a population surpassing 40.5 million, Canada embodies cultural diversity and rich heritage. 
 
Location of Victoria
Victoria is situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Map of Canada

Official Language
English is the primary official language in Victoria, Canada, with French also holding official status at the federal level but less commonly spoken in this particular region.

Climate
Victoria boasts a mild coastal climate with mild, damp winters and pleasantly warm summers. April typically sees daytime highs around 11-14°C (51-57°F) and nighttime temperatures averaging around 5-7°C (41-45°F). For the current weather forecast, you can check websites like weather.com.

Time Zone
The local time is Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) from late March to late October. PDT is 7 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-7).

Currency
The currency in Canada is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Visit https://www.x-rates.com/ to calculate the exchange rate from your currency. Credit cards are commonly accepted across hotels, restaurants, shopping centers and various stores.

Tipping
Tipping in Canada is customary and generally expected across various service industries. In restaurants, it's common to leave a gratuity of around 15-20% of the total bill before taxes, based on the quality of service received. For other services like taxis, hairdressers, and tour guides, tipping around 10-15% of the total bill is appreciated as a gesture of gratitude for good service.

Understanding Sales Taxes
In Victoria, as well as throughout Canada, it's important to note that sales taxes are not typically included in the displayed prices. When making purchases, expect additional taxes, such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST), in BC, or the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), in some provinces, to be added at the point of sale. These taxes vary by province and range between 5% (GST) and 13% to 15% (HST), so it's wise to budget for this additional cost when shopping or dining out.

Business Hours 

• Banks hours: Banks in Victoria generally operate from 09:30 to 17:00 on weekdays, while some branches may offer limited hours on weekends.
• Office hours: Typical office hours range from 09:00 to 17:00, Monday through Friday, although this can vary based on the industry and individual company policies. 
• Shopping hours: Shopping hours in Victoria often start around 10:00 and conclude by 18:00 on weekdays, with larger malls extending hours until 21:00, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays. On weekends, many stores are closed or open later, around 11:00, and close earlier, usually by 17:00 or 18:00.

Safety
Victoria, like most Canadian cities, is generally safe for travelers. As in all major cities, people should be aware of safety risks and always be vigilant of your surroundings.

Measures
The metric system is used.

Voltage and Plug Type
In Canada, the most common plug types are types A and B. Type A is a two-prong plug, while type B features two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. Canada operates on a 120V supply voltage at a frequency of 60Hz.
Travelers visiting Canada may require adapters for their devices, including laptops, hairdryers, and phone chargers, which may have different plug types or voltage requirements from those in Canada. For devices that aren't dual voltage, a power converter is necessary. Additionally, ensure that your appliances are compatible with a 60Hz power outlet.

Visa Information
Visit the Registration Page for guidance.