Is Victoria, British Columbia an easily walkable city? How's its public transit?

Question

Any thoughts, too, on life for a foreign (well, American) grad student at UVic? I tend to prefer densely built towns/cities that are traversible by walking and efficient public-transit systems, a nice cultural environment, etc.

Answer 1

Victoria is pretty good. You can't walk from the University to downtown, but the bus ride is less than half an hour. And the bus leaves UVIC every 10 minutes at rush times, to every 25 minutes at night. Once downtown everything is walkable for movies, attractions, shopping, banks restaurants and bars. Downtown, the University and the malls are all on major bus routes.

UVIC is a beautiful school.

Answer 2

Victoria is a wonderful, small city with decent public transport, but the earlier answerer was correct in noting that walking from UVIC to downtown is nearly impossible (though bicycling is an option). If you prefer densely built cities, good public transit and a more cosmopolitan setting (Victoria for all its charm is still a small, provincial - albeit capitol - city), I strongly suggest that you check out UBC in Vancouver. Vancouver is very walkable, pub. transport is excellent and the cultural offerings are greater (in numbers and diversity) than those on offer in Victoria. Also, keep in mind that Victoria IS on an island, which means ferry fares and schedules every time you want to visit another library/archive for research. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 3

Victoria is a beautiful little city that is very walkable, old-fashioned, and densly built. You picked just the right place.

Answer 4

For graduate studies - go to University of British Columbia, Vancouver. More resources.
Better faculty.

Answer 5

Yes it is. I was there last month visiting my relatives, & it was my first time there. Loved the city, the people are friendly & the weather is great. I'm sure you will like it there.