Frequently Asked Questions
oak bay guest house bed and breakfast

We've put together this list of questions we get asked on a regular basis to help you in planning your stay at our bed and breakfast in Victoria.

1. How do we get there?
2. Can we do Victoria in one day?
3. Are your rooms well maintained and inspected?
4. Should I book ahead for Whale Watching?
5. Where exactly are you located?
6. Is your House non-smoking?
7. Do we need bookings for High Tea at the Empress?
8. Are the antique stores far away?
9. Is Butchart Gardens a must see?
10. Do we need a car?

1. How do we get there?

By air to Victoria International Airport-and then by AKAL Airport Shuttle to our door, or taxi which we can arrange at the right price, or hire a car at the airport.

By ferry as a foot passenger from Port Angeles, Bellingham, Seattle or Vancouver-take the Pacific Coach Lines Bus.

By car ferry-Black Ball Ferry from Port Angeles into the Victoria Inner Harbour, by Washington State ferry from Anacortes to Sidney, a half hour north of Victoria, by British Columbia ferry from Tsawwassen (where the ferries from Vancouver depart from) to Swartz Bay (a half hour north of Victoria) or by BC Ferry from Horseshoe Bay (north of Vancouver) to Nanaimo (two hours north of Victoria).

Note: The BC ferries are the largest boats and sail more frequently so you have more chance of getting on them. Also please check out our Directions section with specific instructions on how to get to our Guest House from different areas.

2. Can we do Victoria in one day?

You cannot really do justice to Victoria and the Island in one day-there is so much to see and do. You should allow at least two days if not three. Vancouver Island is a very large island with outstanding scenery. Our Victoria Bed and Breakfast is located where you can fan out and enjoy Vancouver Island's tourist attractions.

3. Are your bed and breakfast rooms well maintained and inspected?

Yes, our Bed and Breakfast is inspected by British Columbia Tourism and the Auto Association but our guests are our strongest inspectors and we have many many repeat and new guests every year. Accommodations in Victoria have never been so warm and cozy.

4. Should I book ahead for Whale Watching in Victoria?

Whale watching in Victoria is very popular from March onwards until the end of September and is a MUST DO. Many of our guests have seen more than 20 whales in a sighting. We recommend a company that has a boat moored in Oak Bay which is not too far from where the whales usually are. We can make reservations for you if you'd like.

5. Where exactly is your Victoria Bed and Breakfast  located?

Our bed and breakfast house is on Victoria B.C. Canada, House is located to the east of the downtown hustle and bustle. We are seven minutes drive to town, on a regular bus route in a very safe old neighborhood amongst the most gorgeous gardens and houses. The Pacific Ocean/Strait of Juan de Fuca is one block away where you will see the most fantastic mountain scenery you will see anywhere. We're also near the Oak Bay shops, Tea Houses, a Golf Course, fishing from the Marina, kayaking, walking/jogging and more.

6. Is your Victoria Bed and Breakfast non-smoking?

Yes, it is totally non-smoking and has been for five years. Smokers may smoke on the porch or in the Garden.

7. Do we need bookings for High Tea at the Empress?

Yes, bookings are essential in the summer in particular and a dress code applies. We can arrange bookings for our guests so you don't miss out. You should also consider having Tea at Point Ellice House which is a heritage House and everything in the house is original to the family that gave the house to the people of BC. It is very special and the gardens are lovely to relax in.

8. Are the antique stores far away?

There are five antique stores located in Oak Bay which are about a 10 minute walk from the Oak Bay Guest House Bed and Breakfast. There are also antique stores located on Fort St which is about five minutes drive away from our Victoria Bed and Breakfast. Lunds and Kilshaws, both very popular Auction Houses, have websites so you can look at what they have on hand.

9. Is Butchart Gardens a must see?

It is world class without a doubt and should not be missed. They have fireworks on Saturday evenings, and it is very popular so will want to get out there early, perhaps have dinner in the original family home restaurant.

10. Do we need a car top get to your Victoria Bed and Breakfast?

No. The Oak Bay Guest House Bed and Breakfast is located on the bus route. You can get to downtown Victoria on a 12 minute bus ride. Our Victoria Bed and Breakfast is also within walking distance to some of the best restaurants in Victoria and the village of Oak Bay is only a short stroll away, with shopping, banks, boutiques, art galleries, tea houses and an excellent english pub.