Moving From New Brunswick to Victoria: The Day-to-Day Changes
I’ve lived my whole life in Victoria, BC, and over the years I’ve had the chance to meet plenty of folks who’ve made the move from the East Coast, especially New Brunswick. Moving from New Brunswick to Vancouver Island is a big change. These are some of the differences I hear about most often, based on living in Victoria and talking with people who have made the move.
While I've researched this information to the best of my ability, it is for basic reference only and not to be relied upon as written (except for the weather!) and I encourage you to verify anything that is important.
1. Weather: Mild and Wet Instead of Wild and Cold
Weather is probably the first big difference you’ll notice. New Brunswick winters are long and cold with plenty of snow, while Victoria’s are short, mild, and wet. It rarely dips below freezing here, and snow is a rare sight. In fact, when it does snow, the whole city kind of panics because we're not used to it!
Summer is also more comfortable here - it's warm, but rarely humid. You won’t need air conditioning in most homes, and the dry heat makes outdoor life enjoyable. Waterproof jackets and umbrellas are part of daily life, especially from November to March.
2. Say Goodbye to Mosquitoes (Mostly)
If you’re tired of bugs biting you all summer in New Brunswick, I’ve got good news: Victoria has way fewer insects. You won’t be battling blackflies, mosquitoes, or ticks like you do out East. Sure, we have the occasional wasp or spider, but you can usually sit outside in the evening without needing to bathe in bug spray. It’s a small detail, but one people from New Brunswick really seem to appreciate.
3. Island Life Means Ferry Life
Living on Vancouver Island means you’ll need to hop on a ferry to leave it. BC Ferries at Swartz Bay [map] runs regular sailings to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal [map] near Vancouver. The sailing is about an hour and a half, and it adds time and cost to trips off the Island.
This can be quite different from New Brunswick, where you can just hop in your car and drive to another province in a few hours. Planning ahead becomes important here, especially if you're visiting family or traveling during peak times.
4. Biking Doesn’t Stop for Snow
In New Brunswick, winter pretty much means putting your bike away until spring. In Victoria, many people bike year-round. The climate allows it, and the city has invested heavily in protected bike lanes and trails.
You’ll see people commuting to work or heading downtown by bike even in January. A waterproof jacket is more useful than a parka here. The Dallas Road waterfront trail [map] is one place where you’ll still see cyclists through mild winter weather.
5. Taxes, Costs, and the Price of Paradise
Let’s get this out of the way - yes, Victoria is more expensive than New Brunswick. Everything from groceries to rent is going to cost you more. Housing, in particular, is a major leap. It’s not uncommon to see one-bedroom rentals listed for $2,000 or more, and home prices are among the highest in Canada. Check out Victoria rental and property real estate listings.
BC also has a 7% Provincial Sales Tax (PST) in addition to the 5% GST. New Brunswick’s HST is 15%, so the overall tax picture won’t feel much different, but how things are taxed may vary. Just be prepared for some sticker shock early on.
6. Healthcare and Doctor Availability
Both New Brunswick and British Columbia have publicly funded healthcare systems, but you’ll need to register for BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP) shortly after arriving, which you can do here https://my.gov.bc.ca/ahdc/msp-eligibility. There’s often a short waiting period, so look into temporary coverage while you’re waiting.
One challenge you might run into is finding a family doctor. Victoria, like many parts of BC, has a shortage of GPs. Many locals use walk-in clinics or online health services while they wait to be matched with a physician. Get on waitlists early and be patient, it can take time.
7. Switching Your License and Vehicle
If you're bringing a car from New Brunswick, you’ll need to switch over to BC plates and auto insurance within 30 days. BC uses a government-run insurance system called ICBC, which is quite different from the private options you're probably used to back East.
You’ll also have 90 days to switch your driver’s license to a BC one. Bring your driving history and vehicle documents with you as it may help lower your insurance costs. And if your vehicle is over a certain age, it may need a safety inspection before registration. Find your nearest ICBC driver licensing office [map].
8. The Slower West Coast Pace
Victoria can feel slower than a larger city, although that depends a lot on where you live and work. The smaller downtown, waterfront access and neighbourhood centres are a different rhythm from many places in eastern Canada.
Personally, I love the fact that I can cruise around town in my VW Manx buggy pretty much any day of the year, except when it’s pouring rain. Try doing that in a New Brunswick winter!
9. Nature is Right at Your Doorstep
Victoria has oceanfront paths, parks, forest trails and beaches close to residential areas. The mix is different from New Brunswick, and you don’t usually need to drive far to reach the water or a trail.
Popular local spots like Beacon Hill Park [map] and Mount Douglas Park [map] are good places to walk, and there are dozens of trails, beaches and green spaces within a short drive.
Is the Coast-to-Coast Move Right for You?
Moving from New Brunswick to Victoria is a big transition and I won’t sugarcoat it. You’ll miss some things (like lobster rolls and real winter barbecues), but you’ll also be adjusting to a very different part of Canada. And if you speak French, there are lots of great French immersion schools in Victoria. The trade-offs are different for everyone, so compare the costs, climate and distance from family before deciding.
I hope these notes make the move a little easier to plan. And if you ever need a local recommendation or have questions about life in Victoria, feel free to reach out. We’re glad to have you here.
For more insights about moving and living in Victoria, check out the rest of this site Moving to Victoria BC.