Relocating from New Brunswick to Victoria, BC: What to Expect
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. Whether you're drawn to the West Coast for its climate, job opportunities, or scenery, moving from one coast to the other is a big shift. This article is written from my personal point of view and is designed to help you understand the major differences you'll notice between living in New Brunswick and settling down in Victoria.
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
Let’s talk weather, it’s one of the biggest changes you’ll notice right away. 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. It's a beautiful ride, about an hour and a half, but it adds time and cost to any travel plans.
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. And if you’ve never tried riding your bike to the Dallas Road waterfront trail [map] in February, you’re in for a treat.
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 it’s worth looking into temporary coverage while you transition.
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
Life on the Island moves slower, and I mean that in the best way possible. People aren’t in a rush, and there’s a noticeable sense of calm here. If you’re coming from a fast-paced job or a busy East Coast town, it might feel like everyone is on vacation here. And honestly, that’s part of the charm.
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 offers endless access to outdoor spaces from oceanfront walking trails and lush parks to forest hikes and quiet beaches. The views are stunning, and the air always smells like cedar and salt water. Even if you lived near nature in New Brunswick, the scale and variety here are something else entirely.
Popular local spots like Beacon Hill Park [map] and Mount Douglas Park [map] are great places to explore, and you’ll find dozens of trails, beaches, and green spaces within a short drive.
Coast to Coast, Worth the Leap
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 gain a whole new world of experiences. And if you speak French, there are lots of great French immersion schools in Victoria. The culture, scenery, and community here are special, and I think you’ll find the trade-off more than worthwhile.
Welcome to the West Coast, I hope this guide helps make your journey a little easier. 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.