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Victoria Renters’ Guide: How to Get Around Without a Car

Whether you’re new to Victoria or a long-time local looking to downsize your lifestyle, one thing is clear: you don’t need a car to get around this beautiful city. With an expanding BC Transit system, award-winning cycling infrastructure, and a walkable urban core, Victoria offers renters a refreshing alternative to car dependency.

Here’s your ultimate guide to navigating Victoria—car-free.

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🚍 BC Transit: Affordable, Reliable & Expanding

Victoria’s public transit system, operated by BC Transit, is one of the most efficient in the province outside Metro Vancouver.

Why renters love it:

• Frequent routes cover downtown, UVic, Camosun, Langford, Sidney, Saanich, Esquimalt, Oak Bay and beyond.
• Umo App (formerly Transit App): plan routes, track buses in real time, and reload your digital pass.
• Affordable fares: Adult one-zone fare is just $2.50, or grab a monthly pass for $85.
• UVic & Camosun students ride free with their student pass (U-PASS).

Pro Tip:

Live near a BC Transit hub (e.g., Douglas & Hillside, UVic exchange, or Langford Exchange) and you’ll rarely wait more than 10–15 minutes during peak times.

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🚲 Victoria: One of Canada’s Most Bike-Friendly Cities

Victoria is consistently ranked one of the top biking cities in Canada—and for good reason.

The perks:

• Protected bike lanes downtown and beyond, including Pandora Ave, Fort St, and Wharf St.
• E-bike friendly routes and gentle hills make commuting easy—even in casual clothes.
• Dedicated cycling bridges like the Johnson Street Bridge and Galloping Goose Trail link neighbourhoods seamlessly.
• Galloping Goose & Lochside Trails: These multi-use paths connect downtown to Langford, Saanich, Sidney, and more—ideal for commuting or weekend adventure.

Where renters bike the most:

• Vic West: Quick rides into downtown.
• Fernwood & Jubilee: Easy access to UVic and Camosun.
• Oaklands: Direct routes downtown via Fort or Bay.

Don’t own a bike? Check out U-Bicycle or Lime e-bikes and scooters around town—or rent from local shops.

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🚶‍ Walkable Communities Make It Easy

Victoria is incredibly walkable, especially in neighbourhoods like:

• James Bay – Minutes to downtown, the Inner Harbour, and Beacon Hill Park.
• Downtown Victoria – Cafes, groceries, banks, nightlife, all without leaving your block.
• Cook Street Village – A renter favourite, this charming community is a pedestrian paradise.
• Esquimalt & Vic West – Short walks or bike rides to city essentials and green spaces.

If walkability is high on your list, be sure to ask about the Walk Score of any rental you’re considering—it can make all the difference in daily life.

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🛴 Car-Free Bonus Options

• Car share programs like Modo and Evo (coming soon!) give you access to a car only when needed.
• Victoria Harbour Ferry: A fun and scenic way to commute across the Inner Harbour from places like Selkirk Waterfront, Vic West, and James Bay.
• Ride-hailing (Uber, Lyft) and traditional taxis are widely available.
• Victoria’s Electric Bus Expansion is underway—making the system even greener.

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🚗 Skip the Car, Not the Freedom

Victoria is one of the few cities in Canada where you can truly thrive without owning a vehicle. Whether you’re commuting to school, work, or just grabbing coffee and groceries, the city’s sustainable transportation options make it easy, affordable, and enjoyable.

Thinking of moving to Victoria?
Ask us about rentals along key transit and bike routes—we’ll help you find the perfect fit.

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Need a place close to transit or bike lanes?

📲 Contact Pemberton Holmes Property Management today—we’ll match you with a rental that fits your car-free lifestyle.