Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Exactly where are your apartments located?
A.  Our Metro and Urban suites are located in a building called The Astoria, at 751 Fairfield Road, blocks east of the Inner Harbour (just behind the Fairmont Empress Hotel).  It is next door to the brand-new Marriott Hotel, one block away from the Executive House Hotel and about a half-block away from the Chateau Victoria Hotel.  A 5 minute walk will take you to Beacon Hill Park and it’s about a 2 minute walk to Government Street and the Inner Harbour area.

Our City Skyline Suite is located in a building called The Corazon, at 732 Cormorant Street, one block east of City Hall and 3 blocks east of Victoria's Chinatown area. It is about a 5 minute walk to Government Street and about 10 minutes to the Inner Harbour.

Q. What is the easiest way to get to downtown Victoria?

A. That depends on where you’re coming from and how you’re traveling.

If you’re travelling from Seattle as a foot passenger your best bet is to catch the Victoria clipper, which leaves from downtown Seattle and arrives in Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

If you’re flying from either Vancouver or Seattle you can travel by float plane. From Vancouver check out Harbour Air http://www.harbour-air.com from Seattle check out Kenmore Air http://www.kenmoreair.com Both airlines touch down in the Inner Harbour.

If you’re driving from Seattle you can take the scenic drive to Port Angeles and then drive on to the M.V. Coho, which docks in Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

If you're travelling from Vancouver you can travel on the BC Ferry from Tswwassen to Swartz Bay either by car,  as a foot passenger or on Pacific Coach Lines bus from downtown Vancouver or the Vancouver Airport. If travelling as a foot passenger you can take a city transit bus, #70 which will drop you off right outside the Astoria.

Q. Do the B.C. Ferries dock in downtown Victoria?
A. No. The B.C. Ferry Terminal is located at Swartz Bay, which is about a 45 minute drive from downtown Victoria. Also, the Washington State Ferry from Anacortes docks in Sidney, which is about a 40-minute drive from downtown Victoria.

Q. How big are your apartments?
A. Our Metro Suite is approximately 600 square feet. Our Urban Suite is approximately 500 square feet. Our City Skyline Suite is approximately 700 square feet.

Q. Do your apartments have laundry facilities?
A. Yes, all apartments our have complete en-suite laundry facilities.

Q. Is there a place nearby where I can buy groceries?

A. Yes. There are a couple of  24 hour convenience stores located just 2-3 blocks away from both buildings and there are a couple of full supermarkets (Thrifty Foods and The Market on Yates) both are within a few minutes drive from the apartments.

Q. Do you allow pets in your apartments?
A. No. Sorry, but due to allergy concerns of other guests we do not permit pets in our apartments. (Also we don’t allow smoking)

Q. What kinds of things are there to do that are close to your apartments?

A.  There are so many activities it’s almost impossible to list them all…but here are a few:

Visit the Royal British Columbia Museum, it’s just 3 blocks from the apartments.

Tour the B.C. Legislative Buildings, just 4 blocks away.

Take the kids to the Victoria Bug Zoo, just 2.5 blocks.

Visit The Land of the Little People, just 1.5 blocks.

Have afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel, just 2 blocks.

Stroll along Government Street (Victoria’s main tourist strip) just 3 blocks.

Picnic in Beacon Hill park, just a five minute walk from the apartments.

Take a walk along the Dallas Road waterfront, about a 10-15 minute walk (5 minute drive) from the apartment.

Do some downtown shopping, or your banking on Douglas Street, 1 block away.

Visit the main branch of the Victoria Public Library, 3 blocks.

Attend a live performance event at the Royal Theatre. 3 blocks away.

Go to a movie at the Vic Theatre. 1 block away.

See the buskers and watch the water-based activities at the Inner Harbour. 2 blocks away.

Q. How safe is downtown Victoria?

A. For the most part it is very safe, especially in the area where our apartments are located. Having said that, like any North American city we have our share of petty criminals, drunken hooligans, beggars and homeless people. Most of these people populate the North end of town and are away from where we are located. But, if you go out at night always be aware of what is going on around you and stay on the main thouroughfares.

Do you have a question about our apartments or about Victoria? If you do just send us an E-mail to City Life Suites