Travel Tips

Laws & regulations

From policies surrounding driving to smoking in public places and hunting, find out everything you need to know before you go.

Driving in Canada

A red Deuce Coup drives through the streets of Victoria, BC

Rules & regulations

The use of seat belts is mandatory for drivers and passengers in British Columbia and is enforced by police. The use of mobile phones and electronic hand-held devices are prohibited while driving a vehicle. Tourists are permitted to drive in British Columbia for up to six months if they hold a valid driver's license from another province, state or country. International driver's licenses, U.S. driver's licenses and licenses from other countries are all valid in Canada. It is recommended that U.S. motorists obtain a Canadian non-resident inter-provincial motor vehicle liability insurance card from their insurer before travelling to Canada. This indicates you are covered with the minimum legal insurance requirements throughout Canada.

Driving in BC

Pedestrians cross the street during some light traffic along Lower Johnson Street in Victoria, BC

Border crossings

24-hour B.C. border crossings are available at:

• Highway 99, Peace Arch
• Highway 97, Osoyoos
• Highway 95, Kingsgate
• Highway 15, Douglas truck crossing
• Highway 11, Huntingdon
• Highway 9, Roosville

For information on road conditions while travelling in B.C., contact Drive BC online or call toll free in North America at 1-800-550-4997.

Motorcycles laws and regulations

Motorcycle helmets are mandatory in B.C. and must be worn by all persons riding motorcycles. An exception is granted to anyone who practices the Sikh religion, has unshorn hair and habitually wears a turban composed of five or more square metres of cloth.

Motorcycle safety

Cycling laws and regulations

In British Columbia, it’s mandatory for all cyclists (operators and passengers) to wear safety helmets. Cyclists can be ticketed for not wearing helmets, riding on the sidewalk, not obeying the traffic rules of the Motor Vehicle Act and for not having both a headlight and a tail light (in addition to reflectors) after dark. It is against the law to ride double. A licence is not required.

Bike and e-bike rules

A group of friends ride bikes along the Selkirk Trestle in Victoria, BC

Alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis

A woman enjoys a glass of wine at Unsworth Vineyards in Victoria, BC

Alcohol

The minimum age for the legal consumption of alcohol, beer and wine in British Columbia is 19. It is illegal to drink and drive.

Alcohol use

An aerial view of Yates Street in Victoria, BC

Smoking in public places

Smoking is prohibited in indoor public places and work places. The province has also banned smoking with 6 metres of public doorways, open windows and air intakes.

Tobacco and vapour free places

A view of Victoria, BC's Old Town from across the harbour

Cannabis use

Cannabis use is legal in Canada for adults aged 19 and older. Adults can possess up to 30 grams of dried cannabis in public, purchased through private or government-run retail stores. The smoking or vaping of cannabis is allowed where tobacco smoking is permitted, but is banned in places such as schools. parks, beaches, and playgrounds, and within 6 metres of doorways, windows, and air intakes. Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal.

Cannabis in British Columbia

Fishing and Hunting

Separate licences are required for saltwater and freshwater fishing. Both can be purchased at most sporting goods stores, marinas, department stores and government agents' offices. A special licence is required for fishing in National Parks and is available from a Park Headquarters site.

Hunting and trapping in BC Freshwater fishing regulations in BC Recreational fishing in BC

A man fishes off the back of a boat in the Salish Sea off the coast of Victoria, BC

Quirky local laws

Similar to many communities around the world, Greater Victoria has some laws that are distinctly our own. Here’s a few you might not find anywhere else.

A bagpiper plays his bagpipes on Victoria, BC's Inner Harbour

No duelling bagpipes (Victoria)

Victoria's bylaws dictate that a street entertainer cannot play bagpipes at the same time as another entertainer whose performance includes bagpipes. For those looking to get their fill of bagpipes, we recommend checking out the Victoria Highland Games, or performances during parades such as the Victoria Day Parade, where you'll see (and hear!) full pipe bands on the march.

A Blue & Gold Macaw sits on a branch inside the Victoria Butterfly Gardens in Victoria, BC

No noisy parrots (Oak Bay)

In the Greater Victoria community of Oak Bay it's illegal to harbour any caged bird which, by making frequent noise, may disturb the peace. If your vacation just won't be the same without the squawk of a parrot, we recommend a visit to the Victoria Butterfly Gardens, in Brentwood Bay, to meet their Blue & Gold Macaw.

Download Victoria's Vacation Guide

Download PDF The cover of the 2026 Destination Greater Victoria Vacation Guide depicts a woman wearing a red life jacket and paddling a blue kayak looks back at her partner who is taking a photo of her.

The cover of the 2026 Destination Greater Victoria Vacation Guide depicts a woman wearing a red life jacket and paddling a blue kayak looks back at her partner who is taking a photo of her.

Navigate our map of Greater Victoria

Download PDF A map of Greater Victoria.

Destination Greater Victoria is honoured to be based on the traditional territory of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples of the Songhees Nation and Xwsepsum Nation, whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.