Online Resources
Updated monthly
About the Links Below
For the most part, these sites are ones we have used when planning our move to Vancouver Island. Others we discovered once here, or through new folks we meet. It will be updated weekly. Feel free to suggest any you recommend.
** NOTE: Links open in a new tab.
CANADIAN IMMIGRATION
VICTORIA AND VANCOUVER ISLAND
This is the front door to Canadian immigration programs, citizenship services, refugee protection and the issuing of Canadian travel documents.
This is a Canadian government site, that updates articles weekly. Several interesting articles.
Here is the main Canada Immigration and Citizenship site. Wonder if you are eligable to apply? Check it out!
Not sure where to begin? Canada’s official “Explore Immigration Programs” tool is a one-minute questionnaire that helps you identify potential pathways based on your goals—working, studying, joining family, or settling permanently. It’s a quick, no-commitment way to understand which programs might fit your situation before diving into the details.
Bill C-3 (2025) modernized Canada’s citizenship-by-descent rules, removing the old first-generation limit that prevented many families abroad from passing on Canadian citizenship. The new law restores eligibility for thousands of “Lost Canadians” while introducing a clear requirement that future generations maintain a real connection to Canada—typically demonstrated by three years of prior residence. For expats and cross-border families, this marks an important shift toward recognizing how Canadian identity now spans borders and generations.
If you are OUTSIDE of Canada, this Canadian Government site will provide you and your family with some resources before you arrive.
Immigration, Refugees and Immigration Canada (IRCC) YouTube Channel contains several helpful videos, depending on your situation.
Explore how Canada is restoring balance and control to their immigration system through admission targets and additional measures.
Planning on visiting Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Here’s what you’ll need.
As explained on their site: “As a traveller with a disability, you should not face barriers when you travel.
It is always a good idea to plan your trip ahead of time and know how to get help if you need it along the way. By planning early, you can get more information about your options and ensure that the carrier has enough time to provide the services you need.”
Most provinces have a specific waiting time, before you can received provincial healthcare. Bridge insurance for returning Canadians, or new Permanent Residents, is a temporary private health plan that fills the gap before you’re eligible for provincial healthcare, covering emergencies, prescriptions, and sometimes dental/physio, acting as a safety net for unexpected costs (hospital, doctor, ambulance) during the waiting period, preventing huge bills while you transition back to Canada.
Information offered by BC Magazine. This publication has been around for decades and does a great job of researching their articles. Offer a lot of advice and links to various types of Visas and other immigration topics.
British Columbia’s Office of the Human Rights Commishioner page provides information around Equity, Diversity and Inclusion policies in the province.
The mission of Leave No Trace Canada seems to be well regarded here on our island. “To promote and inspire responsible outdoor recreation through science-based education and partnerships throughout Canada.”
Tourism Victoria is the official destination website for Greater Victoria, British Columbia. It offers inspiration and practical travel information on things to see and do, where to stay and dine, local events, and trip planning resources to help visitors make the most of their time in this coastal city known for its gardens, waterfront, culture, and outdoor experiences.
Victoria’s 2025 Vital Signs page presents the latest annual community report from the Victoria Foundation, offering a data-driven “health check” of the Greater Victoria region. It highlights key issues affecting quality of life—such as housing, economy, health, and environmental wellbeing—while reflecting two decades of tracking local trends and inspiring community action.
This site is a comprehensive travel guide for Vancouver Island, showcasing the region’s diverse destinations, activities, accommodations, and attractions. It helps visitors plan their trip with information on where to go, what to do, how to get around, and tips for mindful and responsible travel across the island’s natural landscapes and vibrant communities.
Our own curated content highlighting places that don’t shout for attention but reward curiosity: hidden beaches, weathered trails, seaside cafés, and moments of stillness that feel almost borrowed from another era. It’s a collection of the island’s magic and quiet surprises, shared for travelers who prefer wonder over crowds and stories over schedules.
Page Last Updated 2/20/2026
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”