Victoria, Canada


Member since
2013Exchange dates | Duration |
---|---|
March 01, 2025 - December 31, 2025 | 2 weeks |
Open to offers. Local exchanges can be shorter (three days minimum). |
Updated heritage home on idyllic Vancouver Island (Victoria) - forests, seaside
In 2025 we are hoping for an exchange in Vancouver, Seattle, Tofino or one of the Gulf Islands of British Columbia (Gabriola, Hornby, etc.). France and Italy are also of interest. That said, we're open to offers!
We live in a well-maintained 110-year-old home designated by the City of Victoria as a significant historical building. Although it's a picturesque "heritage home," it does have all the modern conveniences. Our home is decorated in an elegant old-world style. There are three bedrooms and two bathrooms (each with a shower and a bathtub). There is modern, award-winning kitchen. We have a gas fireplace in the living room, a study and a fully-equipped music studio.
One thing that makes this house special is its spectacular view of a natural park which is an excellent country walk. Panama Flats is a protected wildlife area, described as one of the most popular bird sanctuaries in the western hemisphere! You can watch the sun set while relaxing on one of three balconies that face the park.
Victoria is a popular seaside tourist city on the balmy southern tip of Vancouver Island off the west coast of British Columbia. It is routinely rated by travel magazines as a top tourist destination. The city is renowned for its unusually attractive downtown area with lovely heritage buildings, great shopping and dining (tons of restaurants), the world-famous Butchart Gardens, the stately Empress Hotel (famous for its high tea!) and the Royal B.C. Museum.
From our house it is a 10-minute drive to the seaside and 10 minutes to downtown - we also offer our well-maintained Volvo 240 stationwagon for transportation. We're also on a bus route going downtown.
Victoria and Vancouver Island are world-famous for great hiking, sailing, kayaking. There are beautiful old-growth rain forests and breath-taking ocean views. This is a moderate part of Canada weather-wise - it's never cold and gets to a comfortable room-to-warm temperature in the summer. The scenic Gulf Islands are on your doorstep. Vancouver is just ferry ride (or 20 min seaplane trip) away.
We are a retired couple. I am a former arts/entertainment writer for the daily newspaper in Victoria. My wife ran the rehabilitation department of one of the local hospital.
We have done many exchanges on Intervac over the years. We are a thoughtful, responsible couple who will treat your home as we treat our own. Our email is adrianman2@shaw.ca.
Thanks for reading our listing - and good luck with your exchange plans.
Our Family
- 2 Adults
- 0 Children
- 2 Exchanges made
Occupation
- Journalist
- Hospital administrator
Our Home
- House Type: House
- Environment: In the suburbs
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 2
- Sleeping Capacity: 5
- Total Area: 0 m2
References
In my house
- Pets - Not allowed
- Small children - Allowed
Exchange Types
- Home exchange
Indoor
- Free internet access
- Air conditioning
- Central heating
- Fireplace
- Washing machine
- Dishwasher
- Clothes dryer
- Television
- Piano
- Other musical instruments
Outdoor
- Terrace or deck
- Balcony
- Garage / private parking
- Bicycles: 2
Facilities
- Non-smoking house
- Use/Exchange of car
- Seclusion/Privacy
Our Destination Wish List
- Open to any destination
- Hornby Island, BC V0R, Canada
- Gabriola, BC, Canada
- Tofino, BC, Canada
- Seattle, WA, USA
- Vancouver, BC, Canada
Spoken Languages
- English
- English
Our Neighbourhood

Nearest Airport: victoria international airport -
Residential neighbourhood.
Occupation
- Journalist
- Hospital administrator
Children
- We do not have children.
Pets
- We do not have pets.
About Our Family
My name is Adrian Chamberlain. I am an arts writer with the Victoria Times Colonist, the daily newspaper in Victoria, British Columbia. My wife, Penny Chamberlain, is a hospital administrator in Victoria. We had an adult daughter, Katie Chamberlain, who is a television journalist in Winnipeg, Manitoba. We did several Intervac exchanges years ago, and are now ready to do some more. My wife and I are both published novelists - Penny has written 3 novels for young adults. I have also written two novels for young adults, as well as a collection of humourous stories about our pug dog, titled Adventures with Ollie. I am also a musician (piano/keyboardist) who play in two local soul/ funk bands on a recreational basis. We are a very responsible couple who will leave homes in exactly the pristine condition we find them in.
Lifestyle
My wife Penny and I are avid travelers who've visted Spain, Greece, Italy, France, England, Ireland, Mexico, and the United States including Hawaii.
References
This member has completed 2 home exchanges. Those referenced below may contain feedback/impression from its exchange partners: