I was in Victoria recently and did some diving. I have dove in Victoria on one trip before. There is only one freediver I know of in Victoria named Julian. You can contact him by posting on
VIfreedivers : Vancouver Island Freedivers or getting contact details off there.
There are lots of spots along the coast you can dive if you just look but Odgen point you can freedive in and but not spearfish in. Odgen point the best dive you will probally have in Victoria for seeing things wise. There are hot showers in the dive shop so probally a good idea for your first dive in Cold Water.
Spearfishing there is some to be done but the fish overall aren't that hard to catch and we aren't allowed to spear that many species. I use a 90 cm on the coast and I would say that the best overall gun. You could also use a 75 cm.
You might be able to get away with a 5 mm suit well you are there but I used a 5 mm with 5 mm gloves and socks at the end of March and I was toasty. You might consider 5 mm or even a 7 mm if you haven't dove in cold water before.
I have been in Nanaimo but never dove it. Did some wonderful diving in Campbell River area in the summer though which is about 150 km north.
If you have any questions send me a pm.
