Welcome to Victoria, "The City of Gardens"
“All through you I feel welcome, in your land so lush and so fresh…”
- Lyrics from "B.C. People" by Xavier Rudd
Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is a community of choice for its temperate climate, natural beauty, recreational sites and superior economic opportunities. The city is alive with people and activity. Victoria has been blessed with a wealth of natural and man-made riches, including stunning heritage architecture framed by ocean views and mountain vistas. It is this rare juxtaposition of heritage charm, scenic backdrop and modern city-scape that makes Victoria one of the most uniquely special places in Canada. Millions visit our city every year and enjoy the natural beauty, temperate climate and heritage charm Victoria offers it citizens everyday.
Victoria is a city of neighborhoods, each with distinctive character and charm. And it is our neighborhoods that make Victoria a unique and a desirable place to live. Most citizens live within walking distance to parks or the scenic waterfront that surrounds our beautiful city. The downtown is a short walk, bike, transit or car ride away, making it easily accessible for those who like to live close to where they work and play.
- Source: City of Victoria website
• Population: 78,000; Greater Victoria: 330, 000
• Capital City of British Columbia
• Incorporated in 1862
• Named after Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom
• Settled by the British beginning in 1841
• Over 3 million visitors annually
• Nearly 2,100 hours of sunshine each year
• Average rainfall is 66.5 centimetres per year
• 1,600 signature hanging baskets displayed each summer
Victoria has the mildest climate in Canada, and with an eight-month frost-free season, flowers bloom year-round. The average annual rainfall for Victoria is 66.5 cm (26.2 in.), far less than in Vancouver, BC or New York City.
Summers in Victoria are pleasantly warm and dry with an average maximum temperature in July and August of 21.8°C (71°F).
Victoria winters are mild, with rain and the occasional light snow. The average temperature in January is 3°C (38°F). Spring can start as early as February.
Victoria's Historic Sites, Museums, Parks and Gardens
| Provincial Parliament Buildings | Conservancy BC |
| Butchart Gardens | Hatley Park National Historic Site |
| Royal BC Museum | Hatley Castle |
| Craigdarroch Castle | Maltwood Gallery |
| Maritime Museum of British Columbia | Miniature World |
| Fairmont Empress Hotel | Mural Town |
| Beacon Hill Park | Pacific Undersea Gardens |
| Butterfly Gardens | Sidney Museum |
| Government House | Royal London Wax Museum |
| Abkhazi Garden | Victoria Bug Zoo |
| Point Ellice House | Glendale Gardens & Woodlands |
| BC Aviation Museum | Helmcken House |
| Emily Carr House | Finnerty Gardens |
| Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse | … and many more |
For a list of current events in Victoria, click here to visit WorldWeb.com.
Theatres: |
Art Galleries: |
|---|---|
| Royal Theatre | Art Gallery of Greater Victoria |
| Belfry Theatre | Winchester Galleries |
| Langham Court Theatre | Royal Oak Gallery |
| Metro Studio Theatre | Art Of Man Gallery |
| McPherson Play House | Alcheringa Gallery |
Live Music & Music Festivals: |
Festivals: |
| Victoria Symphony | Victoria Film Festival |
| Victoria Conservatory of Music | First Peoples Festival |
| Pacific Opera Victoria | Canada Day |
| Victoria Jazz Festival | Victoria Dragon Boat Festival |
| Vancouver Island Blues Bash | Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival |
| Victoria SkaFest | Chinese New Year Celebration |
| Rifflandia Music Fest | Flower Count |
| Tango Festival | Victoria French Fest |
| Folkwest | Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival |
| Showtime At The Butchart Gardens | Dance Arts |
| Victoria Summer Music Festival | Harbour Festival |
| Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival | |
| Victoria Pride Week | |
| Victoria Latin Festival | |
| Festival Mexicano | |
| Shakespeare in the Summer |
Victoria and Vancouver Island are ideal playgrounds for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. On land or at sea, outdoor activities are possible year-round in our temperate climate. From superb golf to whale watching, kayaking, diving, fishing, sailing or hiking, you will delight in the wild beauty of the Island.
- Source: Tourism Victoria website
Golf
Choose from more than 40 excellent golf courses on Vancouver Island.
Victoria Golf Courses: |
|
|---|---|
| Cedar Hill Golf Course | Glen Meadows Golf & Country Club |
| Olympic View Golf Course | Bear Mountain Golf & Country Club |
| Henderson Park Golf Course | Highland Pacific Golf |
| Cordova Bay Golf Course |
