Victoria
Overview
There's no better place to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life than the scenic and relaxing city of Victoria, British Columbia's capital.
Located on Vancouver Island, Victoria is better known for its lush gardens, green spaces and woodlands than the stressful pace of modern city life found in many other regional metropolises.
British influence is abundant in Victoria. Named after England's longest reigning monarch, local architecture is reminiscent of the old Victorian era. Downtown you'll find many cafés open for high tea, numerous antique shops welcoming you with open doors, horse drawn carriage rides and plenty of cozy English-style pubs.
But don't write Victoria off as sleepy or old fashioned. A vibrant nightlife keeps this island city's heartbeat pulsing. Clubs, cabarets and pubs offer music, dancing and evening entertainment for every taste. From casual to sophisticated, jazz to country, intimate to sprawling – you're sure to find a night spot you'll love.
Victoria is also home to a vibrant arts community. You can find local artists displaying their work at the picturesque Inner Harbour between street performers showing off their unique talents. Concerts, theatrical performances and festivals – such as the Victoria Symphony Splash – are commonplace on the island, many of which are held outdoors.
A trip out on the waters surrounding the island can bring sightings of orca whales, seals and loads of other wildlife. You can easily go for a stroll or bike ride and enjoy Victoria's wealth of natural lookout points and learn why the city earned its nickname as "City of Gardens". Or, learn about British Columbia's rich history at the Royal BC Museum, where you'll find exhibits and galleries galore, including a tribute to the indigenous Haida people and their beautiful art.
Seafood lovers need not look any further than around the corner on the island. The catch of the day is barely off the boat when it reaches the kitchens of Victoria's many fine dining restaurants. At the end of the day, cap the whole experience off with a peaceful rest in a room at the famous Empress Hotel, one of Canada's most renowned hotels.
Victoria is a fantastic destination for:
- culture and history
- outdoor adventure
- golf
Airport served by: YYJ
Destination basics
Climate
With some of the most moderate weather in Canada, Victoria boasts an annual average temperature of 14 C, falling below zero on average only twice a year. With its mild weather and staycation feel, it’s no wonder so many visitors are inspired to move here.
Separated from British Columbia's mainland by the Johnstone and Queen Charlotte Straits to the northeast and by the Strait of Georgia to the southeast, Victoria boasts a temperate climate with mild winters and dry summers.
Temperatures here are rarely too hot or too cool. Average winter temperatures range between 8 C and 4 C, with average summer highs around 22 C. Packing light almost always works when travelling to Victoria.
If you’re headed here in December, just be sure to pack an umbrella. December is this island’s rainiest month. July, on the other hand, is the driest in Canada.
What makes it different?
Victoria delights all five senses. Year-round golf, breathtaking ocean and mountain views, above and underwater gardens and delicious (yet affordable) cuisine make Victoria one of the finest tourist destinations in the world.
In Victoria, you can pack your vacation full of attractions and activities, or you can simply choose to sit back and relax, wandering the historic neighbourhoods as you please.
Adventure seeking travellers and leisure travellers will enjoy the range of outdoor and indoor activities Victoria has to offer. These include kayaking, biking, walking trails, whale watching adventures and even dinner cruises off the coast of Vancouver Island.
Golf courses here feature lush greens that remain “green” all year, complemented by scenic seascape and mountain views. And the many public and private gardens located throughout the region are known as some of the most beautiful in North America.
Want to see it all? Take a tour! Victoria is home to numerous tour operators who offer island tours by car, double-decker bus, boat, float plane and even horse drawn carriage. You can also embark on a themed tour, like the popular “ghost tours” and British culture tours.
Points of interest in Victoria
See all points of interest Victoria
^Total price one-way per guest. See terms and conditions. *Prices are per guest, based on double occupancy and are limited; may not reflect real-time pricing or availability. See terms and conditions.
Market Square. Credit: Tourism British Columbia
Victoria Tall Ships Festival. Credit: Tourism British Columbia
Credit: Tourism British Columbia
Helmcken House. Credit: BC Heritage
Butchart Gardens. Credit: Tourism British Columbia
Credit: The Fairmont Empress
Credit: Tourism British Columbia
Craigflower Manor & Schoolhouse. Credit: BC Heritage
Emily Carr House. Credit: BC Heritage
The Fairmont Empress
The Fairmont Empress
Thunderbird Park. Credit: Tourism British Columbia
Credit: Tourism British Columbia and Tom Ryan
Chinatown. Credit: Tourism British Columbia
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