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General Information

Victoria, British Columbia is Full of Life! Victoria has the mildest climate in Canada and is known as The Garden City. The wild beauty of the Pacific coast and the adventure of the great outdoors are within city limits, with ocean and mountain vistas all around. Getting here is easy and with a clean environment and charming ambience, it is no surprise that Victoria, BC is one of the world's favourite destinations.

Situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island in a sub-Mediterranean zone, British Columbia’s capital city boasts the mildest climate in Canada and is a place so green that cherry blossoms fall out of the sky in the winter months, and even the lamp posts bloom all summer long.

Victoria boasts world-famous gardens, castles, intriguing museums, world-class restaurants and hip boutiques. Board a double-decker bus or a pedi-cab to tour this historic city, explore the waters around Vancouver Island by kayak, or take to the links at any of the area’s spectacular golf courses. Enjoy tea at one of many teahouses or pamper yourself with luxurious spa treatments.

A year-round tourism destination, Victoria is a haven for both those seeking relaxing and activity-based vacations alike. The picturesque Inner Harbour and downtown core explode with colour and charm. Bring your walking shoes; this compact resort-style city is made for strolling, with Victoria’s historic Olde Town, hotels, restaurants, shops and parks within easy walk distance of one another.

Golfing and gardening are a year-round way of life on Vancouver Island, along with hiking, cycling and kayaking. World class attractions, museums, arts and entertainment, shopping, gourmet dining and destination spas round out this small cosmopolitan city. Visitors can experience Southern Vancouver Island’s wine industry at local vineyard and winery tours, along with the region’s many microbreweries.

On Land

Victoria is Canada’s Fittest City (Statistics Canada 2001) and is known as the “Cycling Capital of Canada”. A temperate climate, an extensive trail and road network and spectacular scenery allow for year-round on- and off-road biking. Bike shops, clubs and touring companies offer expertise, equipment and guided rides.

Victoria provides easy access to miles of scenic hiking trails that lead you across the Island through old-growth forests, along ocean shores and up mountains. From short, hourly excursions to multi-day treks, hiking Victoria and Vancouver Island will challenge your physical fitness and reward your spirit.

At Sea

No other spectacle of nature compares to the awe-inspiring sight of a massive killer whale breaching out of the deep blue water near your boat. Victoria and Vancouver Island are well known as the place to view migrating and resident whales in their natural surroundings, as well as providing a number of other wildlife-watching opportunities.

One of the most peaceful ways to experience Victoria and Vancouver Island is by kayak or canoe, allowing you to view the Island from a unique vantage point and venture into many places inaccessible by boat or car.

Vancouver Island is home to all five species of North American salmon and open Pacific shores and inner coastal straits offer miles of angling experiences. Whether you arrive at your fishing destination by boat, vehicle or float plane, getting there is half the fun.