Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, located on the southern coast of Vancouver Island. It is named after Queen Victoria and is one of the oldest in Canada. It is also the Most Romantic City in Canada and one of the Friendliest Cities in the world. The city has lots of historic buildings; the most famous landmarks are Parliament Buildings and the Empress Hotel. In Beacon Hill Park, you can see the world's tallest free-standing totem pole. The Chinatown of Victoria is the second oldest in North America. The Coast Salish First Nations communities of the area had large populations long before the European people's arrival.
Victoria is known as The Garden City, this beautiful city has annual flower count since the 1970s.
Victoria is a popular destination for tourists. Since the city is famous for its art sophistication, many students go to the Victoria College of Art and The Canadian College of Performing Arts. It is also famous for outdoor activities, including high-ranked spots for diving. Victoria is one of the top twenty world cities for quality of life. Also, it is the largest city on Vancouver Island.
Average Weather in Victoria
Victoria is Canada's warmest city, with a Mediterranean climate. It has mild summers and cool winters. The temperature is between 4°C to 20°C ( 40°F to 68°F).
The Best Time to Visit Victoria
The best months to visit Victoria is from March to May and September to November.
Harbour Air Seaplanes is south of Greater Victoria, near downtown Victoria and South Vancouver Island.
Ferry to Victoria
Most Victoria visitors that come from US start their journey from Port Angeles, north of Olympic National Park, or departure from Anacortes Ferry Terminal, north of Seattle.
Discovering Natural Beauty and Entertainment in Victoria
Victoria is famous for its green space designs, gardens, and parks, and besides all of that, there are entertainment and natural attractions that add to the city's glamour.
Victoria is very advanced in art and history. The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is one of the most interesting galleries in the city. It has the most inclusive collection of Asian art in Canada. The Royal BC Museum is one of the best cultural institutions in the world.
Victoria is home to 70% of all whale watching tours of BC. While whale watching in Victoria's water, know that there are three resident pods of orca (killer) whales totalling 76 whales.
The Jacques Cousteau Society recognizes the area as the most diverse in marine life and the best in Canada's water clarity.
As for entertainment, Victoria is a city that you can always count on for pleasure, from music clubs and cinemas to festivals and events.
Gardens, Parks, and Natural Green Attractions in Victoria
Public transportation in Victoria includes buses throughout the city and to Sook and Sidney and Victoria Harbour Ferries.
Where to Stay in Victoria
Downtown Victoria is the best place to stay for tourists, but Wharf Street is a good choice if you're looking for sights.
Hotels: The Parkside Hotel & Spa
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Victoria Fairmont Empress
Self-Catered Accommodations: Waterloo Garden Suite City Life Suites
Hostels: Strathcona Hotel
HI Victoria Hostel
Turtle Hostel
Guesthouses: Victoria Bed and Breakfast Heathergate House Vacation Rental Oak Bay Guest House
Shoping in Victoria
Mayfair Shopping Centre, uptown
Market Square, downtown
The Bay Centre, downtown
Food and Beverage Services in Victoria
Restaurant and Café in Victoria
Poncho's Cafe & Catering
Macchiato Caffe
Union Pacific Coffee Shop Hank's *A Restaurant
Little Jumbo Restaurant and Bar
II Terrazzo
Wineries, Breweries, Distilleries, Pubs, and Bars in Victoria
Bard & Banker and The Churchill Maude Hunter's Pub Clive's Classic Lounge Soumia's Bar & Grill Vis-à-vis
Moon Under Water Brewpub and Distiller Macaloney's Caledonian Distillery Driftwood Brewery San Juan Vineyard and PARSELL VINEYARD Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd
Health and Wellness in Victoria
Sport and Wellness Centers, Spas, and Recreational Therapy in Victoria
Victoria Athletic Club Island Training Centre Centennial Stadium Awakening Wellness Centre Active Health and Wellness Clinic Laser Centers for Health Victoria The Thai Spa La Charmeuse Day Spa The Parkside Spa Spruce Massage Therapy Sync Therapy Victoria Massage Therapy
What you Can Expect to Do Near Victoria
Hiking on the Grass Lake Trail
Hiking on Mount Manuel Quimper
Hiking on Mount Empress from Sooke Potholes via Mary Vine and Todd Creek Trails
Victoria Diving
Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club Whale Watching
Van Isle Marina Whale Watching
West Coast Outdoor Adventure Whale Watching
Cabin Point Whale Watching
Beechey Head Whale Watching
Spirit Bay Visitor Centre Whale Watching
Creyke Point Whale Watching
Victoria Harbour Ferry Whale Watching
Fisherman's Wharf Park Whale Watching
West Bay Esquimalt Whale Watching
Cattle Point Storm Watching
What you Can Expect to See Near Victoria
Spiral Beach
McNeil Bay
Langford
Gonzales Bay
Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site
Sooke
Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
The Royal BC Museum
Miniature World
Willows Beach
Race Rocks Ecological Reserve
Sitting Lady Falls
Gallery Merrick
Florence Lake Cave
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