British Columbia’s capital city and the jewel of Vancouver Island, Victoria is an internationally acclaimed visitor destination that has achieved some very impressive ratings: Top North American Island and 3rd Best City in the Americas (Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice) and #2 Destination in Canada and #16 Destination in the World (Trip Advisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards).
While the population of the entire Greater Victoria region is just 380,000, Victoria has all the characteristics of a much larger centre: vibrant arts and entertainment, top-rated education and recreation facilities, a dazzling array of shops and art galleries, and dozens of fine restaurants featuring everything from ethnic fare to local specialties like freshly caught seafood, organic produce, and handcrafted bread and cheese, all matched with Vancouver Island wines, beers, and ciders.
Victoria’s charming historic downtown is clean, safe, and pedestrian friendly — you can easily walk just about anywhere you want to go! The Inner Harbour is the focal point of the downtown and most downtown hotels, meeting facilities, attractions, shops, and restaurants are within about an eight-block area of the Inner Harbour. Travelling to other neighbourhoods is easily managed by car, taxi, or public transportation.
The spectacular natural scenery that surrounds Greater Victoria provides the setting for all kinds of outdoor activities. And because of the gentle climate — the mildest in Canada — most outdoor recreation is year-round.
