Victoria, British Columbia is a city on Vancouver Island, which is just off the coast of British Columbia, Canada. Popular with tourists for the charming mixture of rugged scenery and sophisticated city life, Victoria has plenty to offer its visitors.
The island does have other significant cities, such as Port Alberni, Nanaimo, and Parksville, but Victoria is by far the largest. Of the island’s 700,000 inhabitants, almost half live in Victoria or its surrounding area, known as Greater Victoria.
Vancouver Island was named in the late 19th century, after a British explorer who had made a map of the region in the 1790s. The city itself was named in honor of the British monarch, Queen Victoria. The rich history is brought to vivid life when visitors look around the streets; Victoria, British Columbia is one of the oldest cities in Canada and still has some of its original architecture, such as the British Columbia Parliament Buildings and the Empress Hotel.
Today, Victoria is a bustling city and boasts thriving shopping areas and business districts. IT companies have been drawn to the city and more than 800 technology businesses are based there. As a result, tourists and residents alike may make use of the free WiFi in Victoria, and the rest of the island is mostly covered too. Other key industries in Victoria, and the island, include fishing and logging.
Victoria has the mildest temperatures in the whole of Canada. On average, Victoria never dips below freezing; the thermometer hovers just above 0°C in the winter. In summer, the climate is dry and sunny, and in the hottest months of July and August, temperatures tend to be in the balmy range of about 28°C to 33°C. After Victoria, the nearby cities of Nanaimo and Duncan are also in the top three mildest Canadian climates.
More than 3.5 million visitors stay overnight in Victoria each year, and it has been estimated that they pump in more than one billion dollars into the Vancouver Island economy. In addition, many cruise ship lines dock at Ogden Point, and day-trippers spend pleasant afternoons wandering around Victoria’s shops or enjoying lunch at one of the many restaurants. Lots of theaters, bars, and nightclubs are located in the city, which is also the focal point for various festivals and parades, including Symphony Splash and the Canada Day fireworks display.
Tourists may also enjoy visiting the city’s Beacon Hill Park, which boasts 185 acres of green space, including playing fields, gardens, wild peacocks and even a petting zoo for children. Outdoor events and concerts are often hosted in the park, such as the Luminara Community Lantern Festival.
Victoria, British Columbia makes a wonderful base for visitors who wish to explore the island or the nearby city of Vancouver, which is situated just across the Strait of Georgia on the mainland. Tourists staying in Victoria may choose to make full use of the beautiful beaches, by going whale watching or SCUBA diving, or simply soaking up the sun. The island’s rain forest is also well worth a visit, and the nearby North Shore mountains are great for skiing or hiking.
Not what you were looking for? Search Google and Beachcomber Pete
Custom Search
Beachcomber Pete Travel Tips
Periodic issues- Free advice and suggestions for making your next travel adventure more enjoyable. Learn from fellow traveler’s like yourself the secrets at your next Travel destination.
E-mail: phagemann@euroradialyouth2016.com Copyright 2007-2011 Beachcomber Pete All Rights reserved. Linking to Beachcomber Pete web site is allowed and encouraged
Periodic issues- Free advice and suggestions for making your next travel adventure more enjoyable.
