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There are good reasons for Victoria's status as one of
the world's top tourist destinations. Situated amidst the
natural splendor of southern Vancouver Island, the city
enjoys a temperate climate, an abundance of recreational
opportunities and a diversity of cultural activities.
Victoria's natural assets — unique in Canada — lure
some of the best and brightest in their respective fields,
from artists and academics to scientists and athletes. The
city boasts a dynamic cultural scene, a blossoming
high-technology sector and a vibrant economy fueled by
millions of tourists from around the globe. As the
second-largest city on Canada's west coast, Victoria is rich
in maritime history and tradition.
This cosmopolitan character belies the city's modest
size. With only 325,000 people, Victoria still enjoys its
status as a small centre, with all the benefits that
imparts. Our city remains clean, quiet, and safe — the
perfect place to study and to experience Canadian culture.
Victoria's climate may well be as close to perfection
as it is possible to come. Moderated by Pacific Ocean
currents, temperatures seldom exceed 25°C in summer
and rarely dip below freezing in winter. When — or if — snow
comes, it is greeted by locals as a novelty. Unlike the
mainland of British Columbia, rainfall on southern Vancouver
Island is not excessive. In fact, at 650 mm a year, average
annual precipitation is half that experienced by Vancouver.
If you compare the average hours of sunshine in Victoria,
you will see we rank among the sunniest cities in Canada. |
