The city of Victoria has a regional population of about 326,000 people that comfortably live in the moderate climates and scenic settings of the capital city. As the capital of the BC province, Victorians show their pride in their British heritage with a historical downtown area, attractive homes and neighborhoods, parks and flower gardens, and who could forget, the Inner Harbour. The harbour area is lined with Parliament Buildings, vistas, and the world renowned Empress Hotel.

There is plenty to do while in Victoria, such as winter sports, shopping, markets, museums, exploring, or just simply relaxing. Some of the top visited sites of Victoria are:

• The Royal BC Museum: This wonderful museum strives to broaden the understanding of their province and inspire curiosity and wonder. Each year, the museum has millions of visitors who are eager to learn more about British Columbia’s history. For more information about the RBCM go to www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
• Beacon Hill Park: The magnificent park is the city’s largest urban space. Relax in the well maintained fields and gardens adjacent to Victoria’s southern shore. Or explore exotic species of plants and animals and amazing views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountain Range. If you’re feeling active while there, plenty of sports are being friendly played, such as soccer and cricket.
• Chinatown: Victoria is the host city of Canada’s oldest and most intact Chinatown. It is located directly in the downtown area. Stop by and enjoy authentic Chinese customs in their shops and restaurants. Have fun taking it all in and give in to the temptation of buying some fresh seafood or some homemade Chinese crafts.

Situated on the southern most point of the Vancouver Island, Victoria, one of the most beautiful cities in Canada, can be found. From the Vancouver International Airport, Victoria is just a 15 minute flight away. If you’re flying from Seattle, WA, then the capital city of the British Columbia province is just 40 minutes by plane.

Victoria has possibly the most moderate weather conditions in all of Canada. Each year, Victoria enjoys an average of 2,183 hours of sunshine and only has an average annual rainfall of 26.2 inches. Victorians love the fact that they have an eight month frost free season, which is something most Canadian cities cannot claim. Although it sounds all pleasant, it can become cool there as well. Victoria has almost constant offshore breezes that can cool down even the hottest of summer days. At the same time, the breezes keep away major snowfall in the winter. It’s a compromise most Victorians are happy to make.

Victoria is truly one of British Columbia’s most in depth cultural centers. Not only is there a great history in this city but it is thriving in modern culture with modern arts, events, festivals and musical events.

It’s no surprise with all of the different opportunities to take in culture that the city has produced a large number of world famous musical artists, professional athletes and politicians.

Victoria offers a variety of interesting museums, great restaurants, huge shopping centers and plenty of cultural events to keep you busy throughout your visit.

Shopping in Victory isn’t your typical shopping location. The city is filled everything you could every need or imagine in terms of shopping. The city has a wide range of storefronts, from small quaint shops and local markets all the way up to major shopping malls and centers.

Whether you’re looking for antiques from local artisans or the latest world fashion, you’ll be able to find in while shopping in Victoria! The city is conveniently set up so that you can stroll stress free up and down the streets, simply window shopping and exploring the large variety of stores that the city offers.

If you’re planning a shopping spree while in Victoria, then here are some of the most popular shopping areas of Victoria: Government Street, Trounce Alley, Bastion Square, Market Square, Chinatown, Fort Street plus there are several major suburban shopping centers to browse!

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