Victoria: Canada's Pacific Jewel

There are good reasons for Victoria's status as one of the world's top tourist destinations. Situated amidst the natural splendour 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.

The Perfect Climate

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 degrees 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.