Victoria
Victoria is the capital of the British Columbia and is located near the southern tip of the Vancouver Island. It is nicknamed the Garden City, thanks to the open green spaces.
Weather
The city is located within cool-summer Mediterranean climate area and is blessed with mild, wet winter and dry, sunny summers. The wettest month is December and during summer the city is the driest in the country.
Sample temperatures
Dec, Jan avg high 7C / 44F ; avg low 3C / 37F
May avg high 16C/60F ; avg low 8 C/ 47F
Aug avg high 20C/68F ; avg low 12C / 53F
>>read more about Weather in Canada
How to get to
Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is located 30 km from the city and is served by domestic carriers as well some international ones. There are some flights to/ from the USA and Mexico.
The main way to get to Victoria is by ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay, about ½ h drive north of the city. The ferry ride is about 1 ½ h. During summer the service runs hourly while during winter between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Buses traveling to Victoria use BC Ferries. From Vancouver the ride takes about 4 h and the fares start at CAD $48 one way.
If you’d rather drive a rental car then you’ll have the use the ferry crossing as well.
>>read more about Getting from Vancouver to Victoria
Where to stay
The most popular location to stay in Victoria is downtown. The Upper Harbour district is close to downtown and recently gaining popularity among travelers. Budget, mid-range and luxury places to stay are available in the city.
>>book a cheap hotel in Victoria
Things to do
Especially if you stay in downtown, you’ll be able to walk everywhere in the area. Cafes, museums and shops are waiting for you. If you like to bike, then that’s another great way to explore the city. Bike rentals start at CAD $6.
Don’t miss the Chinatown and try some excellent Chinese food. You can also pick up fruits and spend some time doing some people watching in the cafes.
The Royal British Columbia Museum is worth half a day if you are interesting in history. There are three permanent galleries : Modern History, First Peoples and Natural History.
You can consider a Whale Watching tour , which starts from the inner harbor. Or you can spend some time relaxing in the famous Butchart Garden.
If you travel with the kids, plan to feel like giants when you visit the Miniature World . It features 3D models and has several themes.
Summer time means beach time in Victoria. Willows Beach and Hollydene Beach are just two choices.