Victoria snapshots. Victoria, BC, Canada. Introduction, tourist attractions, photographs. Hotel reservations

Victoria, the "City of Gardens", is a sophisticated seaside City and the vacation capital of Canada and the premiere tourist spot in the Northwest America Region.

Situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria sparkles in one of Canada's mildest climates. The city enjoys an average winter day temperature of 5.5 degrees Celsius (42 degrees Fahrenheit), summer 16.1 degrees Celsius (61 degrees Fahrenheit), and annual rainfall of about 68 centimeters (27 inches) and an average of six hours bright sunshine daily throughout the year. The City is sea-girt on the south and east, and on the north and west is bounded by farm lands stretching back into the great forests of Vancouver Island.

As the capital city of British Columbia, Victoria is proud of its historic and attractive downtown, flowers and parks, and the Inner Harbour with its vistas toward the famous Empress Hotel and the Parliament Buildings. Today, Greater Victoria, which includes the adjoining municipalities have a population of about 300,000. This one-time colonial outpost is alive with cosmopolitan dining, superb shopping, a colourful nightlife and rich cultural performance.

In a survey conducted by Conde Nast Traveller magazine, Victoria was judged to be one of the world's best cities. In a cross-Canada survey, Victoria residents registered the greatest satisfaction with their city. This satisfaction and regard for the quality of life and environment is perhaps the most notable feature of Victoria today, and the challenge in its future.