Victoria is the capital city of the province of British Columbia and is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Because of its location, Victoria is blessed with mild, pleasant temperatures all year round and receives more sunshine on average than any other destination in Canada. This outdoor oasis is full of fun and fascinating adventures and exploration. Wander through ancient rainforests, discover enchanting waterfalls and vast meadows of wild flowers or hike scenic trails. Galloping Goose Trail is a beautiful and leisurely trail with a hidden lake, marshes, farm fields, rocky outcrops and old growth forest. For a truly unforgettable experience make the trip to West Coast Trail in Pacific Rim National Park. This is a 75 kilometre back packing route that takes a minimum of five days to complete and is definitely worth the time and energy as the scenery and tranquility is unbelievably breathtaking. Wildlife viewing excursions are available from a number of tour operators in Victoria but on any given day on back roads throughout the area black bears, cougars, deer and other local wildlife are often spotted. Thousands of visitors come to Victoria each year for its unparalleled bird watching experiences. Victoria is home to over 220 species of birds and is part of a major migration route. There really are too many birds to name but if birding is your passion, this is the place to be. Whale watching is another excellent way to spend an afternoon in Victoria. Orca whales make their home in these waters but the best time to witness the majestic creatures is May through October. Surfing, kayaking and cycling are just a few of the other activities to enjoy on your visit.

Victoria is also a great city for sight seeing, museums and attractions. For those of you with a love of history, you will want to visit Craigdarroch Castle, built in the 1890’s, Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Park. Hartley Park National Historic Site is home to a 100 year old castle in the centre of an expansive Edwardian estate. To fully grasp the history and cultures of Victoria and British Columbia, your first visit should be to the Royal British Columbia Museum, among the best museums in the province. The museum houses permanent exhibits depicting the provinces human and natural history dating back to before the ice age up to present day. The importance of Victoria’s aboriginal heritage can be seen in the many captivating totem poles throughout the city, and in Thunderbird Park in particular. U’mista and Quw’utsun’ Cultural Centres are dedicated to educating visitors on aboriginal history. Looking for fun family attractions that will appeal to all ages? Victoria Bug Zoo, the Butterfly Gardens and Pacific Undersea Gardens are places you definitely want to visit.

With Victoria’s year round mild climate, this city is a golfer’s paradise. The striking mountain and ocean views, lakes and rolling hills and always green greens, make Victoria’s golf courses an absolute treasure. Victoria Golf Club, set along the Pacific Ocean is one of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious clubs, while Bear Mountain Golf and Country Club is a newer Jack Nicklaus designed course. Both are equally challenging and beautiful. For our shopping aficionados Victoria will not disappoint. There are a number of streets and districts to find that perfect souvenir, one of a kind work of art or designer dress. Among the best places to shop are Government St, Trounce Alley, Market Square and Matticks Farm. Wine tours are also popular here with five world class wineries nearby. No matter what you do, you will find a special place in your heart for the city of Victoria. Victoria enjoys a comfortable, mild climate which allows gardens to bloom and people to enjoy the outdoors year round. The summer months are warm and pleasant with average temperatures ranging from 20˚C to 30˚C on the hottest days. However there is very little humidity in Victoria and the constant ocean breezes keep the days from getting too hot. The evenings are generally cool though because of those same ocean breezes. Unlike most of Canada, Victoria receives more rain than snow in the winter. Snow is actually rare and when it does snow, accumulation is very low. The winters remain mild with an average low of 3˚C.