OVERVIEW
"Victoria" as a name was adopted in 1852 when the townsite was laid in honour of the then current British monarch, queen Victoria.
The city of Victoria stands on the southernmost tip of Vancouver Island, the largest of British Columbia's six thousand and five hundred islands. It is the capital of British Columbia and a popular tourist destination because of its natural scenic splendor, its temperate climate, its numerous recreational sites and holiday activities.

WEATHER
The Pacific coast location of the city explains the moderate weather - one of the most pleasant in the whole of Canada. Victorians enjoy two thousand hours of sunshine on an yearly average, and eight beautiful frost free months. The average annual rainfall measures up to 26.2 inches. Pleasant offshore breezes keep the summer days bearable and the summer evenings charmingly cool. All you need is a light jacket or a sweater most of the time. The winters here are not severe and it rarely ever snows, but it still wouldn't hurt to include some warmer clothing if you are planning to visit Victoria between November and March.

FLOWERS
Canada's "Best Blooming City" - that's another name Victoria is also known by.  Visiting in the springtime? Victoria will win your hearts with her streets lined with trees in full blossom. Come summer, and you will find baskets full of flowers hanging from the nineteenth-century style street lamps. Of particular interest are the gardens at Government House, tended for over one hundred years. Visit Victoria in the month of February, and instead of chill winter, be prepared to be surprised by the local flower lovers and gardening enthusiasts joining in the 'flower count' all over the city!

CULTURE
Numerous museums and historical heritage buildings stand witness to the city's interesting and eventful past.  Check out the Mansions in the Rockland area, many of which date from the last century, even take a tour of Craigdarroch Castle built in 1890. (open during the summer).

ACTIVITIES
The picturesque Inner Harbor is lined with the imposing Legislative Buildings which are best viewed at night when they lit by thousands of lights. Experience the hustle and bustle of the centrally located harbor with its ferries, yachts, kayaks, seaplanes and rowing sculls. The best way to see the downtown area is on foot - put on your best walking shoes and explore Chinatown, Beacon Hill Park, Olde Towne, Fisherman's Wharf, James Bay, Rockland and Fairfield.
Enjoy pleasant walks through the many parks of the city; If you'd rather not walk, double decker buses and horse drawn carriages are available.  Take a harbour tour or go on a whale watching expedition. e hiking trails, picnic areas, petting farms, flower gardens, ballparks and tennis courts. Pamper yourself with memorable rides on bicycles, double-decker buses and horse-drawn carriages. Whether you are travelling single or with your family, beautiful Victoria has something to offer - Historical buildings, reminiscences, sightseeing and recreational activities, and good shopping - has something on offer for everybody.

Discover Victoria - the cosmopolitan city with a small-town atmosphere you are going to love!