Just across the Strait of Georgia from Vancouver lies the incredibly charming and vibrant city of Victoria. This important hub for maritime trade made its mark in the late 1800s, and thankfully preserved nearly all of its historic buildings from that golden era.

Since Victoria is located on an island, visitors must take a ferry or plane to get here. This slight isolation creates a leisurely atmosphere that permeates the city, its residents and the way they go about their daily lives.

In its charming downtown, old town and inner harbour districts, visitors will discover one of the most pleasant cities in North America. Victoria has been a popular getaway for more than 100 years, so it knows how to treat its guests. World-class attractions such as the Butchart Gardens and Royal BC Museum should not be missed, and nearly all the highlights are clustered in the downtown core within easy walking distance of each other.

Venture just outside of Victoria and wild nature takes over the scene. There are stunning coastal sites, mountainous parks and thick towering cedar forests everywhere you go. The residents of Victoria love outdoor activities, so you can indulge your dreams of kayaking with killer whales, hiking through old-growth forests or beachcombing on a deserted strip of sand within minutes of the city.

Victoria offers an excellent array of accommodation in all price ranges. Most of the hotels, inns and hostels are concentrated in downtown, making it easy to explore the city on foot right from your doorstep. Within minutes of the city in any direction you can find top-notch resorts and quaint inns tucked away next to quiet harbours, among mountains or along rivers. It’s essential, however, that you make room reservations in advance if you plan to travel here from June to September.

Victoria is on an island, so you’ll need to catch a ferry from Vancouver, Canada or Washington state, US. These run many times each day, and take little more than an hour. The scenery is beautiful and it’s a great way to arrive in Victoria. Flights from regional cities in Canada and the US also fly into Victoria’s international airport frequently, offering a quick way to get to this amazing island.

Victoria has the most temperate climate in Canada, with warm sunny summers and mild rainy winters. Despite its reputation for never-ending rain, Victoria actually gets half as much precipitation as neighbouring Vancouver thanks to the buffering Olympic Peninsula. However, the city still sees plenty of wet days, especially during the winter, so a good rain jacket and an umbrella are essential accessories.

By the middle of February the winter weather eases and the sun starts making more frequent appearances. March and April are lovely months as the flowers and trees burst back into life. June through September is the peak summer season in Victoria. The city shifts into overdrive as tourists fill the streets and locals get out and enjoy the warm dry weather. Early autumn, from September to October, is also a stellar time for a visit as the rains haven’t returned and the trees explode into a riot of colour.