An Introduction to the Victoria Area


If you're not familiar with the area, you may be surprised at exactly how much the Victoria area has in store for you. Friendly neighborhoods, great schools, beautiful parks and properties, and myriad cultural activities are just a few of the highlights you'll find here on Vancouver Island.

Our weather is the best you can find in Canada...Victoria has the mildest weather conditions of anywhere across the country. It's temperatures average 4 degrees C (40 degrees F) in January and a lot more than 16 degrees C (60 degrees F) in July.

The year-round warm temperature allows for a lot of outdoor activities such as, boating, camping, hiking or what ever it is you like to do. We also do not experience the same amount of rainfall as our neighbours in Seattle or Vancouver, thus making us more attractive as a tourist destination and a place to call home.

There is always something interesting going on in Victoria...summer and winter. Our feature attractions such as Butchart Gardens, Crystal Gardens, Hatley Castle (above), The Royal London Wax Museum, Pacific Undersea gardens give us year-round entertainment as well as harbour ferry boat rides, great fishing and some of the most beautiful scenic surroundings anywhere.

Sidney, with a population of 11,000 residents, is the centre of the commercial activities that supports the surrounding Peninsula region. Primarily a residential, marine and retail community, with a growing segment of hi-tech industries, Sidney continues to expand on its well established tourism market and marine based industry. Sidney offers the charm and character of a seaside community complete with a variety of shops, a fascinating museum and friendly people. Fine dining, fishing, shopping and world class boating are also on Sidney's doorstep.

The Saanich Peninsula is commonly referred to as the most beautiful natural place in the world. Those who come to see it will understand why. A peninsula surrounded by an archipelago of accessible small islands with many bays, inlets and small harbours occupied by an abundance of marine life. Although there are exclusive homes dotted around the water's edge, there are large tracts of parklands, farm reserves and spectacular gardens that give balance to the environment and protection to groves of enormous ancient trees. It is possible to access nature as forested areas and much of the waters edge are available for a walk or picnic.