Overview
There are many reasons why people may choose Victoria, British Columbia. Some may be drawn to the city’s mild climate, natural beauty, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Victoria is also known for its historical and cultural attractions, as well as its vibrant arts and food scenes. Additionally, Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and the city offers job opportunities in the government and service sectors. Some people may also choose Victoria for educational opportunities, as the city is home to several universities and colleges. Overall, Victoria is a desirable place to live due to the diverse range of opportunities it offers.
Main Areas of Victoria
● Core
● Westshore
● Peninsula
● Islands
● Malahat
Click Here to View an Interactive Map of Great Victoria
About Victoria Real Estate
The strong demand for housing in Victoria is being driven by a variety of factors, including population growth, and an influx of buyers from other regions of Canada and abroad. The market is also being impacted by a lack of new home construction and an increase in the number of people working from home due to the pandemic, which is making it more difficult for buyers to find a home that meets their needs and preferences. The market is considered to be particularly tight in areas such as Victoria’s downtown core, Oak Bay, and Saanich, where demand for homes is high, but inventory is low.
It is important to note that real estate market conditions can change frequently and are affected by a variety of factors, such as economic conditions and government policies. It is important to stay updated with the latest information by working with a professional real estate agent, or by monitoring the market regularly.
Living in Victoria
Victoria, British Columbia has a temperate oceanic climate. The city is known for its mild temperatures and moderate rainfall throughout the year. In the summer, the average high temperature is around 22-23 °C (72-73 °F) and in the winter the average low temperature is around 3-4 °C (37-39 °F). The city gets most of its precipitation in the fall and winter months, with an average of around 135 mm (5.3 inches) of rainfall in December. Snowfall is rare in Victoria, with only occasional light snowfall in the higher elevations of the surrounding area. Overall, the weather in Victoria is relatively mild and comfortable compared to other parts of Canada.
Due to the city’s mild climate and natural beauty, many people enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, cycling, and kayaking. Victoria is also home to a number of parks and gardens, which are popular spots for picnics, bird watching, and gardening.
Victoria also has a thriving arts and culture scene, and many enjoy attending live music and theatre performances, as well as visiting museums and art galleries. The city is also home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Victoria International Jazz Festival, the Victoria Film Festival, and the Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival.
The city is surrounded by ocean and many residents make use of the water opportunities available such as boating, sailing and fishing.
Many people in Victoria also enjoy staying active, and the city is home to a number of gyms, yoga and fitness studios, as well as recreational facilities like swimming pools and ice rinks.
Overall, Victoria is a diverse and active city, with residents having a wide range of interests and hobbies.
Historical Sights and Attractions
Victoria, British Columbia has a rich history and a number of historical landmarks. Some notable examples include:
- The British Columbia Parliament Buildings: These impressive buildings were completed in 1898 and are home to the legislative assembly of British Columbia. They are a fine example of Victorian architecture and are open for tours.
- Craigdarroch Castle: This historic mansion was built in the late 1800s by a wealthy coal baron. It features 39 rooms and is adorned with intricate woodwork and stained glass. The Castle has a museum inside and tours are available.
- The Empress Hotel: This grand hotel was built in 1908 and is a Victoria landmark. It is known for its grand architecture and is a popular spot for afternoon tea.
- The Royal British Columbia Museum: This museum explores the natural and human history of British Columbia. It features a number of interactive exhibits and home of the IMAX
- The Inner Harbour: This is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, and features a number of shops, restaurants, and attractions. Visitors can take a tour of the harbor on a ferry or floatplane, or enjoy the view from the many parks and public spaces. Fisherman’s Wharf, Ogden Point,
- Beacon Hill Park covers an area of about 75 hectares (185 acres)and it is one of the oldest parks in the city and is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. The park features a wide variety of landscapes, including lush gardens, meadows, forests, and wetlands. There are several walking trails that wind through the park, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the various habitats and see the diverse plant and animal life that call the park home. Beacon Hill Park is also home to a number of historic and cultural features, including the Beacon Hill Petting Farm, a playground and a playground for kids, a bandstand, and the famous “mile 0” marker for the Trans-Canada Highway. The park also features a number of statues and monuments, including a large totem pole and a statue of Queen Victoria.
- The Butchart Gardens: This 55-acre garden is located just outside of Victoria, it’s a National Historic Site of Canada and it features a wide variety of plants and gardens, including a rose garden, a Japanese garden, and a Mediterranean garden.
- Hatley Castle and Gardens are located on the grounds of Royal Roads University, and are open to the public for tours and events. The castle was originally built in 1908 as a residence for James Dunsmuir, a wealthy coal baron and former Premier of British Columbia. The castle is an example of the Scottish Baronial architectural style and is adorned with turrets, towers, and gargoyles. It features a large dining room, a ballroom, and a billiard room, and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. The gardens surrounding the castle are notable for their variety and beauty. They include a Japanese garden, an Italian garden, a rose garden, and a rock garden. The gardens also feature a number of sculptures and water features, including a large pond and a waterfall. The castle and gardens have also been used as a filming location for a number of movies and TV shows, including the X-Men series.
- Esquimalt Lagoon is a coastal estuary, designated migratory bird sanctuary, and is a popular spot for birdwatching and other nature-related activities. The lagoon is home to a wide variety of birds, including Canada geese, mallards, great blue herons, and many species of shorebirds. The lagoon is also home to several species of fish and other aquatic life, including cutthroat trout, coho salmon, and tidal mud shrimp. The Lagoon Trail is a 2.5 km long trail that winds through the lagoon and offers great views of the city, enjoy the sunset or catch a glimpse of the Olympic Mountains in Washington State.
- The Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site was built in the late 19th century to defend the entrance to Esquimalt Harbour and the naval base located there.The Fort is a well-preserved example of a coastal defense fortification and is a popular destination for visitors interested in military history and architecture. The fort features a number of original buildings and structures, including gun batteries, bunkers, searchlight emplacements, and guardhouses. Visitors can explore the fort’s underground magazine, which was used to store ammunition, and take a guided tour to learn more about the fort’s history. The fort also has a lighthouse and a museum, which tells the story of the fort’s history and the people who lived and worked there. Visitors can also explore the various gardens and nature trails that are located on the fort’s grounds, including the Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site
- Fisgard Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located in Esquimalt Harbour, near Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. It was built in 1860 and is one of the oldest lighthouses on the west coast of Canada. The lighthouse is a National Historic Site of Canada and it is open to the public for tours. The light is still operational today and is used as an aid to navigation for ships entering Esquimalt Harbour. Fisgard Lighthouse is an important historical site, as it is a reminder of the importance of lighthouses in the maritime history of British Columbia.
Victoria is home to several post-secondary educational institutions
- University of Victoria: This is the largest university in Victoria, and is known for its strong programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The university also has a reputation for its research in areas such as oceanography, environmental studies, and Indigenous studies.
- Royal Roads University: This university is known for its focus on professional and applied programs, including business, tourism, and environment and sustainability. The university also has a unique approach to learning, with a focus on experiential and action-based learning.
- Camosun College: This college is the largest provider of vocational and trades education in Victoria, and offers a wide range of programs in areas such as health sciences, engineering, and business.
- Victoria College of Art: This is a private art and design college, and offers programs in areas such as fine arts, graphic design, illustration, and photography.
- Pacific Rim College: This is a private college that offers programs in areas such as holistic health, sustainable business, and herbal medicine.
Victoria also has several other smaller institutions and private career colleges that offer specialized programs in various fields. These institutions provide a range of options for students looking to continue their education in Victoria.
Overall, Victoria offers a diverse range of post-secondary education options for students, with a variety of programs and institutions to choose from, including undergraduate and graduate level programs, vocational and trades programs, and programs in art and design
History
The city has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century.
The area now known as Victoria was first inhabited by the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations. European exploration of the area began in the late 18th century, with the arrival of Spanish and British explorers.
In 1843, the British established a colony on Vancouver Island, and in 1849, the colonial governor, James Douglas, chose the site of present-day Victoria as the capital of the colony. The city was named after Queen Victoria, and officially incorporated as a city in 1862. In 1871 British Columbia joined the confederation of Canada and Victoria became the capital of the province.
Victoria quickly grew and prospered as a center of trade and commerce, serving as the main port and commercial center for the region. It was also a destination for many immigrants, particularly from China and other parts of Asia, who came to work in the city’s growing economy.
In recent years, the city has undergone a significant transformation, with the development of a number of new residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects, as well as the redevelopment of many of its historic buildings and areas.
Today, Victoria is a vibrant and diverse city, known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and stunning natural surroundings. It is a popular tourist destination and a great place to live, work and study.
