It's about as far west as you can get in Canada - just across the Strait of Georgia from the city of Vancouver on Canada's mainland and 85 miles northwest across the Juan de Fuca Strait from Seattle.

The jagged coastline boasts stunning views, and the mild climate allows gardens to run rampant. It's no wonder Travel and Leisure voted it one of the 10 best cities in the world to visit.

The downtown, embraced by the water and the bustling Inner Harbour (map), is busy and vibrant. Tourism is big business here, and it's royally catered to.

Once a British colonial outpost, Greater Victoria (Victoria and its outlying areas) now sports a population of more than 300,000. Although it still retains remnants of its past in high teas, hanging baskets and shops filled with British goods, Victoria today is alive with sidewalk cafes, night life, cosmopolitan dining, superb shopping and cultural activities.

The Victoria Visitor's Information Centre is located on the Inner Harbour. There are free maps and brochures on accommodations, attractions, restaurants, services, tours, cultural events, festivals and more. There is also a ticket outlet in the Centre.
Call them at 1-800-663-3883 or
(250) 953-2033
Email info@tourismvictoria.com

Map link to Victoria

Seeing the City
There are lots of ways to get around Greater Victoria. The least expensive are the public bus system (B.C. Transit, 250-385-2551, from $1.25) and bike and scooter rentals.

Being a tourist Mecca means several companies run scenic tours - there's double-decker or horse-drawn carriages plying their wares, but they aren't cheap. Tiny water tugs ply the Inner Harbour for great views of the shoreline.

There's always car rentals (not really necessary here where everything is either accessible on foot or by bus). Taxis are available but costly. From the airport take the Airporter mini-bus, cheaper than a taxi, to downtown Victoria.

Money
It should be noted that all prices in this guide are in Canadian dollars. For up to date currency rates, click here.

Smoking
Victoria is totally nonsmoking indoors. Restaurants, pubs, nightclubs, hotels, public transportation, office buildings, etc. etc. No one is allowed to smoke anywhere inside any building. Outdoors is okay.

Local Sites
You can check out the latest weather, news, road conditions, ferry schedules and more at Victoria's Chek TV's website.

The Author
I grew up in Texas (friendly people), summered on the Gulf Coast and lived in several other states before moving to Canada. The Rockies and the Yukon were home for a while.

Victoria, BC on Vancouver Island is my permanent location, unless I win the lottery. Then I'll be off to Britain, the land I love. My hobbies are history, historical architecture and reading.

Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our North America Insiders page.