Victoria Information
Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, making it the seat of the provincial Crown.
Victoria is a global tourism destination seeing more than 3.65 million visitors a year who inject more than one billion dollars into the local economy.
Victoria is a cruise ship port where cruise liners stop at Ogden Point terminal. The city also receives economic benefits from its close proximity to Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, the Canadian military’s main Pacific naval base.
Located on the southeastern tip of Vancouver Island, overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the City of Victoria has a population of approximately 78,659.
The City of Victoria, located on the Southern tip of Vancouver Island, is Western Canada's oldest city and the capital of British Columbia. As such, it is home to the provincial legislature. It is a community of choice for many, due to its temperate climate, natural beauty, and superior economic opportunities. Readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine rate Victoria #1 for environment and ambience and the best overall City in Canada. Macleans magazine recently rated Victoria as the number one city in Canada in which to locate a family business.
Victoria West occupies a peninsula bounded by the scenic Gorge / Selkirk waterway, the harbour and the eastern border of Esquimalt. Its 155 hectares (380 acres) represents eight per cent of Victoria's land base. With the development of Westside Village and the continuing development of the Songhees lands, Vic West offers its residents quality retail, traditional residential and multi-family housing options as well as scenic waterfront walkways.
Governments at all levels provide a major employment base in the City with 18 of the largest employers coming from the public sector.
More information on Victoria can be obtained through the City of Victoria Economic Development Office by telephone at +1 (250) 361-0355 for more information visit the website of The City of Victoria.
Greater Victoria
The Capital Regional District, comprising thirteen municipalities informally referred to as Greater Victoria, has a population of more than 345,000 and is the largest urban area on Vancouver Island. By population, Greater Victoria is the 15th largest city metropolitan area in Canada.
The District of Saanich
Saanich East and Saanich West (population 102,000) is a sprawling area composed of a number of distinct neighbourhoods.
The eastern side of Saanich is dominated by the University of Victoria which is very much a part of the local life of the community. Saanich West is a multifaceted community stretching from the established suburban neighbourhoods of the Gorge area north to the rural farmland around Elk Lake and Prospect Lake.
The landscape of Saanich is unique for its ecological diversity and leisure potential. There are 170 municipal parks, three regional parks and a cycling network route to see and explore. Saanich has more parks per capita than any other municipality in B.C. There are several excellent golf courses in Saanich: Blenkinsop Valley, Cedar Hill, Cordova Bay and Prospect Lake golf courses.
Saanich's distinct neighbourhoods include the following:
GORDON HEAD, a solidly upper middle class family area with several shopping malls, restaurants and movie theatres within a short driving distance.
HIGH QUADRA overlooking Blenkinsop Valley.
BROADMEAD with imaginative West Coast architecture.
CORDOVA BAY perched along the seaside; a mixture of cottages, small farms, sizable family homes and new subdivisions.
THE GORGE waterway on the west side of Saanich is a beautiful setting and a popular area for young families who prefer to live close to town. The Tillicum mall, Town and Country shopping centre and the Silver City movie theatre are all conveniently located.
The Victoria General Hospital is little farther West and North among the family-oriented neighbourhoods of Strawberry Vale, West Burnside and Glanford Area. The recently built Interurban campus of Camosun College lies in the middle of this growing area which is also host to many new subdivisions of single family residential development.
PROSPECT LAKE is slightly further North, a well established area featuring a 9 hole golf course and a "lakeside retreat" ambience. Decidedly rural, the Elk Lake/Beaver Lake and the Old West Saanich Road areas include many horse farms and small acreages.
For more information visit the website of the District of Saanich.
The District of Oak Bay
Oak Bay is a distinct municipality located to the east of Victoria. Incorporated in 1906, it now has a population of over 18,000.
From its miles of scenic coastline with breathtaking foreshore vistas to its luxury apartments and stately mansions, Oak Bay is one of the most desirable residential areas in Greater Victoria. Architecture ranges from the late 19th century style of such pre-eminent architects as Francis Rattenbury and Samuel McLure to the contemporary West Coast style of today's fine architects.
Property owners take pride in maintaining their impeccably manicured lawns and fine landscaping. Canopies of trees enhance the attractiveness of the area and are passionately protected.
Oak Bay is home to two world class golf courses, the Uplands Golf Club and Victoria Golf Club, as well as the Oak Bay Marina and the prestigious Royal Victoria Yacht Club. There are three recreation centres in the municipality and its main shopping areas, Oak Bay Avenue and Estevan, maintain a village-like atmosphere.
Oak Bay shares the University of Victoria and Camosun College with the neighbouring municipality of Saanich.
For more information visit the website of The District of Oak Bay.
The Township of Esquimalt
Esquimalt is the municipality immediately to the west of Victoria. With a population of over 16,000 it offers a variety of interesting contrasts in lifestyles with an abundance of parks, foreshore vistas and a marina.
Esquimalt has a strong mix of high quality residential properties, some excellent waterfront properties and a very active business community including a light industrial district. It has a well-established community spirit and all of its services were well developed many years ago. Some of Esquimalt's most attractive residential areas are Saxe Point, Rockheights and Parklands.
Esquimalt has a full range of recreational facilities including arena, curling rink, indoor swimming pool, recreation centre and the top-ranked Gorge Vale Golf Club.
Facing the western approaches from the sea, it is a very pleasant and sun-filled location. Esquimalt is home to the Department of National Defence. Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt employs around 4,000 military and 3,000 civilian personnel, making it a significant contributor to Victoria's economy.
Between Victoria and Esquimalt is Vic West, currently being revitalized with the Songhees development. This area is developing rapidly as it is a prime piece of waterfront property commanding an unparalleled view of the Inner Harbour and downtown Victoria.
For more information visit the website of The Township of Esquimalt.
The District of North Saanich
With a population of around 10,000 people, the overriding philosophy of North Saanich residents is to retain the rural qualities of the area with an acute awareness of the protection of the environment.
Agricultural, residential and institutional uses are the primary land uses in North Saanich with only minor commercial or industrial uses (with the exception of the airport). The dominant agricultural/residential uses result in the highly valued rural atmosphere of North Saanich living. Almost all the housing is classified as single detached homes
Because of the community's preference for retaining larger lot sizes and the rural nature of residential neighbourhoods, water supply is provided by wells or the municipal water system. North Saanich is under the jurisdiction of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Waste disposal is done on a private basis.
For more information visit the website of The District of North Saanich.
The District of Central Saanich
Central Saanich has a population of close to 14,000 people. The dominant age groups are in the 25-44 range (adult baby boomers) and the 55 and up range. Agriculture is the most extensive land use in the community with pockets of housing ranging from hobby farms to townhouses dispersed throughout. The necessary services are provided through two core commercial areas in Brentwood Bay and Saanichton, supported nicely by the Keating X Road industrial/commercial area.
Because of its attractive rural lifestyle, Central Saanich experienced considerable demands for development during the 1980s. The overriding philosophy of the community is to retain the current rural character, agricultural land base and as much as possible provide for slow, long-term growth where it will have the least impact on the agricultural lands and the environment. Central Saanich has the Sunshine Hills golf course for golfing enthusiasts.
Central Saanich has its own police force and Fire Department. Garbage collection is done on a private basis.
For more information visit the website of The District of Central Saanich.
The Town of Sidney
"Sidney by the Sea" as it is affectionately known, currently has a population of just over 10,000 people. Because of its climate, natural amenities and friendly community character, Sidney's fastest growing age group is in the 65 and over category. Sidney has established trend-setting laws requiring the provision of adaptable housing for persons with disabilities. Sidney is under the jurisdiction of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
In an effort to maintain population balance, the municipality has approved single family developments that cater to younger people and attempt to make housing more affordable. Sidney has extensive waterfront walkways, parks, restaurants and marinas. The Panorama Leisure Centre provides indoor tennis, ice arena and pool and will soon offer squash and racquet courts. The Glen Meadows Golf and Country Club and the Ardmore golf course serve golf enthusiasts.
There is daily ferry service to Anacortes, Washington, U.S.A. Sidney is less than two kilometres away from the Victoria International Airport, three kilometres from the B.C. Ferry Terminal to Vancouver and only 25 minutes away from downtown Victoria.
For more information visit the website of Sidney.
The City of Colwood
Incorporated in 1985, the City of Colwood has a population of over 14,000. The city is divided into residential pockets such as Triangle Mountain, Colwood Creek, Colwood Lake Estates, Wishart and Lagoon areas. There are business centres at Colwood Corners and Hatley Park, where Royal Roads University is located.
The area offers a variety of recreational pursuits. The Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre is considered to be one of the most complete sport complexes in the province. For the golf enthusiast, there are highly rated courses, the Royal Colwood golf course and the Olympic View golf course and the nine hole Juan de Fuca course. The area offers a nature reserve as well as a beach for sun tanning, swimming, wind surfing, sailing or just walking. Views of downtown and views of the American coast over the Strait of Juan de Fuca are also enjoyed. In addition, there are a number of smaller parks.
Garbage collection is done on a private basis and the area is policed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The Fire Department is a mix of regular and volunteer members. The area is well served by public transit. There are no hospital facilities in the municipality. There is a private medical clinic available in Colwood Corners for emergency assistance, but most medical problems are taken care of at the Victoria General Hospital located on Helmcken Road which is very close by.
For more information visit the website of The City of Colwood.
The City of Langford
Incorporated in 1992, Langford is a young and growing community of about 19,000 residents, divided into distinct areas such as Glen Lake, Happy Valley, Florence Lake, Langford proper, Thetis Heights, Bear Mountain, and the Goldstream Area. There is a business and commercial area running from north of the Trans Canada highway, south along Veterans Memorial Parkway, to Can West Mall on Kelly Road, and extending to Jacklin Road.
The area has a large number of lakes and parks, offering a variety of recreational pursuits. The larger lakes include Thetis Lake, Langford Lake, Glen Lake and Florence Lake. The larger parks are Veterans Memorial Park, Centennial Park, City Centre Park, and Goldstream Park which also has a provincial campground. Langford is home to the Bear Mountain Golf Resort.
The Langford area is large, extending from West Saanich to View Royal, along Colwood, Metchosin, Sooke and northwards including portions of the Malahat Highway.
Most of the community is served by a municipal water system, however there are large parts that are serviced by private wells. Septic tanks and septic fields are the norm though some areas are served by private sewage systems. Garbage pickup is done on a private basis. There is bus service throughout the area. Langford is policed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
For more information visit the website of The City of Langford.
The Town of View Royal
The town of View Royal was incorporated in 1988 and encompasses 1,007 hectares (2,488 acres) of land and 253 hectares (626 acres) of foreshore and land covered by water.
With a population of just under 6,000, View Royal lies at the doorstep of Greater Victoria's urban core and adjacent to the growing municipalities of Esquimalt and Saanich.
View Royal is served by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Waste disposal is done on a private basis and areas within the township are protected by a tree-cutting bylaw.
View Royal has been divided into seven distinct Precincts based on such factors as topography, major transportation corridors, natural environment and the age of housing stock. They are Craigflower, Harbour, Helmcken, Hospital, Burnside, Atkins and Wilfert. Each Precinct can also be described and identified according to its population, the number of dwelling units by type and ownership, the amount of land available for new development and the presence of commercial and retail land uses.
For more information visit the website of The Town of View Royal.
The District of Metchosin
Incorporated in 1984 as a result of a perceived need to preserve the rural lifestyle, the District of Metchosin has a population of over 4,500. Metchosin is mainly a rural community with large parcels of land. It includes areas such as Albert Head, William Head, Rocky Point, Happy Valley and the Kangaroo Road areas.
Horseback riding, nature trails and parks are common in the district. Matheson Lake is popular for swimming and hiking. Witty's Lagoon is an oceanfront area for a variety of sports and for relaxation. There are two golf courses, the Metchosin Golf and Country Club and Green Acres, and plans for another. Pedder Bay is well known for its fishing and Metchosin is the setting for Pearson College. As the area is mainly rural, there are a variety of farm related organizations and horse and riding clubs.
Parts of the community are served by a community water system, however there are large parts that are serviced by private wells. Septic tanks and septic fields are the norm. There are also some private sewage systems. Garbage collection is done on a private basis. There is limited bus service throughout the area, both for public transport and for schools. Metchosin falls under the jurisdiction of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and has a volunteer Fire Department.
For more information visit the website of The District of Metchosin.
The District of Highlands
 Many people choose to live in the Highlands because of its rural character and natural beauty. Residents are encouraged to build their homes with the least environmental impact by minimizing vegetation removal, using materials that blend in with the landscape and positioning homes that are not highly visible from the road or viewpoints.
Mount Work Regional Park boasts swimming holes, fishing spots and hilly terrain as well as the highest peak on the Saanich Peninsula. Lone Tree Regional Park has a two kilometre trail that winds uphill, leading hikers to fabulous views of the Highlands, Victoria and the Olympic Mountains.
During a normal winter, the Highlands experiences cooler temperatures and approximately 35% more rainfall than Victoria. The precipitation is essential to recharge well water resources and maintain ecosystems during severe drought conditions that occur during the summer and fall months.
The Highlands is home to many interesting plants and ecosystems such as wetlands, woodlands, wildflowers and old growth trees. The roads are scenic, narrow and winding.
For more information visit the website of The District of Highlands.
Climate
Victoria has the mildest climate in Canada, a temperate climate that is usually classified as Marine west coast, with mild, damp winters and relatively dry and mild summers. It is sometimes classified as a Mediterranean climate. It does rain in Victoria (26.2 inches each year) but not nearly as much as it does in Vancouver which has an annual rainfall of 48 inches. Victoria bathes in 2183 hours of sunshine per year.
Daily temperatures rise above 30°C (86°F) on an average of one or two days per year and fall below -5°C (23°F) on an average of only 2 nights per year.
During the winter, the average daily high and low temperatures are 8.2°C (47°F) and 3.6°C (38°F), respectively.
The summer months are equally mild, with an average high temperature of 19.6°C (67°F) and low of 11.3°C (52°F).
A little known fact: dandelions bloom every month of the year in Victoria.
With the discovery of gold on the British Columbia mainland in 1858, Victoria became the port, supply base, and outfitting centre for miners on their way to the Fraser Canyon gold fields, mushrooming from a population of 300 to over 5000 literally within a few days.
In 1866 when the island was politically united with the mainland, Victoria remained the capital of the new united colony and became the provincial capital when British Columbia joined the Canadian Confederation in 1871.
Victoria was incorporated as a city in 1862.
In 1865, Esquimalt was made the North Pacific home of the Royal Navy, and remains Canada's west coast naval base.
A real estate and development boom ended just before World War I, leaving Victoria with a large stock of Edwardian public, commercial and residential structures that have greatly contributed to the City's character. A number of municipalities surrounding Victoria were incorporated during this period, including the Township of Esquimalt, the District of Oak Bay, and several municipalities on the Saanich Peninsula.
Since World War II the Victoria area has seen relatively steady growth, becoming home to two major universities. Since the 1980s the western suburbs have been incorporated as new municipalities, such as Colwood and Langford.
The city's chief industries are tourism, education, federal and provincial government administration and services.
Other nearby employers include the Canadian Forces (the Township of Esquimalt is the home of the Pacific headquarters of the Canadian Forces Maritime Command), and the University of Victoria (located in the municipalities of Oak Bay and Saanich).
Other sectors of the Greater Victoria area economy include: investment and banking, online book publishing, various public and private schools, foodstuff manufacturing, light aircraft manufacturing (Viking Air), technology products, various high tech firms in pharmaceuticals and computers, engineering, architecture and telecommunications.
Real Estate
| CREA - Canadian Real Estate Association |
| MLS - Multiple Listing Service |
| VREB - Victoria Real Estate Board |
| BCREA - British Columbia Real Estate Association |
| CMHC - Canadian Mortgage & Housing Corporation |
| CAHPI - Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors |
| ICX - Canada's Commercial Listing |
| Property Assessment |
| Lawyers |
Neighborhoods
The following is a list of neighbourhoods in the City of Victoria, as defined by the city planning department.
* Burnside
* Downtown
* Fairfield
* James Bay
* Fernwood
* Harris Green
* North Jubilee
* North Park
* Oaklands
* Rockland
* South Jubilee
* Victoria West
Post-secondary
There are also several private vocational and English (ESL) training schools available for people who want to learn the English language or upgrade new job market skills.
K-12
Victoria School District has seven high schools, including one high school located within the city boundaries, Victoria High School, founded in 1876, making it the oldest High School in North America north of San Francisco and west of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Neighbouring school districts, Saanich and Sooke, each have three high schools.
Many of the elementary schools in all of the Greater Victoria school districts now offer the popular French immersion programmes in addition to programs in English. The educational needs of the local Francophone community are served by the recently-completed Ecole Victor Brodeur.
In addition, within the city proper there are several smaller schools serving segments of the community such as the Chinese School in Chinatown, St. Andrew's Elementary School or the Anglican School adjacent to Christ Church Cathedral.
Parks
Beacon Hill Park is the central city's main urban green space. Its area of 75 hectares adjacent to Victoria's southern shore includes numerous playing fields, manicured gardens, exotic species of plants and animals such as wild peacocks, a petting zoo, and views of the Straight of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic mountain range. The sport of cricket has been played in Beacon Hill Park since the mid-nineteenth century. Each summer, Beacon Hill Park plays host to several outdoor concerts, and the Luminara Community Lantern Festival.
The extensive system of parks in Victoria also includes a few areas of natural Garry oak meadow habitat, an increasingly scarce ecosystem that once dominated the region.
Museums, Festivals and Galleries
In the heart of downtown are the British Columbia Parliament Buildings, The Empress Hotel, the gothic Christ Church Cathedral, and the Royal British Columbia Museum, with large exhibits on local Aboriginal peoples, natural history, and modern history, along with travelling international exhibits. A picture of Victoria's Maritime Musuem is below:
The Victoria Symphony, led by Tania Miller, performs at the Royal Theatre and the Farquhar Auditorium of the University of Victoria from September to May.
The city has hosted sports events including the 2005 Ford World Men's Curling Championship tournament, the 1994 Commonwealth Games, and 2006 Skate Canada.
Victoria co-hosted the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup at Royal Athletic Park, and is the annual venue for the Bastion Square Grand Prix Criterium road cycling race.
The city is also a destination for conventions, meetings, and conferences, including a 2007 North Atlantic Treaty Organization military chief of staff meeting.
* The Victoria Cougars are perhaps the most famous sports franchise the city has known, winning the Stanley Cup as members of the PCHA in 1925.
They exist today in the form of a Junior 'B' team playing in the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League and there was also a team called the Victoria Cougars in the WHL, but are now the Prince George Cougars. Other Victoria sport teams include:
One of the most visitor-friendly cities anywhere, with recreational activities flourishing in the region year round, where many people sail, fish or play golf amidst the pleasant climate of the winter months. Each summer thousands gather on land and water to enjoy the Victoria Symphony Splash.
The area has many well groomed small and larger parks easily accessible, allowing for sports and family fun.
The Victoria area has lots of shopping complexes, many of them "Plazas" at intersection of major traffic arteries. Here are the larger " Shopping Centres," that provide fully-enclosed shopping comfort.
Multiple scheduled helicopter and seaplane flights are available daily from Victoria's Inner Harbour to Vancouver International Airport, Vancouver Harbour, and Seattle.
The BC Ferries Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal, located 29 kilometres north of Victoria, has bi-hourly sailings to Tsawwassen (a ferry terminal south of Vancouver) and to many of the Gulf Islands.
Public Transportation
Public transportation is run by the Victoria Regional Transit System, which is part of BC Transit. In 2000, they introduced the first double decker buses for public transit use in North America.
Utilities & Services
PHONE - INTERNET - CELL - TV
POWER - ENERGY
WATER
CRD - Capital Regional District
Local Media
NEWSPAPERS
TELEVISION
There are two local stations and a community access channel in Victoria:
* Channel 6: CHEK (E!)
* Channel 53: CIVI (A-Channel)
* Cable 11: "Shaw TV", Shaw Communications community channel
Victoria is the only Canadian provincial capital without a local CBC TV affiliate. The region is considered to be a part of the Vancouver television market, receiving most stations that broadcast from across the Strait of Georgia, including the CBC, CTV, and Global networks.
RADIO
AM radio
FM radio
* FM 88.9 - CBUX, Espace musique * FM 90.5 - CBCV, CBC Radio One* FM 91.3 - CJZN (The Zone @ 91-3), modern rock
Hospitals
Victoria General Hospital
1 Hospital Way
Victoria, BC V8Z 6R5
Phone: (250) 727-4212
Royal Jubilee Hospital
1952 Bay Street
Victoria, BC V8R 1J8
Phone: (250) 370-8000
Gorge Road Hospital
63 Gorge E
Victoria, BC
Telephone: (250) 995-4700
For Patient Care inquiries please call
(250) 388-CARE (2273)
| 
Email
