About Victoria

On Vancouver Island, surrounded by the crystal waters of the Pacific Ocean, Victoria offers wild beauty, adventure, and a charming ambiance reminiscent of the romantic Victorian era.

History of Victoria
In the spring of 1778, Captain James Cook became the first white man to set foot on Vancouver Island. He landed on the west coast of the Island, at Nootka Sound, and discovered that First Nations peoples were already living in the rugged yet pristine wilderness of the island. Permanent occupation of the island by European settlers was gradual and resulted from the fur trade companies' continual movement towards the Pacific coast. In 1843, James Douglas of the Hudson Bay Company selected Victoria, then known as Camosack, as the site for a Hudson's Bay Company post. The post was eventually named Fort Victoria, after the Queen of England, and quickly grew into a commercial and naval port, the seat of colonial and provincial governments and a modern city with international ties. In 1852, the name Victoria was adopted for the townsite that developed around Fort Victoria. Victoria was incorporated as a city on August 2, 1862.

Victoria Today
Victoria is a haven for both the leisure traveller and the active visitor. The city reflects its First Nations and British history in heritage buildings and totem poles alike. The picturesque Inner Harbour and downtown core explode with colour and charm. Victoria boasts the mildest climate in Canada and embraces its natural surroundings. As a result, gardens bloom year-round and outdoor adventure abounds.

Weather
Located in a sub-Mediterranean zone, Victoria boasts the mildest climate in Canada. Victoria receives an average of 2,183 hours of sunshine each year, with flowers in bloom year-round and an eight month frost-free season. Comfortable walking shoes are a must when visiting Victoria; this resort-style city is made for strolling, with downtown hotels, restaurants, shops and parks within close proximity of one-another. Summer is comfortably warm and dry with temperatures from 18° to 32°C (65°; to 90°F). Victoria has a very low humidity ratio and almost constant offshore breezes, which keep summer days from becoming too hot and summer evenings cool. A sweater or light jacket is recommended if you are going out at night.

Time Zone
Victoria is in the Pacific Standard Time Zone (-0800 GMT). Daylight Savings Time is in effect from 2:00 a.m. on the first Sunday in April until 2:00 a.m. on the last Sunday in October.

Points of Interest

Butchart Gardens
Welcome to the famous Butchart Gardens, fifty-five acres of wonderful floral display, offering spectacular views as you stroll along meandering paths and expansive lawns. In 1904, Jenny Butchart began to beautify a worked-out quarry site left behind from her husband's pioneering efforts in the manufacture of portland cement at Tod Inlet, Vancouver Island, Canada. Her venture has become a family commitment to horticulture and hospitality spanning almost 100 years, and delighting visitors from all over the world. From the exquisite Sunken Garden to the charming Rose Garden, this show garden still maintains the gracious traditions of the past, in one of the loveliest corners in the world.

Butterfly Gardens
Stroll amidst hundreds of exotic butterflies flying free in a 12,000 square-foot indoor tropical rainforest. Witness the entire life cycle of these amazing insects. Spectacular flowering plants and foliage, fascinating birds, waterfalls and a stream with fish all contribute to make this a truly memorable experience. Featuring friendly helpful staff, lots of free parking and a well stocked gift shop. Located less than five minutes to the world famous Butchart Gardens.

Pacific Undersea Gardens
Located in the breathtaking, beautiful Inner Harbour of Downtown Victoria, the Pacific Undersea Gardens provides the world with an exciting and convenient way to view the marine life of the British Columbia coastal region. Visitors to the lower level display area of the vessel descend 5 meters (15 feet) beneath the ocean to watch a variety of marine plants and animals. More than 5,000 animals of different species inhabit the aquariums around the vessel in a natural but protected environment. Through the many viewing windows, visitors can look right into the underwater world of the Pacific Northwest.

Anne Hathaway's Thatched Cottage
Step back in time to visit the full size version of William Shakespeare's wife's birthplace, located amidst the 5 acres of the English Inn & Resort country garden estate. The thatched cottage is authentically furnished with genuine antiques. The tour gives you an insight into the life and times of Shakespearean England and the derivation of many of our quaint expressions, such as, "mind your P's and Q's". The Enhanced Cottage Tour Experience is a very entertaining theatrical production, which incorporates the cottage tour with live vignettes of Shakespeare's most popular literary works. Envision Romeo calling to his sweet lover Juliet as she pears out of the cottage's 2nd floor window. Inquire about the interactive version for the true Shakespearean enthusiast. Stroll through the tranquil gardens and English Village, have afternoon tea or enjoy classic English fare in the Knight's 'Fireside' Dining Room & Lounge overlooking 5 acres of beautiful country gardens.

Craigdarroch Castle
Craigdarroch Castle is a beautiful historic Victorian-era mansion, built in the 1890s by wealthy BC coal baron Robert Dunsmuir. It is now owned by the Craigdarroch Castle Historical Museum Society and almost totally funded by its 150,000 annual visitors. Rising 87 stairs up through the 4 1/2 stories, there are 39 rooms, most of which are furnished lavishly in the 1890s - 1900s period. With over 20,000 square feet of space, the house and gardens are being restored exactly as they were originally built, and you will find artisans working on restorations most days. Step back in time and experience the life and times of the very rich and famous.