Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, the largest of the province's some 6,500 islands. The city, whose metro area now exceeds 311,902 inhabitants, originated as a fur-trading outpost named Fort Victoria, in 1843.

Significantly, it was founded in March. In most areas of Canada, March is not the time of year in which you would be outside founding things. But Victoria, located in the sub-Mediterranean climatic zone, boasts some of the best weather in Canada – a combination of an average of 2,183 hours of annual sunshine, an eight-month frost-free season, a monthly average temperature that never dips below freezing, low humidity, offshore breezes, and an average annual rainfall of 66.5 centimeters/26.2 inches (compared to New York City with 127 cm/50 inches).

The surrounding country and fabulous weather make outdoor adventure a simple option for anyone who lives in Victoria. For those looking for peaceful activities, this city is a great place for golfing or gardening. Of particular interest to gardeners is the famed Butchart Gardens located 21 kilometers (14 miles) north of Victoria, at Brentwood Bay. As the city is one of Canada's popular retirement locales, activities like walking, hiking, cycling, and birding are regular features of life. And no matter what your age, don't miss afternoon tea at the grand Fairmont Empress Hotel on the banks of the inner harbor.

Of course, Victoria is also big on water sports. Some residents prefer to hoist sail and let the winds guide them through the waters of Victoria and Vancouver Island. These waters, combined with the archipelago of the Gulf Islands, provide boaters and sailors with some of the most beautiful cruising areas in the world. For winter sports, Victoria is a 95-minute ferry ride aboard BC Ferries from Vancouver, and then a beautiful two-hour drive to famous Whistler.

But living in Victoria, you don't need to go to the larger city of Vancouver for entertainment. Victoria hosts more than 20 festivals throughout the year, which will keep you active. The Victoria Independent Film and Video Festival is host to 160 domestic and international new releases each year. Every April, The Terrifvic Jazz Party attracts a wide variety of acts from around the world. Intrepid Theatre takes a unique approach to distinguishing Victoria on the international performance circuit as the sponsor of UNO, Canada's only international festival of solo performance pieces from the worlds of dance, theatre, and in-between.

And there are plenty of opportunities to keep the kids occupied – aside from with outdoor activities – with trips to the Beacon Hill Children's Farm, the Victoria Butterfly Gardens, or the Victoria Bug Zoo!

So whether you're looking for great weather, vibrant cultural institutions, unparalleled natural beauty, or a city that's not-too-big and not-too-small, Victoria is the place for you.

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