Victoria: Summer in the City

There are many reasons why Victoria resident Harold Hoefle and his wife Amy enjoy living and working in the city. Having relocated from Montreal last year, they find British Columbia’s elegant capital comfortable and amply meeting their requirements for a decent life. That Victoria also boasts Canada’s mildest year-round climate adds to an already strong appeal for these recent arrivals.

The BC Legislative Buildings make an impressive
backdrop for Victoria’s Inner Harbour
(Deddeda Stemler/Tourism Victoria)“Liveable? No kidding!” emotes Harold, an author and teacher at the University of Victoria. As someone who appreciates green spaces, good nightlife and a vibrant music and arts scene, he is thrilled with what Victoria has to offer. “The social scene continues to surprise and delight me,” he says. “There are great pubs, art galleries and a multitude of venues for bands to appear.”

It seems most “Victorians” would agree with this assessment of their city, a recent Canada-wide survey revealing them as the happiest with their hometown over the inhabitants of any other. Visitors and travel experts reinforce this view. Condé Nast Traveller magazine, for example, proclaimed Victoria in 2003 as not only the best city in the Americas, but one of the top ten in the world to visit.

One deciding factor was Victoria’s laidback atmosphere. Harold is quick to extol this, saying: “Most people seem to groove on being upbeat, affirming and friendly all the time.” Many residents would also cite excellent public amenities and the superb choice in shopping and dining as adding considerably to the quality of life in this attractive, walkable destination.

Located at the southeastern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria was originally known by the Coast Salish as Camosack (meaning “rush of water”) until it was chosen in March 1843 by the Hudson’s Bay Trading Company’s James Douglas as a perfect trading post location. Later renamed Fort Victoria for the reigning British monarch, the site quickly blossomed into a thriving community and key port. Eventually also becoming the seat of provincial government that it remains to this day, incorporation as a city occurred on August 2, 1862.

Fisherman’s Wharf (Deddeda Stemler/Tourism Victoria)There is evidence of Victoria’s formative years and First Nations heritage found all over the city, but particularly on and around the magnificent Inner Harbour area. The city receives around 3.65 million visitors each year, many of whom are drawn immediately to the sights of this famous part of Victoria, the perfect place from which to start exploring. Just a 10-minute walk from the floatplane terminal is Fisherman’s Wharf, a great spot for fresh seafood.

Set just off the harbourfront is the Royal BC Museum, outside which Thunderbird Park’s towering totem poles add Native mystique to a breathtaking skyline. The museum is a fixed Victoria must-do, and until January 11, 2009 will be playing a major part in BC’s 150th birthday celebrations with a dedicated exhibit: Free Spirit: Stories of You, Me and BC.

It’s perhaps obvious that the provincial capital would turn on the style for such a significant historical milestone, but Victoria promises an unforgettable celebration with Festival 150. Running August 1-4, free family activities will take place all around the Inner Harbour, where two gems of colonial architecture dominate the scene.

The BC Legislative Building is truly an incredible sight. Housing British Columbia’s government since 1898, this enormous Neo-Baroque structure is a dramatic enough sight in daylight, but it’s actually best seen after dark when the building’s outline is illuminated by hundreds of lights.

With ivy creeping prettily up its frontage and Weeping Sequoia trees marking the entrance, the famous Fairmont Empress Hotel is a true Victoria icon. This year mark’s the Empress’ 100th anniversary; celebrations include Centennial Tea in the hotel each Friday until September 26. But the fun at the Empress constitutes just part of a busy Victoria summer calendar of festivals and activities to sate all tastes.

The always colourful and exciting annual Victoria Dragon Boat Festival takes place between August 15 and 17, while the highly recommended Fringe Theatre Festival (August 21-31) attracted 16,000 patrons in 2007.

Fan Tan Alley in Chinatown
(Deddeda Stemler/Tourism Victoria)Dragon Boat festivities are rooted in Chinese tradition and it should be noted that Victoria’s atmospheric Chinatown is the oldest in Canada. A very popular shopping district, it’s particularly famed for the corridor-like Fan Tan Alley, the narrowest “street” in North America. Other prime locations for wonderfully varied shopping in the city include Bastion Square and the suitably named Market Square and Antique Row, all easily accessed from the Inner Harbour.

With such a beautiful harbour and coastline, it’s no wonder fishing, water sports and beach culture are popular here. And with a range of challenging golf courses and year-round access, Victoria is a golfer’s paradise.

A visit to the famed Butchart Gardens in full summer bloom is simply essential. Located just north of Victoria in the Saanich district are fifty-five acres of dazzling floral displays in a fairyland setting, providing a wonderful family experience to cap a visit to one of the world’s great cities.