About the City of Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria is the capital city of the province of British Columbia, Canada. Victoria is a gateway to the Pacific Rim, is close to U.S. Markets, and has many sea and air links that make it a business hub. With the mildest climate in Canada, Victoria is known for its gardens and is a clean and charming city. Victoria holds many reminders of both its native and British heritage, and views of totem poles combine with afternoon tea. The focus of downtown Victoria is the inner harbour, overlooked by the Parliament Buildings and the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Location of Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island.
- see map of Victoria
19.47 sq. km (7.52 sq. miles) (Statistics Canada, 2011 Census)
80,017 (Statistics Canada, 2011 Census)
Date Victoria Incorporated as a City
Date Victoria Became the Capital City of British Columbia
Government of the City of Victoria
Victoria municipal elections are held every three years on the third Saturday in November.
Date of the last Victoria municipal election: Saturday, November 19, 2011
Date of the next Victoria municipal election: Saturday November 15, 2014
Victoria's city council is made up of 9 elected representatives: one mayor and 8 city councillors.
Major attractions in the capital city include:
- Parliament Buildings, home of the BC Legislative Assembly
- Butchart Gardens
- Royal BC Museum
- Maritime Museum of BC
- Fairmont Empress Hotel
- Trans Canada Trail
Weather in Victoria
Victoria has the mildest climate in Canada, and with an eight-month frost-free season flowers bloom year-round. The average annual rainfall for Victoria is 66.5 cm (26.2 in.), far less than in Vancouver, BC or New York City.
Summers in Victoria are pleasantly warm and dry with an average maximum temperature in July and August of 21.8°C (71°F).
Victoria winters are mild, with rain and the occasional light snow. The average temperature in January is 3°C (38°F). Spring can start as early as February.
City of Victoria Official Site
Capital Cities of Canada
For information on the other capital cities in Canada, see Capital Cities of Canada.