Victoria, British Columbia is always in season! Victoria has the mildest climate in Canada, and is a place so green all year that flowers fall out of the sky and even the lamp posts bloom. It is no wonder that it is called The Garden City!
The wild beauty of the Pacific coast and the adventure of the great outdoors are within the city limits and ocean and mountain vistas will follow you wherever you go.
Victoria remembers its colourful history with First Nations totem poles, heritage architecture and afternoon tea, and bustles with the energy of a university town, having the University of Victoria within its limits.
Shop windows are full of British imports, Native art and the latest trends. Restaurants and cafés serve the freshest cuisine. The harbour is alive with the romance of an era when tall ships moored alongside the wharf and evenings glitter as lights twinkle and cast their magic from atop the landmark British Columbia Legislative Buildings.
The Garden City is a year-round tourism destination that offers a friendly, safe haven for all visitors. Getting here is very easy, and, once here, you will feel a million miles away. With a clean environment and charming ambience, it is no surprise that Victoria, BC is one of the world's favourite destinations.
Population
Greater Victoria covers an area of 540.4 square kilometres. The population density is 0.17 person per square kilometre. The City of Victoria’s population is 79,013 (2001). Greater Victoria is composed of four municipalities: Victoria, Oak Bay, Esquimalt and Saanich. The Capital Region population is 344,567 (2001). The population of Vancouver Island is 699,645 (2000).
Language
Canada is a bilingual country; the official languages spoken are English and French. Canada is a multi-cultural nation however, and many other languages are spoken within individual families and cultural communities. In Victoria and on Vancouver Island, you may hear Chinese, Japanese, German or other foreign languages being spoken, but visitors should only expect English to be spoken at most accommodations, restaurants, attractions and other tourist services.
Climate
Located in a sub-Mediterranean zone, Victoria BC 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.
Spring arrives as early as February and is mild. 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. The average monthly rainfall in summer is less than 2.5 cm (1"). Victoria often enjoys a warm, sunny September with fall arriving late in the month. Deciduous trees turn the city to gold, but lawns and golf courses are green and lush throughout the winter.
The average annual rainfall for Victoria is 66.5 cm (26.2"), which is substantially less rain than both Vancouver and Seattle receive. Victoria receives rainfall during January, February and March, but rarely snow. The average monthly rainfall in winter is 5 cm (2") and the average temperature in January is 3°C (38°F). Although winters are mild and rarely include snow, warmer clothing is recommended between the months of November and March.
Trip Planning
Visitors from the United States
Although passports and visas are not required for entry into Canada passports are required for air entry and air re-entry into the United States. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security changed official requirements as of January 23, 2007 for citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda to present a passport to enter or re-enter the United States when arriving from any part of the Western Hemisphere by air.
The new requirements are as follows:
Travellers arriving by air will be required to show a valid passport, air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document for entry or re-entry to the U.S. as of January 23, 2007
As early as January 1, 2008 and no later than June 1, 2009. Everyone travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, South America, the Caribbean, and Bermida by land or sea (including cruises and ferries) may be required to show a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.
For more information on the new requirements or on how to apply for a U.S. passport, please visit the U.S. Department of State website
Visitors from Europe
European passport holders do not require a visa to visit Canada. All you need is a valid passport, a return ticket and sufficient funds to support yourself and your dependents during your stay in Canada. European visitors to Canada who wish to also visit the United States must possess valid passports to be admitted; residents of Portugal are further required to have a visa.
Visitors from Other Countries
International travellers require a valid passport and may require a visa to enter or transit Canada. To see whether you require a visa, visit the Canada site for more information on visa requirements. International travellers who wish to find out about Canadian customs regulations should visit the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency website.
International travellers who wish to enter Canada through the United States must also carry a valid passport and may require a visa, which they should obtain from a Canadian Embassy or Consulate outside Canada. Those in this category should check with an office of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service before they enter Canada.
Studying or Working in Canada
If you are planning to study or work in Canada, contact the nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate for a copy of the brochure called Entering Canada to Study or Work.
General entry into Canada
Although it is rare, immigration officials may prevent the entry of visitors:
• who appear to pose a health risk
• those they doubt will be able to support themselves and their dependents in Canada
• whose willingness and means to return to the U.S. is in doubt - for example, those who do not have a passport
As well, those admissible to Canada must not have a criminal record. This includes any convictions for driving while intoxicated.
If you have questions about your admissibility to enter Canada, contact your nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate for consultation.
Visit our Travel Tips section for additional information about: travelling with children, student visas and working visas, health certificates, and more.
