City of Victoria includes Victoria and Victoria West. Find local information about real estate in the communities that belong to this municipality.
1. Victoria
Victoria is the capital of BC and the oldest city in Western Canada. It is situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. The city has the mildest climate in Canada, and due to its many parks and gardens it is knows as the City of Gardens. Victoria is lucky to have a spectacular setting of ocean and mountain vistas. It also offers numerous economic, cultural and recreational opportunities. All of these reasons make Victoria a very desirable place to live.
The downtown has some beautiful historic buildings, such as the Fairmont Empress Hotel, the Parliament Building, and the Royal BC Museum. Victoria also has the oldest Chinatown in Canada, as well as a beautiful Inner Harbour. Victoria’s residential communities are full of charming Victorian and Edwardian houses, many over a century old. Victoria is a community of choice for its temperate climate, natural beauty, recreational sites and employment opportunities.
The city is known for its double decker buses, beautiful gardens, small specialty shops, and local attractions. The preservation of historic buildings together with the modern architecture create a unique blend. There are areas of downtown businesses as well as residential communities. There are year round outdoor activities with street entertainers and singers in the Inner Harbour.
Victoria was rated as one of the top ten cities to visit in the world by Conde’ Nast Traveler Magazine reader’s poll. As the capital of British Columbia it has everything you could ever want in a city. At it’s heart you will find the majestic Empress Hotel, the BC provincial Legislative Buildings, museums, galleries, restaurants, hotels, marinas and much more.
Estimated Distance / Travel Time
- to Swartz Bay Ferry: 32 km / 35 min;
- to Victoria International Airport: 27 km / 30 min.
Daily transportation services from Victoria to Vancouver, Seattle, Prince Rupert, and Alaska are provided by BC Ferries, US Ferries, and by Victoria International Airport.
Location
Victoria is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, and it is surrounded by Juan de Fuca Strait and Georgia Strait. It is 100 km from Vancouver, and is easily accessible from the mainland and the US.
Population
Victoria’s population is just over 78,000, with nearly 345,000 in the Greater Victoria area. The population of Greater Victoria is expected to expand to 400,000 by 2020.
Schools
Victoria lies within School District 61, which offers a number of schools from K-12, as well as various alternative school programs and several French immersion programs. Private schools in Victoria include Glenlyon Norfolk School, Lighthouse Christian Academy and Saint Michael’s University School.
Recreation
Victoria is home to a number of recreation facilities, such as Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre, the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre and Royal Athletic Park for both indoor and outdoor pursuits. Green space is prominent in Victoria; the over 70 parks in Victoria include ornamental gardens, natural ecosystems, outdoor opportunities, and playgrounds. Bike lanes, walkways and the Galloping Goose Trail offer many transportation options.
Economy
Victoria is a thriving city that continues to grow and expand. The city is located near the US markets, and serves as a gateway to the Pacific Rim. Its many sea and air links have created a hub for business development and economic investment. Governments at all levels provide a major employment base in the city.
Victoria’s primary industries include technology, tourism, education, federal and provincial government administration and services. Victoria receives over 100 cruise ship visits every year. The Canadian Pacific Naval Fleet is based in neighbouring Esquimalt, and the post secondary education sector featuring University of Victoria, Royal Roads University and Camosun College are large employers in the area. It was reported that technology had overtaken tourism as the top performing economic sector in Victoria.
Victoria Neighbourhoods
Victoria Neighbourhoods include: Downtown, James Bay, Fairfield East and West, Rockland, Fernwood, Rock Bay, Hillside, Mayfair, Burnside, Jubilee, Oaklands, and Central Park.
Downtown
Downtown Victoria is a combination of old-world charm and modern-day urban style. With its picturesque harbour, heritage architecture, world class museums, galleries and theatres, it’s little wonder Victoria is considered one of North America’s most desirable places to live.
Rockland
Rockland is a neighbourhood full of graceful mansions showcasing striking architectural details and lush grounds. Beginning in the 1880s, its Arts-and-Crafts-style homes were designed by well-known architects.
Fairfield
Fairfield enjoys some of the best ocean and mountain views in the city. It’s home to the historic and beautifully landscaped Ross Bay Cemetery and Government House, whose magnificent gardens are open to the public. Cook Street Village is home to great food and coffee, while The Dallas Road waterfront is at the heart of Victoria’s jogging and walking culture.
James Bay
James Bay is the neighbourhood to explore for splendid old Victorian houses. Just a five-minute walk south of downtown, its homes were built by Victoria’s founding families, most of which have been lovingly preserved. James Bay is home to the magnificent Fairmont Empress Hotel, and borders Beacon Hill Park’s inspiring gardens. James Bay Village is a central shopping and recreational enclave at the heart of this neighbourhood. Walks to the breakwater, and Fishermans’ Wharf.
2. Victoria West
Estimated distance / travel time
- to Swartz Bay Ferry: 33 km / 40 min;
- to Victoria International Airport: 28 km / 35 min;
- to downtown Victoria: 2 km / 5 min.
Victoria West or “Vic West” is part of the City of Victoria. It occupies a peninsula bounded by the scenic Gorge & Selkirk waterways, the Inner Harbour and the eastern border of Esquimalt. Its 155 hectares (380 acres) represents eight per cent of Victoria’s land base.
Vic West is just a bridge away from downtown Victoria. Vic West offers its residents quality retail, traditional residential and multi-family housing options as well as scenic waterfront walkways. Vic West is home to new and innovative housing and commercial developments, including the planned Dockside Green sustainable development project on former industrial land.