Victoria, the jewel of B.C.
by Adriana, 21, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
August, 1999
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About me
I moved to Greater Victoria at 4 yrs. old, So I guess that after 17 years here I can rightfully call it my hometown. Despite being a place that has the highest % of retirees in Canada Victoria is an awesome place to live. We enjoy the mildest climate (translation: a comfortable summer and a wet winter) in all of Canada; which is the reason why we have all of the "retirees". Victoria also has everything most visitors could ever want, at every budget level.

Quick facts
There is a HI Hostel located right in town. City buses run to most regions. - There is one University and various colleges in Victoria, including the prestigious Pearson College where international students study thanks to full scholarships. - Victoria has a growing film industry & has served as a location for numerous films ( including "Little Women", "Intersection" and many others. - Victoria started out as a Fort for the Hudson's Bay Company, which eventually became a formal colony of Britain. (To this day Victoria is still considered a "little piece of Britain", I guess it just has to do with the gardens and maybe some of the architecture) - Gardening is a popular pastime, especially among the retirees who have time for it. - We have some amazing natural harbours, including Esquimalt, which is where the Canadian Pacific Naval forces are based. ( free tour offered) - In the summer there is Folkfest, Jazzfest, Artfests, Weekend Markets, Shakesphearian plays, all sorts of smaller fests. - We have clean air ( thanks to ocean wind currents) and great tap water.

The city
The city itself is a great destination for those that like "tourist" travel complete with attractions, shopping and upscale hotels like the CP's Empress, and the Ocean Pt. Resort & Spa. Hotels & Motels are competitively priced for those looking for a bargain or travelling with kids. Eating out in Victoria is pretty affordable by National Standards, but we have our fair shaire of restaurants with menus that will appease the most cultured palate. -City things: Royal BC Musem & IMAX theatre Royal London Wax Museum Ministure World the Bug Zoo Whale Watching excursions Double decker bus tours -Within the city, but further out Craigdarroch Castle Anne Hathaway's Cottage Royal Roads University (free amazing gdns) Butchart Gdns. -Further up the Island & around Whippletree Junction ( Neat shops & Antiques) Chemainus (amazing murals *everywhere*) Parksville ( great beach) Coombs ( Goats on the roof, marketplace unbelievably fun) Qualicum Beach ( cute town, nice beach) Gulf Islands

The nature
On the other hand Victoria is a great starting place for camping & hiking excursions on other parts of Vancouver Island. We have the West Coast Trail and Juan de Fuca Marine Trail within driving distance. Both offer spectacular W. Coast scenery and varying degrees of hiking. The famous Carmanah Valley is nearby, as is the controversial Clayquot Sound. you can go on Kayaking trips around the region, and do all sorts of things. BC Parks has lots of great campgrounds and Marine parks for the boaters too. No matter where your interests are there really is tons to see & do here. Victoria is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island in the province of BC on the W. Coast of Canada. We are near Vancouver BC and Seattle WA (USA)

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