Is Victoria a good place to live?
Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia. It has a moderate maritime climate with mild, wet winters and dry, mild summers. The city is known for its beautiful natural setting, including the Olympic Mountains to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the lush forests of Vancouver Island to the east. With its moderate weather and abundant natural beauty, Victoria is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with a thriving arts, culture, and tourism industry. The city has a strong commitment to sustainability and is working to reduce its carbon footprint and promote environmentally-friendly practices. Without a doubt, it is one of the best places to live in Canada.
Bugs? No Worries!
You’ll be happy to know that we don’t have a lot of bugs here. This is especially true around the ocean, beaches, or lakes. In fact, it’s common to see people leaving their front doors open in the summertime, even without screens on their windows!
Bears and Cougars: Rare Encounters
While Vancouver Island and BC do have bears and cougars, encounters with them are rare if you’re out hiking. To be on the safe side, it’s recommended to carry bear spray. You’re more likely to spot deer, racoons, and an abundance of beautiful birds. Thanks to the warm climate, our robins and hummingbirds stick around all year!
Weather in Victoria
Victoria is known for its mild weather, which is one of the reasons why it’s a popular destination for both tourists and residents. The city is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, which helps to keep temperatures relatively mild and stable throughout the year.
One of the key features of Victoria’s weather is its relatively low rainfall compared to other parts of Canada. On average, the city receives around 800mm of rainfall per year, with the wettest months being November to February. Despite the low rainfall, Victoria’s climate is still considered to be humid, due to its location near the ocean and its proximity to the rainforest regions of the Pacific Northwest.
Another feature of Victoria’s weather is the amount of sunshine it receives. On average, the city gets around 1,800 to 2,100 hours of sunshine per year, with the sunniest months being June to August. During these months, temperatures can reach up to 25°C, making it the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and swimming.
Despite its mild climate, Victoria can still experience occasional bouts of bad weather. In the winter, strong storms can bring heavy rain and wind, while in the summer, heat waves and droughts can occur. However, these events are relatively rare and do not typically last for long.
How big is Vancouver Island?
The size of Vancouver Island is 31,285 km², roughly 5.5x larger than Prince Edward Island. Our tallest mountain, the Golden Hinde, reaches a height of 2,195 meters. Vancouver Island is the largest island on the west coast of the Americas and has a population of approximately 864,864 as of 2021. Most of the of the population, approximately 400,000 people, reside in the Greater Victoria metropolitan area.
What kind of Outdoor Activities are there to do on Vancouver Island?
Vancouver Island is a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of exciting activities for adventure seekers of all types. Whether you’re a skier, surfer, or just looking for a fun day out, there’s something for everyone on this beautiful island.
For those who love to ski or snowboard, Mount Washington Alpine Resort is the place to be. With its spectacular mountain views and well-groomed slopes, it’s the perfect spot to hit the slopes and enjoy some winter fun. There’s something for every skill level, from gentle bunny slopes to challenging black diamond runs.
For surfers, Tofino and Ucluelet on the west coast of the island offer some of the best waves in the country. With its rugged coastline, warm water, and consistent surf, this area is a surfer’s paradise. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, there are plenty of opportunities to catch some waves and perfect your skills.
For those who prefer to stay on solid ground, there are plenty of other outdoor activities to enjoy on Vancouver Island. Hiking and biking are popular ways to explore the island’s diverse landscape, and there are plenty of trails and roads to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a scenic stroll or a challenging workout, there’s a trail for you.
Fishing is another popular activity on the island, with abundant streams, rivers, and lakes offering opportunities to catch a variety of fish. Whether you’re after salmon, trout, or steelhead, there are plenty of opportunities to drop a line and enjoy a day on the water.
We hope that we’ve answered the question: is Victoria a good place to live. Unequivocally yes!