5 Victoria Fun Facts: How Many Do You Know?

The city of Victoria, BC, is a captivating spot on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, surrounded by majestic natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This vibrant city offers an array of attractions and surprises beyond its renowned real estate market. From its picturesque Inner Harbour to the enchanting Butchart Gardens—and from spectacular architecture to the natural beauty of Victoria's best lakes—Victoria boasts many captivating landmarks and fun facts that make it a remarkable destination. This article will delve into some lesser-known aspects of Victoria, highlighting its unique charm and appealing qualities that make moving to Victoria, investing in real estate there, or visiting and exploring the city so irresistible.

Victoria Is Canada's Garden City

Victoria's mild climate contributes to some of the country's most lush and breathtaking gardens. Everywhere you go in the city, you can witness floral beauty you won't see anywhere else. A walk through downtown and all of Victoria's walkable neighbourhoods brings you beneath the city's iconic hanging flower baskets. Every June, massive moss baskets filled with multicoloured blooms are hung from lamp posts all over town.

At any time of year, the 55-acre Butchart Gardens are worth a visit. Winter brings extravagant light displays, while the other seasons offer different scenery as the weather changes. The 200-acre Beacon Hill Park is another four-season destination. Peacocks, ducks, and other birds wander this urban oasis. If you love azaleas, visit Finnerty Gardens in April and May. This location has one of Canada's most extensive collections of azaleas and rhododendrons.

The Victoria Butterfly Gardens are another unique escape. This indoor rainforest brings the region a variety of tropical plants, butterflies, flamingos, parrots, and brilliantly coloured koi—just the thing on the rare cold and dreary day. The Japanese Garden in Esquimalt Gorge Park is also worth a visit. This is the oldest Japanese Garden in North America.

Victoria Is the Capital of British Columbia

Victoria is an excellent destination for history buffs, as it has been British Columbia's capital since 1868.

The proclamation followed the union of the Vancouver Island and British Columbia colonies in 1866. At first, the choice of Victoria was a controversial one. Frederick Seymour, the first governor of the newly united colony, wanted to avoid snubbing the people of Vancouver Island, so he passed the Legislative Council the task of naming a capital for the new colony. As a resident of British Columbia's mainland, Seymour favoured New Westminster as the choice for the colony's capital.

Victoria was, at the time, British Columbia's largest city. It was the center of commerce in the area and easily defended because of its proximity to the naval base at Esquimalt; today, the Township of Esquimalt is considered one of Victoria's best suburbs. Seymour favoured New Westminster as the capital, but the council chose Victoria instead. A second vote was held, but the results again called for Victoria to be named the capital of BC.

The governor reluctantly proclaimed Victoria the capital of British Columbia on May 25, 1868.

Victoria Hosts 4 Million Visitors Every Year

There's a reason four million people head to Victoria every year. It is one of Canada's most exciting cities, with activities for every taste and budget. As the oldest city in the Pacific Northwest, Victoria offers a lot that will please history buffs. Visit centuries-old historic sites, including significant sites in Indigenous, Canadian, Asian, and British history. Art and architecture buffs will have plenty to feast their eyes on in the city's museums, gardens, and historic neighbourhoods.

Victoria enjoys over 2,100 hours of sunshine every year. The mild climate makes it an excellent destination for outdoor adventures like exploring Victoria's best hiking trails, even in the winter months. In the summer, low humidity and constant offshore breezes ensure days that are not too hot and cool and comfortable evenings.

Victoria is a multicultural city with a wealth of interesting art and cuisine; residents and visitors enjoy sampling high-quality seafood and foods from cultures worldwide. The city is also home to many cultural treasures, including the Victoria Symphony, the Royal BC Museum, the Belfrey Theatre, and more.

Victoria Beaches Are Some of the Most Beautiful in Canada

Another perk of Victoria's mild, sub-Mediterranean zone climate is that the area boasts many beach days every summer. And Victoria's best beaches are plentiful, varied, and beautiful. Spiral Beach is a long and rocky beach perfect for long walks. You can view the Olympic Mountains from the sand or walk along the top of the coastal cliffs. This is a popular destination for paragliders and kite surfers.

Island View Beach Regional Park is a pebble beach that offers dramatic views of James Island, Mount Baker, and the Haro Strait. Areas of soft sand are popular with sunbathers. The Esquimalt Lagoon is lined with intricate driftwood sculptures of birds. Across from the lagoon, you can catch glimpses of Hatley Castle and the Fisgard lighthouse. You can also explore the historic military site at Fort Rodd Hill.

Willows Beach is considered one of the area's best sandy beaches. The beach connects to a grassy park, a popular outdoor site. Every year, the city hosts the Oak Bay Tea Party in the Oak Bay neighbourhood. During the summer, they also offer free yoga classes near the water. Gonzales Beach is a peaceful and quiet natural spot. It is located in a sheltered bay, making the water calm and gentle enough for swimming. Walking to the beach's end, you'll find rocky areas with tide pools full of intertidal creatures like starfish and sea urchins.

Victoria Has More than 70 Parks

Victoria is home to over 70 public parks. The city parks offer settings that include scenic oceanfront views, historical monuments, and peaceful downtown nooks. Goldstream Provincial Park is a beloved spot for nature hikes. Just 20 minutes from downtown Victoria, you can hike past wildflowers, cascading waterfalls, and 600-year-old Douglas firs.

Beckwith Park is a great place to cool off during hot summer days. The Frog Pond Water Park is home to the area's only water spray feature. The park also has picnic tables for lunch, two play structures, and a series of trails that circle the pond.

Beacon Hill Park, one of the best parks in Victoria, covers over 200 acres. Kids can enjoy the carousel and zip lines at the Cork Street Playground. Adults can take a break by strolling through the garden beds in the Camas and Garry Oak Meadows.

It's also a great place to start a major hike. Beacon Hill Park is the location of the Mile 0 marker on the 8,000-kilometre Trans-Canada Trail.

Captivating Victoria Awaits

Victoria proves to be an alluring destination that goes beyond its flourishing real estate market. Its remarkable blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance provides a unique backdrop for residents and visitors. Whether it's strolling along the scenic coastline, immersing oneself in the vibrant arts scene in Victoria's best neighbourhoods, or indulging in its culinary delights, the capital city of British Columbia never fails to captivate. As the demand for real estate continues to grow in this thriving city, prospective investors can rest assured that they are acquiring properties in an attractive market and immersing themselves in a city that offers abundant experiences and charms to explore.