About Victoria

Victoria, affectionately nicknamed “The Garden City”, is nestled on the southernmost tip of Vancouver Island and enjoys the mildest climate of any Canadian city. The capital of British Columbia, Victoria is often considered a tourist destination, though it’s also an outstanding city in which to live and work, presenting diverse opportunities in business, a burgeoning technology sector, both federal and provincial government offices, and a naval base; CFB Esquimalt. Victoria offers above average income levels, outstanding choices in primary, secondary and post-secondary education, low unemployment rates, a balanced real estate market and undoubtedly the best climate in Canada. It all adds up to an exceptional quality of life for residents of Victoria.
Due to our sheltered location in the rainshadow of the US Olympic Mountains Victoria has an annual rainfall that is only half that of the city of Vancouver and our winters are so mild that snowfall is unusual, some years it’s almost non-existent! The temperate climate is treasured by gardeners because the range of plants we can successfully cultivate here is unsurpassed in Canada. Extreme heat is also a rarity; temperatures seldom surpass 30 degrees celsius in during the summer.
Our moderate climate means that there are opportunities for year round outdoor activities in Victoria. Residents of Greater Victoria have been known to phone their relatives “back east” with smug reports of golfing at Christmastime! Boating, biking, and hiking the extensive local trail systems are possible year round and Mt Washington, where several Olympic teams trained in preparation for Vancouvers’ Winter Olympics, is just a short drive up-island. Mt. Washington enjoys robust snow accumulations and in 2010 boasted the deepest snowpack of any ski resort in the world! People who are living in Victoria are active and fit, taking advantage of a full slate of organised sports for adults and children, as well as high performance or “rep” leagues for many sports.
Post secondary education in Victoria is provided by excellent institutions such as:
• The University of Victoria;
• Royal Roads University, and
• Camosun College, as well as a number of trade and technical schools.
Victoria boasts a progressive public school system including several programs aimed at athlete development, Francophone and French immersion programs, and well reputed private schools.
The architecture in older neighborhoods of Victoria reflects the city’s European heritage, while newer homes exhibit a distinct West Coast style influenced by the natural beauty of our surroundings. West Coast homes are contemporary yet make use of natural materials like rough cut cedar or fir, stone accents and plenty of glass. Our temperate climate means that huge windows and walls of glass are both feasible and popular.
Real estate in Victoria has been and is expected to continue to be a solid investment. Please take a look at my current Victoria property listings.