Victoria Canada

Description: Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, off Canada’s Pacific coast, Victoria has a population of 95,911, and the Greater Victoria area has a population of 397,237. Victoria is the southernmost major city in Western Canada and is about 100 km (62 mi) southwest from British Columbia’s largest city of Vancouver.

Population: 95,911

Demographics: 84% of the population of Victoria are fluent English speakers. There is a strong British presence in the city, but many other nationalities are also represented, including German, Chinese, and Punjabi. Residents of Chinese and South Asian descent make up 4% of the overall population. The city also boasts the highest population of residents above 80 years of age, and the median age for a resident of Victoria is 41.9 years.

History: The Spanish and British took up the exploration of the northwest coast, beginning with the visits of Juan Pérez in 1774, and of James Cook in 1778. In 1841 James Douglas was charged with the duty of setting up a trading post on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. In the latter half of the 19th century, the Port of Victoria became one of North America’s largest importers of opium, serving the opium trade from Hong Kong and distribution into North America. Since World War II the Victoria area has seen relatively steady growth, becoming home to two major universities.

Elevation: 23 m

Climate: Warm-summer Mediterranean or oceanic climate. The average annual temperature in Victoria is , the average for July is 16 C (60 F), the average for January is 7 C (44 F).

Attractions: Butchart Gardens, Whale Watch Tour, Royal BC Museum, Beacon Hill Park, Inner Harbour, Craigdarroch Castle

Airports: Victoria International Airport YYJ, Victoria Harbour Airport YWH

Distance To City Centre: 26 km

Commute Length: 30 min

Average Cost: 75 CAD

Peak Times: 6am-9am, 3pm-6pm