Victoria

INTRO
Twice named the best city in America this marvelous place is a true heaven for tourists. It is surrounded by breath-taking nature and is one of those cities in which if you wish you can travel all by walking. You can find everything in Victoria, from fabulous gardens to fancy casinos, from glorious beaches to architectural masterpieces like galleries and museums. The place is full of life and has to offer something for everyone.

City Profile
City: Victoria
State: British Columbia
Country: Canada
Area: 19.68 km2
Population: 78,659
Mayor: Alan Lowe
Language: English, French

LOCATION
Situated on the Vancouver Island, Victoria is located just on its southeastern tip. Victoria's metropolitan area is named Capital Regional District or also known as Greater Victoria is the biggest urban area on the island and the 15th in Canada. The city has a small area of about 19.68km and on its territory live approximately 78,659 people.

TIME TO VISIT
Victoria's climate is the mildest in whole Canada which makes it green al year round. No wonder they call her The Garden City. From November to February are the four rainiest months but they won't stop you in any way to enjoy your vacation. July is the driest month and it perfect for sunbaths. Actually Victoria is one of the sunniest places in Canada.

POPULATION
There is this old joke for Victoria that it is a place for "the newly wed and nearly dead", as 6.4 per cent of Victoria's population is above 80 years of age and 17.8 per cent are those above 65. Retirees are astonished by the slow and simple life, the mid climate and the year-round golf-season.

NEIGHBORHOODS

Fairfield - in this area there are more than 8 big parks, the most visited are Beacon Hill, Pioneer Square and Moss Rock (Fairfield Hill) Park. The area is Victoria's biggest neighborhood with the largest community by population. Some of the most visited tourist spots are also in Fairfield.
James Bay - a neighborhood with a high density located close to the downtown. Easily accessible by three major roads, this area is well-known with its cafeterias and shops.
Fernwood - the neighborhood is centered in a small square and its four corners can be seen on many cards and pictures. The area is home to some restaurants, bars, the Belfry Theatre and the She Said Gallery.

The other neighborhoods in Victoria are: Burnside, Downtown, Harris Green, North Jubilee, North Park, Oaklands, Rockland, South Jubilee, and Victoria West.

SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS

Craigdarroch Castle - the castle looks like it was just plugged from a tale and looking at it you have a feeling that a princess may wave you from one of the balconies. The castle is now a historical museum and it located very close t the downtown, it will take you 20 minutes walking. The castle was built in 1890 and was a private residence to rich Scottish family. http://www.craigdarrochcastle.com/
Butchart Gardens - a very attracted and hot tourist spot, the garden is quite remarkable any time of the year with its great events. http://www.butchartgardens.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
Miniature World - called the greatest little show of earth. You will experience the joy of being a giant Gulliver among these tiniest villages. There are different sections like Space world, Fields of glory, the great Canadian railway, valley of Castles, living in London, amazing Victorian Dollhouses, Circus World and more. http://www.miniatureworld.com/
British Columbia Parliament Buildings - definitely a must-see, this building looks more like a castle then a parliament. It is still a seat of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. The building's style is neo-baroque and there is a beautiful park around it where you can even rent a phaeton. http://victoriabc.ca/victoria/parliamentbuildings.htm
Victoria Bug Zoo - you better not be afraid of bugs and spiders because there are multi-legged creatures all over the place in a fun and nice environment. One of the main attractions is Canada's biggest ant farm. http://www.bugzoo.bc.ca/

AIRPORT
Victoria International Airport serves the city and the metropolitan area around it. It operates daily flights to and from Toronto, Salt Lake City, Seattle and other domestic flights. It is located 29 km from the city's center. You can also get on Victoria by helicopter or float plane and it will cost you around $119 each way. The more affordable way of traveling is the Airport Shuttle Bus that will pick you from the airport and drive to the hotel for just $14.

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION

Buses: buses are run by BC Transit. There is a boundary that divides Victoria into two areas a core urban and suburban. If you cross it you will have to pay a two-zone fare. Regular fares are $2.00 for a ride within one zone or $2.75 for two zones with discounts for children and students.
Biking: Maybe the best way to get to know the city and Victoria is the most bike-friendly city in Canada. There are many places to rent a bike and they usually cost around $6. You may prefer a motorbike or scooter and these are also easy to get.
Walking: It is easy, healthy, free and possible in this small Canadian city. You can make long walks trough the downtown or along the harbor side and just peacefully enjoy Victoria.

HISTORY
The Europeans started exploring this side of Canada around 1776 beginning with the voyage of Captain James Cook. However Victoria wasn't discovered until 1791 when sailors started naming the area Fort Victoria in honor of the Queen. In 1858 with the discovery of gold in British Columbia Victoria became a very important port, supply base and center for miners and its population rose from 300 to 5000 for just few days. Before World War 1 Victoria was already gone through developed boom and real estate madness.

CITY LINKS

A newspaper in Victoria - http://www.timescolonist.com/
History of Victoria - http://victoriasvictoria.ca/
The official site - http://www.victoria.ca/common/index.shtml
Site about tourism - http://www.tourismvictoria.com/
Map with Victoria's hospitals - http://www.victoria.ca/residents/profiles_rsrcs_health.shtml

UNIVERSITY LINKS

University of Victoria - http://www.uvic.ca/
Camosun College - http://camosun.ca/
Royal Roads University - http://www.royalroads.ca/
University Canada West - http://www.universitycanadawest.ca/