High Tea to High-tech

337,400 (2007)

$573,442 (May 2009)

Mild. It’s rarely uncomfortably hot or cold. But an average of 26 inches of rain falls every year on Victoria (compared to Vancouver’s 45). Bring an umbrella, or just wear rain gear to fit in with locals.

1,120 kilometres from Calgary and 1,310 from Edmonton, including a two-hour ferry ride for which it’s best to reserve a spot. There are also several daily, non-stop flights. Get a map if you’re driving in town. Victoria isn’t on a grid and the streets are named after people. Or, take a bus. Victoria has many double-decker buses and friendly drivers.

Tourism is big, but so is technology, government and education. Marine, forestry and agricultural research are all picking up steam.

Numerous high-density residential and commercial projects are underway downtown. Phase 3 has begun at the mixed-use harbourfront development Dockside Green (one of North America’s most environmentally friendly developments). In all, the province reports there are $11 billion in proposed projects for Vancouver Island.

Victoria is one of the greenest cities in the country, and not because of its gardens. It’s the official “cycling capital of Canada,” and the seaplanes in the inner harbour are run by Harbour Air, North America’s first carbon neutral airline. Plus, by 2010, 100% of the city’s taxis will be hybrids.

Spinnakers, a waterfront brew pub that serves local seafood, cheese and wine, has one of the city’s best patios. Nautical Nellies has excellent seafood. For upscale dining, try the restaurant at Oak Bay Marina.

Any hotel on the Inner Harbour. Many have spectacular views and you’ll be within easy walking distance of entertainment and conference facilities. Or forgo the view and get a room for a third of the price at a standby like the Best Western or Holiday Inn.

Join the crowds enjoying the century-old tradition of high tea at the Fairmont Empress. If you’re fond of castles, visit Craigdarroch and Hatley, built by coal baron Robert Dunsmuir and his son James. Or, take a wine tour to Sidney or the Cowichan Valley, where a handful of boutique wineries are putting the island on the world stage. Also, don’t miss the Royal B.C. Museum. It beats the knickers off museums in far larger city centres.