Visiting Victoria
Victoria is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, British Columbia’s largest of 6500 islands. Known as the “Garden City”, Victoria has a year-round growing season and is home to Canada’s mildest climate. Combined with the wild beauty of the Pacific coast and snow-capped vistas, it is little wonder why Victoria is one of the world’s top destinations.
In a survey conducted by Conde Nast Traveller magazine, Victoria was judged to be one of the world’s best cities, topping the list in the category of environment and ambiance. In a cross-Canada survey, Victoria residents registered the greatest satisfaction with their city.1
Climate
Located in sub-Mediterranean zone, Victoria maintains an average of 2,183 hours of sunshine yearly, and an 8-month frost-free season. Average annual rainfall is 26.2 inches (compared to over 50 inches in New York). The average monthly rainfall in winter is 5 cm (2 inches) and in the summer is less than 2.5 cm (1 inch).1
With an estimated regional population of 326,0001, Victoria manages to maintain small town appeal with big city amenities. Its British heritage is evident in its heritage architecture, manicured gardens, neighbourhood restaurants and pubs, and the famous Inner Harbour extending towards the Empress Hotel and the Parliament buildings.
Geography
Between Vancouver Island and the mainland, British Columbia’s Gulf Islands lie in the protected waters of the Georgia Strait. Approximately 200 islands extend northeast of Victoria and provide the ideal destination for a day trip or an extended vacation. Many of the Gulf Islands are inhabited and offer a mecca for arts and crafts, outdoor recreation and overnight getaways in charming hideaways.2
Events
Victoria is a true event destination with hundreds of festivals and public events a year. Visitors and residents enjoy a vibrant live music scene, theatre, athletic events, and world-famous festivals including an international busker festival, a dragon boat festival, beer festivals, multiple boat shows, and much more.
Activities
Victoria and British Columbia are meccas for outdoor enthusiasts. Victorians love to cycle, run, hike, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, parasail, dragon boat, kite surf, garden, visit our famous parks and much more, all within the city limits.
Partner Hotels
Pacific Rim College is pleased to partner with several locally-owned hotels. Whether you are visiting the college as a prospective student, partaking in workshop, or visiting a family member who is a student, you are eligible for PRC preferred pricing at these great hotels.
The Oswego Hotel
The Oswego Hotel is a sophisticated, urban, boutique hotel steps away from the Inner Harbour and downtown. This is a chic destination for the discerning and adventurous traveler. Whether romance, business travel or a much-needed getaway brings you to Victoria, the Oswego’s combination of modern design, incredible service and the luxury amenities makes it the perfect place to get a taste of the city’s natural surroundings and urban vibe.
Visit www.oswegohotelvictoria.com for more information.
Hotel Zed
Victoria’s newest experience, Hotel Zed, opened May 1, 2014, in mid-town across from Mayfair Mall and a 6-minute drive to downtown. A Rebel Against The Ordinary! Retro and trendy with 62 guest rooms, swimming pool, sauna, waterslide, ping pong and activity lounge, vinyl record listening station and diner (opening soon). Your stay also includes complimentary parking, internet, local calls, all day coffee/tea in our lobby, bike rentals and transportation services in our Zed bus shuttle.
Visit www.hotelzed.com for more information and mention Pacific Rim College for preferred rates.
Ocean Island Backpackers Inn
Ocean Island Inn | Backpackers | Suites has a wide array of rooms to suit your budget and lifestyle. You can choose from comfortable hostel-style dorm beds to private rooms in all shapes and sizes: twin rooms, double rooms, group/family rooms, queen rooms (with TVs and ensuite bathrooms) and even apartment suites at our second location by the park and ocean. And our prices are far lower than other Victoria accommodation, with great extended stay rates! Ocean Island is delightfully unique!
Visit oceanisland.com for more information and to book.
Transit Options
Victoria boasts a wide variety of city transit options. Public buses operate throughout all parts of the city from very early each morning to late every night. Taxicab fares usually fall between $5 and $20 to and from most areas of the city.
Ferries run daily from Victoria to the following destinations: Vancouver, Gulf Islands, San Juan Islands, Port Angeles, and Seattle.
Float planes leave from Victoria’s Inner Harbour to Vancouver, Seattle, Nanaimo, Whistler and more.
1. From the City of Victoria website
2. From the Victoria Tourism website
