VictoriaPosted By: on 22 January, 2007With its natural beauty and historic settings, it is no wonder that Victoria is a two time winner of the Best City in the Americas award since the year 2000. The metropolitan area, known as Greater Victoria, boasts a population of more than 335,000; making it the largest urban area of the Vancouver Island. Victoria draws in both visitors and long time residents with its consistently mild temperatures--it averages just ten inches of snow annually. Just like its easy-going pace of life, very rarely does Victoria ever see an extreme in the temperature. Victoria is home to the Canada oldest and most intact Chinatown, featuring Asian shops and restaurants unique to only this part of the world. Travellers should also be sure to visit the Royal British Columbia Museum. Upon visiting the museum, it's clear why Queen Elizabeth II gave it its "Royal" title in 1987. There is an extensive collection of native artifacts featuring totem poles, clothing and masks; lifesized models of various wildlife (including a towering woolly mammoth!), an IMAX theater and a simulated journey into the depths of the ocean. The museum also hosts many exclusive travelling exhibits from around the world. Past years' exhibits have featured work from Leonardo da Vinci, Egyptian artifacts and dinosaurs and these are just a few of the wonders that this local favorite has to offer visitors. See such exciting animals as the giant Pacific octopus and wolf eel at the Pacific Undersea Gardens, located on a 150 foot long vessel on the waters of the inner harbor. Pacific Gardens also features an underwater theater and a tidal pond filled with sea stars and sea anemones. Another popular Victoria location is the beautiful Butchart Gardens, which draws in thousands of visitors a year. Butchart Gardens has only added to the city's reputation as "The City of Gardens" along with Beacon Hill Park, the city's main urban green space. Beacon Hill Park even has its own petting zoo and features a number of exotic animals and plants. Victoria visitors can also take in local history at such sites as the Fisgard Lighthouse, Graigflower Manor and Schoolhouse and Hatley Castle. The renowned Victoria Symphony performs at the Royal Theatre from September to May, as well as at a number of different special events; while the only Canadian Forces Primary Reserve brass band also peforms regularly in Victoria. Whether you are looking for beautiful climate and landscapes, a cultural experience or simply sightseeing, Victoria is sure to satisfy your need for adventure and exploration. |