Victoria, British Columbia, located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, is being highlighted as a significant holiday destination. The city, which overlooks the Salish Sea, offers a blend of culture, arts, dining, and wildlife experiences.
The capital has been recognised as the best small city in the world for four consecutive years in the Condé Nast Traveler US Readers’ Choice Awards. Its mild climate makes the shoulder months of spring and autumn ideal for visits, offering fewer crowds and vibrant seasonal colours.
Visitors can experience year-round whale watching, with peak season from May to October, to spot orcas, humpbacks, grey, and minke whales. The city also features Scandinavian-style saunas, including HAVN, a floating sauna in Victoria Inner Harbour.
Known as Canada’s City of Gardens, Victoria's mild winters ensure flowers bloom throughout the year. Butchart Gardens, a 35-minute drive from downtown, welcomes over a million visitors annually, showcasing thousands of plant species.
The culinary scene in Victoria focuses on fresh, local, and inventive dishes, with options ranging from immersive food tours to sea-to-table fine dining. Opportunities to learn about the Indigenous lək̓ʷəŋən People's history and culture are available through Songhees Tours.