Victoria is the Capital of British Columbia and home to just over 300,000 residents. Victoria is situated on Vancouver Island , which is the largest island on the North American West Coast. It is home to as many creatures as cultures. Whale Watching of both the resident Orca or Killer Whales and the migrating humpback whales is an inexpensive jaunt from the inner harbour in Victoria but an experience you won't soon forget. If you prefer to be a little closer to the sea-life Victoria has consistently rated amongst the best Scuba Diving in North America and around the world. The clear waters around the island are home to the largest species of octopus in the world, some of whom make their homes in the breakwater along Victoria 's Dallas Rd , wolf eels that have been known to eat from a divers hands, and a myriad of other colourful creatures an easy dive from the shore. If the surface creatures are more your speed the island is home to bears and cougars, deer and hummingbirds, otters and sea-lions that can be seen from shore or a boat, and a plethora of other creatures.

Hiking trails crisscross the island from easy day hikes along the coast, to the world famous West Coast Trail for more advanced hikers looking for a 5 day self sufficient walk along the island's rugged coast.

The island can be traversed from tip to tip by car in a day but some villages are so remote they can only be accessed by floatplane or boat. The island offers entertainment for all and a never-ending supply of adventure for those that crave it, and peace and tranquility for those that don't.

Victoria has one of the most moderate climates in Canada . Rarely do the temperatures in Victoria drop below freezing or climb up into unbearably hot ranges. Click on the Celsius or Fahrenheit link to see a year of Victoria 's weather. The idea that the sun never comes out in the winter is a myth in Victoria , which enjoys in excess of 2000 hours of sun a year.

According to the Environment Canada web site;

“ Victoria and Nanaimo , British Columbia are tied for the most comfortable climate in the country. These two locations have the best combination of 23 categories of "comfortable" weather, including mild winters, abundant sunshine, little fog, light winds, and low humidity.”

Some snippets from the rankings out of 100 Canadian cities;

• Mildest Winter: Victoria ranked 1st
• Warmest Place Year Round: Victoria Ranked 5th
• Fewest Freezing Days: Victoria Ranked 2nd
• Lowest Snow Fall: Victoria Ranked 1st
• Fewest Snow Days: Victoria Ranked 1st
• Most Clear Skies in Summer: Victoria Ranked 3rd
• Sunniest Year Round: 24th (A pretty good ranking considering the 23 sunnier places are mostly prairie cities and enjoy some of the coldest days of the year as well)
• Overall: Victoria tied for first with Nanaimo

• Golf

With the mildest winters and least snow fall in Canada Victoria is a golfer's paradise. Most of the golf courses in Victoria are open year round and there are many to choose from. Awe-inspiring views of mountains and the ocean, cool summer breezes and mild winter afternoons have turned Victoria in one of North America 's best kept golfing secrets.

• Sailing

Protected coves and wide-open straights make sailing in Victoria and around Vancouver Island some of the most challenging and most rewarding in the world. If racing is your pleasure the Royal Victoria Yacht Club has a very active year round sailing community in a variety of classes. If a weekend exploring coves and fjords is more your speed Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands will offer you endless hours of enjoyment and exploration. Few days will go by without encountering whales, sea lions, or even dolphins as you discover places you would swear have never felt a human presence before.

• Wine Tours

Vancouver Island wineries are quickly gaining world acclaim and what better way to spend an afternoon than to meander from winery to winery, along the Vancouver Island Wine Route. This trip from Mill Bay to the Saanich Peninsula will take you through 10 wineries most of which offer tastings and wine sales along the way.

• Diving

Vancouver Island boasts some of the world's best Scuba Diving. Wreck Divers and naturalists alike will find more than enough rich diving to satisfy any underwater appetite. The artificial reef program has seen wreck diving on Vancouver Island become the best rated in North America with the sinking of the HNCS Chaudiere, HMCS Columbia, HMCS Saskatchewan, HMCS Cape Breton HMCS Mackenzie and the G.B. Church, and most recently, the sinking of a decommissioned Boeing 737.

These artificial reefs all have varying degrees of sea life thriving on them depending on how recently they went down however if wreck diving isn't your interest there are many amazing Victoria shore dives and boat dives in the area from octopus and wolf eel dives, to drift dives along vibrant reefs and exciting night dives that glow with their own luminescence.

• Garden Tours

With the most moderate climate in Canada Victoria is a true gardener's paradise. Many garden tours such as the world renowned Butchart Gardens are open year round and offer acres of meticulously groomed gardens to explore, photograph, or even get married in. Many additional gardens abound in Victoria , some in people's own back yards, and many more, such as the Ankhazi Garden , Beacon Park , Finnerty Gardens , the Gorge Waterway Park , Government House Gardens , the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific, Playfield Park and Winfield Park available for a free tour or a nominal admission charge.

Would you like to learn more about these activities? Talk to Josh!