Key Facts About Victoria, the Capital of British Columbia, Canada

Victoria, British Columbia Inner Harbour
Victoria, BC Inner Harbour. George Ross / Getty Images

Victoria is the capital city of the province of British Columbia, Canada. Victoria is a gateway to the Pacific Rim, is close to U.S. Markets, and has many sea and air links that make it a business hub. With the mildest climate in Canada, Victoria is known for its gardens and is a clean and charming city. Victoria holds many reminders of both its native and British heritage, and views of totem poles combine with afternoon tea. The focus of downtown Victoria is the inner harbor, overlooked by the Parliament Buildings and the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel.

Location of Victoria, British Columbia

  • Victoria is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island.
  • See a map of Victoria

Area

19.47 sq. km (7.52 sq. miles) (Statistics Canada, 2011 Census)

Population

80,017 (Statistics Canada, 2011 Census)

Date Victoria Incorporated as a City

1862

Date Victoria Became the Capital City of British Columbia

1871

Government of the City of Victoria

After the 2014 election, Victoria municipal elections will be held every four years rather than three.

Date of the last Victoria municipal election: Saturday, November 15, 2014

Victoria's city council is made up of nine elected representatives: one mayor and eight city councillors.

Victoria Attractions

Major attractions in the capital city include:

Weather in Victoria

Victoria has the mildest climate in Canada, and with an eight-month frost-free season flowers bloom year-round. The average annual rainfall for Victoria is 66.5 cm (26.2 in.), far less than in Vancouver, BC or New York City.

Summers in Victoria are pleasantly warm and dry with an average maximum temperature in July and August of 21.8°C (71°F).

Victoria winters are mild, with rain and the occasional light snow. The average temperature in January is 3°C (38°F). Spring can start as early as February.

City of Victoria Official Site

Capital Cities of Canada

For information on the other capital cities in Canada, see Capital Cities of Canada.

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Munroe, Susan. "Key Facts About Victoria, the Capital of British Columbia, Canada." ThoughtCo, Aug. 25, 2020, thoughtco.com/victoria-the-capital-of-british-columbia-509929. Munroe, Susan. (2020, August 25). Key Facts About Victoria, the Capital of British Columbia, Canada. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/victoria-the-capital-of-british-columbia-509929 Munroe, Susan. "Key Facts About Victoria, the Capital of British Columbia, Canada." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/victoria-the-capital-of-british-columbia-509929 (accessed March 28, 2024).