Executive Brief
Change Management Advisor
BCI
About Victoria
Victoria is a cosmopolitan city with a temperate climate, diverse culture, creative gastronomy, exciting outdoors and accessible commutes. The elegance of its history and the panache of its modern life mingle in a beautiful contrast, creating a unique vibe that continues to charm both locals and visitors alike.
Situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Victoria boasts the mildest year-round weather in Canada and one of the most breathtaking sceneries of the Pacific Coast. This one-time imperial outpost has become a mashup of traditional and alternative with its own sideways charm. Software startups occupy brick warehouses. Craft distilleries share street fronts with old-fashioned tea rooms.
The Inner Harbour is the bustling city centre where a leisurely stroll by the water provides endless opportunities to experience heritage architecture, world-class dining and up-and-coming art and music scenes. Walking through the centuries, Victoria’s glorious past is on full display in its downtown landmarks with hidden alleys adding a mysterious element to its vibrant character.
Victoria has the highest number of restaurants per capita in Canada and the second highest in North America. The city itself is a pioneer of the farm-to-table culture. From traditional English brewpubs to classic street food, Victoria has it all. Bastion Square, the historic heart of downtown Victoria, is lined with eateries and is also home to a popular Sunday farmers market. Local wineries and distilleries offer bespoke selections that appeal to all pallettes.
Victoria has also been ranked the fittest and the most bikeable city in Canada. One-third of the workforce bikes or walks to work, and the city offers an abundance of fitness facilities and running trails. It combines the best of land and sea for the outdoor enthusiast. Rugged shores and mountains with rainforest canopy provide the perfect setting for every activity, including cycling, hiking, diving, kayaking and even ziplining above the treetops.
Victoria got its cool with millennials now moving to the city due to its booming technology sector. Aptly dubbed “Tectoria”, technology is now Victoria’s top industry with almost 900 tech companies and 23,000 tech jobs generating a $4-billion impact on the local economy annually.
Victoria is a great place for families. Friendly neighborhoods with recreational facilities and parks provide plenty of activities that families can enjoy together. Popular areas include Oak Bay, James Bay, Vic West, Fairfield, Sidney, Saanichton and Langford with their tree-lined streets, character homes and lush gardens. There are several top-tier private schools and post-secondary institutions within a short commute.
A relaxed atmosphere, healthy lifestyle, and amazing food are some of the key attributes that attract career professionals and their families to the city. People are discovering Victoria’s versatility and loving its perks, which rival those of the world’s best cities, and increasingly the world’s best talents are making their homes in Victoria.
For more information, please visit www.tourismvictoria.com.