Greater Victoria is made up of 14 municipalities including, Victoria, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, Saanich, Central Saanich, North Saanich, Sidney, View Royal, Colwood, Langford, Metchosin, Highlands and the Sooke and Langford Electoral Areas. Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is the capital of British Columbia. The area boasts some of the most moderate weather in all of Canada with an average of 2,183 hours of sunshine yearly, an eight month frost free season and an average temperature that ranges from C 6°(43 F) in January to C 21°(70 F) in July.
Vancouver Island has a population of about 650,000. Approximately half of these people make their home in Greater Victoria.
Victoria ’s environment boasts many parks of various sizes. With one acre of parkland for every 20 residents, the area has one of the highest “park-to-people” ratios in North America. The parks range from wilderness areas to family recreation areas. Stretching like a green ribbon from Sooke to Sidney, the 100km Galloping Goose and Peninsula Trails are excellent for cycling, hiking and horseback riding.
Victoria ’s climate enables year round outdoor recreation. It is not unusual to enjoy sailing, fishing, or golfing in the middle of winter.
Visit Tourism Victoria’s website: http://www.tourismvictoria.com/ for more information about the features and facilities that Greater Victoria offers.
