Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island,
Victoria is the provincial capital of British Columbia and the
Capital Regional District ("CRD"). The city's population is approximately 78,000; the estimated 2010 CRD population is
372,5651. Victoria is a bustling
port and
harbourhosting seasonal schedules for the
Black Ball Ferry, cruise ships, seaplanes, ecotours and fishing (sport and commercial); the harbour also is regularly visited by many sports and recreational enthusiasts.
Known as the City of Gardens, Victoria has moderate or sub-Mediterranean weatherannually averaging: 2,200 hours sunshine, 26 inches rainfall and temperatures ranging between 46.4° F (winter) to 72° F (summer).
Government, commerce, real estate, law, light industry, post-secondary education and tourism are some of Victoria's core operations. The city has an abundance of retail businesses and organizations including, but not limited to: art galleries, cafes, grocery stores, health spas, museums, restaurants and theatres. Within easy walking distance, there are many scenic spaces and places of visual interest, heritage homes and buildings, oceanic walk ways and parks. Examples are the
Legislative Assembly,
Ogden Point,
Fisherman's Wharf and
Beacon Hill Park.
In 2005,
Cultural Capital of Canada status was designated to the
City of Victoria by the Government of Canada (Department of Canadian Heritage, Cultural Capitals of Canada Program)
2. Rich in arts, culture and heritage programming, presented throughout the year are numerous public festivals, events and shows.