Famous around the world for its dazzling gardens that blossom in every season, Victoria has earned its reputation as the City of Gardens.

When James Douglas (an early British Columbia politician) first set his eyes on Victoria in 1842, he wrote to a friend: "The place... appears a perfect Eden in the midst of the dreary wilderness of the Northwest Coast."

LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

Victoria sits on the southeastern tip of British Columbia's Vancouver Island, the largest island off the west coast of North America. Closer to the United States than mainland British Columbia, Washington State is only a 1.5-hour ferry ride across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Ferries also connect Victoria with Vancouver, British Columbia's largest city. Victoria is also accessible by air.

Travelling to Victoria by ferry is an awe-inspiring introduction to the city. Whales, sea lions and other ocean life can be seen in the waters outside of Victoria harbour. The city's skyline rarely rises over seven storeys, a stark contrast to the majestic Olympic Mountains in nearby Washington State that dominate the background. The beautiful landscaping-trees, colourful flower beds and streets lined with overflowing flower pots-complete the picture. The most famous of the city's gardens are The Butchart Gardens, a century-old floral park that covers over 50 acres. The gardens at Government House, Hatley Park, Beacon Hill Park and Saxe Point Park are also perennial favourites.

CLIMATE

Victoria boasts the mildest climate in Canada. Temperatures rarely fall below freezing. Every February, while many of Canada's cities are still freezing under a blanket of snow, Victoria holds its annual flower count as residents count the blossoms on their flowers for a citywide tally.

Victoria sees an average snowfall of only 25 centimetres and an average rainfall of 592 millimetres - much less than its neighbours, Vancouver and Seattle. The warm climate draws many retirees to Victoria. Over 40% of the population is over 65. Traditionally the city's population has been comprised largely of people of British decent. This is changing and now significant numbers of people of Asian, Dutch, Ukrainian, German, Italian and Portuguese call Victoria home. A reader's poll in Conde Nast travel magazine rated Victoria one of the friendliest cities in the world.

ECONOMY

As British Columbia's capital city, much of Victoria's workforce is comprised of federal, provincial and municipal civil servants. Tourism is Victoria's second most important sector as thousands of tourists flock to the city seeking the warm weather, scenery and abundant cultural offerings. Businesses associated with British Columbia's rich logging, fishing and agricultural industries are also significant employers.

CULTURE AND RECREATION

A cosmopolitan city, Victoria offers cultural and recreational activities for every taste. The city features Broadway-style plays, trendy nightclubs, museums, major sports events and outdoor activities, including golf, sea kayaking, yachting and fishing. A jazz festival and a fringe theatre festival are held every year.

Two daily newspapers and two local television stations serve Victoria.