This charming seaside city in BC with fairytale vibes was named among the best spots to live
A small city on Vancouver Island was ranked among the best places to live in the province, and it's not difficult to see why. Set along a sparkling waterfront, with picturesque streets lined with local shops, and access to some of the most magical natural wonders in the country — it's a spot like none other.
Victoria strikes that perfect balance of city life and peaceful nature. After work, adventures here can range from hiking past ancient trees to paddleboarding along the scenic coastline surrounding the town. The downtown has a little bit of everything, with tons of restaurants, eclectic boutiques, and charming heritage buildings.
Our Narcity readers named the waterfront city among the best places to live in, in B.C., on a poll, putting it under the spotlight. While it may be smaller than Vancouver, it's still bustling and beloved by locals.
If you're tempted to pack up and move West already, here are some reasons why Victoria may be the spot to go.
The picturesque neighbourhoods
Little neighbourhoods around Victoria each offer their own kind of charm and beauty. Oak Bay is a popular one, nestled on the water with endless views and it feels like its own little town. It was actually named among the best spots in the country to live, in a Moving Waldo ranking.
James Bay is another spot along the water, with historic Victorian homes that add a charming vibe to it. You also have downtown, where you'll find a much more lively vibe with lots to do.
The day trip adventures
The thing about being on Vancouver Island is that you have easy access to some of the most stunning places in the country. A road trip away is famous surfing destinations like Tofino, thick misty rainforests, soft white-sand beaches, and quaint small towns.
The Salish Sea surrounds the city, and you can jump on BC Ferries to get to the tiny Gulf Islands scattered around it. Exploring the communities of Salt Spring, Pender, and Mayne Island makes for the perfect summer getaway.
If you want a quick escape from the city, you can find the Mystic Beach trail just an hour away. The hike takes you through a lush forest and ends at a secluded beach with a waterfall cascading off a cliffside into the ocean.
The Sooke Potholes are another go-to near the city, about 45 minutes away. There, you can dive into emerald green waters and swim by unique rock formations carved from glacial action.
The food scene
Victoria kind of flies under the radar, but it's actually a worthwhile foodie destination — voted among the best in the country to visit for good eats. It's known as the "brunch capital" of Canada, too, with spots like Jam Café and Nourish Cafe & Bistro to satisfy that Sunday morning craving.
With a focus on local eats and fresh ingredients, there are a ton of options in the city for a good meal. Ugly Duckling Dining & Provisions was named among Canada's top 100 restaurants by OpenTable, and is just one of the many delicious spots here.
The weather
Some go as far as to say Victoria has the "best weather in Canada," with mild temperatures, a lack of snow, and relatively dry summers. According to Current Results, it's "the only large Canadian city to not normally drop down to -10 degrees Celsius" in the winter months, and has the "highest average daily maximum and minimum temperatures among the country's large cities."
Driving around, it's not rare to see palm trees here, which can survive thanks to the Mediterranean-type climate.
The Weather Network even named it a 'frost-free city' earlier this year, thanks to its above-freezing temperatures even in January. It's a "mild oasis amid Canada's frozen winter landscape," so if you want to try and avoid shovelling, move here.
The views
We've established the stunning water views you get here, but it doesn't end there.
Beacon Hill Park is the jewel of the urban nature here, with trails winding you past serene ponds and towering trees. Even though it's downtown, you feel like you've escaped the city, and it spans 200 acres.
Drive a bit outside of town and you'll find the famous Butchart Gardens, which has breathtaking blooms. It's 55 acres and you can walk along the manicured pathways, taking in the beauty of the gardens.
There are also the city beaches, like Willows Beach, which are perfect for afternoon strolls.
The dreamy vibes
While some bigger cities can feel overwhelming, Victoria manages to maintain a small-town feel with a European-like charm to it. It's actually known as Canada's "most British city," and you can see the influence of that all over.
Hatley Castle is nearby and is precisely how you'd imagine a castle to be. You can wander the grounds there, explore the small museum and pretend like you're in a fairytale. Then you have Craigdarroch Castle, which is right in the city and just as beautiful.
From roaming the grounds of Hatley to walking the pathway along the Inner Harbour — Victoria has all the dreamy vibes you could want.
If you want a city that balances hustle and bustle with nature, and has mild weather to boot, this is the spot for you.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
