Canada's 'warmest city' is this charming spot with dreamy streets and European vibes

It's also got sandy beaches and ocean views.

Person outside of a castle. Right: A street in a city.

A charming small city in B.C.

@alyssa_stamaria | Instagram, Shamil1 | Dreamstime
Editor

This dreamy waterfront city set on an island in B.C. has a lot going for it. Beauty, ocean views, cute local shops, and a lively vibe. Perhaps best of all, though, is its title of the "Canada's warmest city."

While other places in the country face bitterly cold winters and all too-short summers, this charming city has it pretty good in terms of temperatures.

Victoria has been dubbed the warmest city in Canada, and according to Current Results, it's "the only large Canadian city to not normally drop down to -10 degrees Celsius" in the winter months. It also has the "highest average daily maximum and minimum temperatures among the country's large cities."

Victoria is the main hub of Vancouver Island — a place known for its mild weather, few snow days, and lush beauty.

The Inner Harbour is a bustling and picturesque part of town, with the Fairmont Empress Hotel and the Parliament Buildings framing the water.

Exploring the small city, you'll find charm around every corner, with historic buildings and alleyways that give it a quaint feel.

Another claim to fame of Victoria is being Canada's "most British city," and you can see influences of that all around.

Hatley Castle is nearby and is like an escape into a fairytale, with stunning grounds you can roam around.

Craigdarroch Castle is another one, but right in the city, that'll whisk you away to across the pond.

Then there are the city beaches, which can be enjoyed for most of the year thanks to the mild climate. Willows Beach is a go-to in the city, with stunning views of the expansive ocean.

Oak Bay is an especially picturesque neighbourhood that feels like its own little seaside community. Driving around you'll even spot palm trees here.

Soft sandy beaches, 10°C winter days, and palm trees? Victoria isn't like other Canadian cities.

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.

  • Editor

    Morgan Leet (she/her) is an Editor for Narcity Media Group. After graduating from Carleton University’s School of Journalism and Communication, she jumped into fulfilling her dream as a journalist, merging her passion for travelling with writing. She got her start working in the print media world on Canada’s East Coast, then joined Narcity with a move to B.C., leading the launch of West Coast coverage. Her focus now is managing a large group of freelance writers, bringing human-forward and opinion content to the site.

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