This waterfront city in BC with charming streets was named among BC's best spots to live

This city in B.C., set on the majestic Vancouver Island, strikes the ideal balance of liveliness and peaceful nature. It's a blend of what makes the West Coast unique — the dramatic nature, bustling city life, mountain views, and salty air.

Victoria tends to be an afterthought, second to Vancouver. While it might be a smaller city, it offers an opportunity for a balanced quality of life, and people have taken notice. We turned to our readers on the Narcity Canada Facebook page, asking them what the ideal place to live in B.C. is, and Victoria got a shout out.

It's not hard to see the intrigue of this city, where a slow-paced vibe meets vibrant urban life. Here's a bit about what makes this city unique, and beloved by B.C. locals.

The nearby nature

While many places in B.C. act as a gateway to some of the most beautiful nature in the country, Victoria is unique as the biggest city on Vancouver Island. You get the city amenities and lifestyle, but are on the doorstep to the unbelievable wilderness that's on the island. The rugged shorelines, unbelievable beaches, rainforests shrouded in mist, and ocean vistas – it's all a drive away here.

It's a city surrounded by the serene waters of the Salish Sea and ancient forests at its back.

Some of the most beloved places in the province are a road trip away, like the popular beach town of Tofino. The small town is about four hours from Victoria, and is a renowned surfing destination known for its breathtaking scenery.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve stretches across the island's west coast into Tofino. It's home to ancient trees, vibrant greenery, and a peaceful you don't find many places – especially relatively close to a major hub.

Even closer to the city, you have the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, which hikers from all around come to take on. Even a day hike onto the trail will reward you with natural wonders like Mystic Beach. Just an hour from Victoria, you'll find the Mystic Beach trail, which takes you through a stunning forest that is teeming with life and ends at a secluded beach.

Along this pristine shoreline, you'll find a majestic waterfall that lightly cascades off the cliffside into the ocean, which stretches out into the horizon beyond. It's easy to see how the beach got its name, and it is the perfect example of the scenes that lay just beyond the city limits of Victoria.

You don't need to go far from the Greater Victoria Area to see similarly striking natural beauty, though — or even leave the city.

Twenty minutes outside the city, you'll find Goldstream Provincial Park, which you can escape into after a long day of work and feel far away from busy city streets. You'll find trails through lush old-growth forests, tranquil river views, and hidden waterfalls here. This park even has what the tourism website calls the "Niagara Falls of the Pacific," a beautiful cascade of water that falls through a moss-covered canyon.

Right in Victoria, you'll find beautiful beaches, many parks, and some stunning gardens that weave the natural environment through the city.

The Butchart Gardens is a famous destination with 55 acres of sprawling beauty. From its manicured pathways to its colourful blooms, you can get lost in this brilliant display of nature that acts as an oasis in the city.

From afternoons spent wandering the city beaches to weekends spent road-tripping to natural wonders — there's no shortage of things to see in and around Victoria.

The adorable neighbourhoods

Victoria has many cozy communities around the city, from family-friendly spots to vibrant neighbourhoods. You can be right in the action in a downtown apartment, surrounded by some of the best restaurants and bars and steps from the waterfront.

Then you have Oak Bay, a picturesque waterfront neighbourhood that was named among the best places to live in Canada earlier this year. Perched on the ocean, it has beautiful beaches and a village centre with lots of local businesses to check out. It feels like its own little town within the city, with cute coffee shops and cool boutiques.

The British vibe

Victoria is known as Canada's "most British city," thanks to its heritage, landmarks, and period architecture. It's cool to wander around the city and see the influence, and it's not hard to find.

Hatley Castle, a museum and gardens in Colwood, is the picture of British vibes. It's a real castle, built in 1908, that makes for a fairytale-like afternoon. It's now an administrative centre for the Royal Roads University, but it has a small museum you can check out and beautiful grounds you can roam around.

Then there's the Fairmont Empress Hotel's famous high tea service, which will transport you to the U.K. There's even a classic red telephone booth in the city.

Overall, Victoria is a pretty unique place to call home. From its U.K. vibes to its legendary beauty, it's a one-of-a-kind city, so we can see why people named it one of the best places to live.