Victoria's residents value the high quality of life that exists here. Combined, our mild climate, environment, rich cultural life and access to quality health care make Victoria a location of choice for many. Where else can you leave your office downtown and paddle your kayak at lunch?
Arts & Culture
Victoria is known for its many festivals and is home to many of Canada's leading artists and performers. Theatre enthusiasts can choose from a wide range of intimate theatres and quality productions. Music lovers can enjoy the Victoria Symphony,
Victoria Pacific Opera, and other productions. The main branch of the public library has information on over 1,000 clubs and interest groups that also offer a variety of cultural activities. The economic impact of arts and cultural activities is significant for Victoria. Each year thousands of visitors come to Victoria to attend music festivals, art exhibits or cultural exhibitions. For more information on arts events please click here
Local Arts Organizations
Environment
Victoria's environment is highly valued by its residents and the region boasts many parks of various sizes. With one acre of parkland for every 20 residents, the area has one of the highest "park-to-people" ratios in North America. The parks range from wilderness areas to family recreation areas. Stretching like a green ribbon from Sooke to Sidney, the 100km Galloping Goose and Peninsula Trails are excellent for cycling, hiking and horseback riding.
Parks
| Summary by Neighbourhood | |||||||
| Neighbourhood Park | Community Park | ||||||
| Neighbourhood | Number of Parks | Minimum Standard area | Actual area | Number of Parks | Minimum Standard area | Actual area | Population (2001) |
| Burnside | 5 | 1.51 | 4.2 | 0 | 2.3 | 0 | 2480 |
| Downtown | 2 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 2 | 1.18 | 4.08 | 1270 |
| Fairfield | 7 | 6.73 | 13.56 | 1 | 10.26 | 37.06 | 11030 |
| Fernwood | 7 | 5.61 | 4.42 | 0 | 8.56 | 0 | 9205 |
| Gonzales | 3 | 2.3 | 4.85 | 1 | 3.51 | ? | 3770 |
| Harris Green | 0 | 0.96 | 0 | 0 | 1.46 | 0 | 1575 |
| Hillside Quadra | 8 | 4.38 | 6.03 | 1 | 6.68 | 10.06 | 7180 |
| James Bay | 5 | 6.79 | 8.3 | 3 | 10.35 | 42.2 | 11135 |
| Jubilee (North & South) | 2 | 3.19 | 0.71 | 0 | 4.86 | 0 | 5230 |
| North Park | 2 | 1.87 | 3.52 | 1 | 2.86 | 2.76 | 3070 |
| Oaklands | 6 | 4 | 5.85 | 0 | 6.09 | 0 | 6550 |
| Rockland | 2 | 2.18 | 0.57 | 1 | 3.32 | 2.3 | 3575 |
| Victoria West | 10 | 3.4 | 16.23 | 0 | 5.18 | 0 | 5575 |
| CITY TOTAL | 59 | 68.74 | 10 | 98.46 | |||
| *measured in hectares | |||||||
| Type | Number | Total Hectares |
| Regional Parks | 29 | 10,229 |
| Provincial Parks | 27 | 5831 |
| National Parks | 2 | 1055 |
| Total | 49 | 17,185 |
Health
Canada's medical system provides access to universal, comprehensive and portable health care. Canada's health care system is regarded as a major contributor to our country's high world ranking on the United Nations human development index.
British Columbia's universal healthcare provides competitive advantages such as lower employee benefit costs. The promotion of a healthy, mobile, and productive workforce allows businesses to capitalize on new opportunities. In addition, workers are assured of coverage when they relocate to other provinces. Locally, there are 5 hospitals and a multitude of traditional and alternative medical organizations. For a list of Local Health Service Providers please click here
Heritage
Much of Victoria's famous charm and character comes from its unique collection of remarkably well preserved heritage buildings dating back to the earliest days of the settlement of British Columbia. Established in 1843 as a Hudson's Bay trading post, Victoria was the largest centre for trade and commerce along the West Coast. It was a grand city with beautiful mansions, elegant hotels and high living for those who made their fortunes in gold, fish, lumber and coal.
Today, Victoria's downtown centre remains the vibrant core of the community. It contains many preserved and restored historical buildings and is the business centre of the region, with major department stores, quality shops and various services. 4,000 retail operations and 20,000 office workers are housed in the downtown area.
Recreation
Victoria's temperate climate enables recreational activities to continue all year long. It is not uncommon to enjoy sailing, fishing or golfing in the middle of winter. Victoria is home to over 20,000 pleasure craft, ranging from sport-fishing vessels to ocean-going yachts. Victoria's waters harbour a rich marine life, prized by scuba divers. In winter, residents can drive less than four hours to enjoy skiing at Mount Washington.
Victoria offers world-class sporting facilities. The community hosted the 1994 Commonwealth Games, and in 2000 hosted the BC Summer Games. Victoria is an excellent destination for sporting events and conventions. Victoria is also home to the Save-On Foods Memorial Centre, Vancouver Island's largest entertainment and sport venue.
Excellent recreational centres provide opportunities for swimming, skating and curling, racquet sports, fitness and social gatherings. Sports programs for all age groups are available.
Recreation Facilities
| Facilities | Number | Description |
| Spectator Sports | 5 | 3 stadiums, 2 arenas, 1 car track, 1 horse track |
| Recreation Centres | 26 | Indoor pools, ice arena, curling rinks, indoor tennis courts, playing fields |
| Fitness Clubs | 31 | Fitness, racquet sports, weight training |
| Golf Courses | 20 | 18 hole, 9 hole, par 3 |
| Yacht Clubs | 4 | Public & private |
| Marinas | 37 | Public & private |
Click here for a listing of programs and services through the City's pool, arena, Royal Athletic Park, Community and Seniors' Centres
For regional sporting information please visit Sport Host Victoria
