1. 432.8 hours of sunshine in Victoria - the highest amount ever recorded

In July 2013, Victoria, British Columbia, experienced an unprecedented amount of sunshine, with 432.8 hours of sunshine recorded - the highest amount ever recorded in the province's history. This was a remarkable feat, as the average amount of sunshine for the month of July in Victoria is usually around 200 hours. The extra sunshine was a welcome sight for many, providing a much needed boost of Vitamin D and a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.

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2. Explore Pacific Northwest's Oldest City!

Victoria, located in the Pacific Northwest, is one of the oldest cities in the region, having been established in 1843 with the arrival of British settlers. Since then, the city has grown to become a vibrant hub of culture and commerce, boasting a rich history and a wide variety of attractions. From the iconic Empress Hotel to the stunning Butchart Gardens, Victoria is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the beauty and culture of the Pacific Northwest.

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3. Victoria, BC: The Cycling Capital of Canada

Victoria, British Columbia, earned the nickname of the 'Cycling Capital of Canada' in 2009 due to its extensive network of bicycle paths, lanes, and routes. The city boasts over 200 kilometers of dedicated cycling infrastructure, including multi-use paths, bike lanes, and signed routes. This makes it easy for cyclists to get around the city and explore the surrounding areas. With its mild climate and stunning scenery, Victoria is an ideal destination for cyclists of all levels.

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4. Victoria Cougars Win Stanley Cup in 1925

Victoria, British Columbia, is home to a storied hockey team: the Victoria Cougars. In 1925, the Cougars won the Stanley Cup, the most prestigious trophy in professional hockey. After their victory, the team relocated to Detroit, Michigan, and became known as the Detroit Red Wings. The Red Wings have since gone on to become one of the most successful teams in the NHL, winning 11 Stanley Cups and appearing in the playoffs for 25 consecutive seasons.

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5. Victoria's Homelessness Problem Remains Unsolved 5 Years Later

In 2008, Victoria introduced a revolutionary program to combat homelessness, offering a supportive community for those without a home. However, five years later, the project has yet to be fully realized, with no residents having taken up residence in the proposed community. This is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenge of homelessness in Victoria, and the need for further action to ensure that those without a home have access to the support they need.

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6. A Top Ten Island Beauty!

Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is located on Vancouver Island, which has been voted one of the top ten islands in the world by Travel+Leisure World, and the top island in the continental U.S. and Canada. With its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and vibrant culture, it's no wonder why Vancouver Island has been so highly praised. From its rugged coastline to its lush rainforests, Victoria is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable experience.

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7. Victoria, Canada's driest city, is a paradise for summer escape

Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is renowned for its dry climate. This is due to the rain shadow effect of the Olympic Mountains, which blocks moisture from the Pacific Ocean, making it the driest location on the BC coast. In fact, Victoria experiences some of the driest summers in all of Canada, making it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the rain.

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8. Discovery of Gold in Victoria Causes Population to Skyrocket

The discovery of gold in the mainland in 1858 had a dramatic effect on the population of Victoria, with the number of inhabitants skyrocketing from 300 to 5,000 in a matter of days. This was due to the fact that Victoria became the port for miners, providing them with a convenient access point to the mainland. The influx of miners and their families had a huge impact on the local economy, with businesses and services springing up to meet the needs of the new arrivals.

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9. Victoria Named After Queen Victoria

In 1846, the city of Victoria was named after Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, originally known as Fort Victoria. The city was named in honour of the Queen, who had ascended to the throne in 1837 and was the reigning monarch at the time. Queen Victoria was the longest-reigning monarch in British history, ruling for 63 years and seven months, and her reign was marked by a period of industrial, cultural, political, scientific, and military progress. The city of Victoria has since grown to become the capital of British Columbia, and is now a vibrant and diverse city with a population of over 85,000.

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10. 21B Blooms in 2010!

Victoria, the city of flowers, takes pride in its many blooms and celebrates them every February with an annual flower count. In 2010, the count reached a record high of 21 billion blooms, enough to give a bouquet of 650 to every single person in Canada! This impressive feat is a testament to the beauty and abundance of Victoria's flowers.

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