Victoria - Culture

Victoria offers a wealth of unique sights and attractions - tropical gardens under glass, a colourful undersea world, a giant telescope pointed at the stars, an Olympic-sized pool with a water slide and places to wander along the shoreline.

It's also called the Garden City because of its many brilliant and impeccably kept gardens. The most famous of these is The Butchart Gardens. Other blooming favourites include Government House, Hatley Park, Beacon Hill Park and Saxe Point Park.

Victoria's place in the history of art was established by the most famous artist-in-residence, Emily Carr. Many of Emily's works, in addition to a broad collection of North American, European, and Asian art, are on display in the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, one of Canada's leading art galleries. Private galleries throughout the Victoria area present works by local, national, and international artists

Theatre is known for its captivating productions and the McPherson Playhouse and Royal Theatre offer an assortment of concerts, plays, musicals, films, and special guests. At the University of Victoria, the Phoenix Theatres and the Centre Auditorium are two other local favourites for theatre and music.

Celebrations take place to honour all the things Victorians love - Shakespeare, world music, beer, flowers, jazz, visual arts, literature, boats, fringe theatre, and that's just the beginning! The newest arrival to the festival family is the Harbour Festival, a ten-day entertainment extravaganza that includes the world-famous Swiftsure Yacht Races.

Victoria's museums rated among the very best in North America, including the Royal British Columbia Museum. Whether your interest is military, maritime, or aviation history, Native culture, pioneer stories, or marine mammals, Victoria's museums will capture your imagination with exciting exhibits that bring human and natural history to life

The city's 150-year history is carefully preserved in its many historic sites and heritage buildings. From the imposing facades of the Parliament Buildings and St. Ann's Academy, to the gun batteries of a former military fort and the fairy-tale turrets of a century-old castle, exploring Victoria's historic treasures is always a rewarding pastime.

The university of Victoria located on 160 verdant hectares in suburban Victoria, UVic is easily accessible by car, bus, or bicycle, and is only a short stroll from the ocean. A full schedule of concerts, plays, exhibitions, films, lectures and athletics events attracts more than 300,000 people a year to campus.

The Central Library is the main resource centre for the Library system and has many specialized collections and services, as well as an excellent general collection

Victoria is world renowned for its many brilliantly colourful gardens, the most famous of which is The Butchart Gardens - fifty enchanting acres of breathtaking beauty that attract millions of visitors each year. Other favourites include Government House, Beacon Hill Park, Hatley Park, and Saxe Point Park

Heritage buildings, quaint restaurants and flowers never ending. Victoria 19th century romance. Taking advantage of its year-round moderate climate, visitors from around the world partake of some of the finest scenery and recreational activities to be found anywhere in the world