Victoria Facts
Fact 1: Conde Nast Traveler magazine has called Victoria one of the top ten cities in the world to visit, rating it #2 in ambiance and environment.
Fact 2: Beacon Hill Park has the distinction of being home to the world's tallest, free-standing totem pole carved from a single log. There are taller ones, but they have been created by splicing two or more logs together.
Fact 3: Today, Victoria's Market Square houses shops and restaurants, but in 1887 it's where 90,000 pounds of opium were produced for Canada's then-legal drug trade.
Fact 4: Presiding over the Inner Harbour, the Victorian-era Parliament Building is a sight to see during the daytime, with its elaborate and decorative stonework, domed towers and arched windows. But just wait until the sun goes down. That's when the building transforms its appearance to that of a fantasy castle adorned with 3333 twinkling lights.
Fact 5: Emily Carr, one of Canada's most important artists, was born in Victoria in 1871. She studied and taught painting for most of her life, but it wasn't until the 1930s that her work became internationally recognized. Turning to literature in her later years, Carr wrote her first novel "Klee Wyck" when she was 70 years old. The book went on to win the Governor's Medal for Literature. Carr died in Victoria in 1945, and was laid to rest in the Ross Bay Cemetery.
Fact 6: The "City of Gardens" is attractive year round due to its mild climate, but in the spring and summer, Victoria truly earns her nickname. Everywhere you look there are annuals and perennials, and flowering vines, bushes and trees. The floral theme even extends to the lampposts downtown – some 950 of them are bedecked with gorgeous hanging flower baskets each summer.
Fact 7: The University of Victoria campus is attractive – especially Finnerty Gardens and Mystic Vale – and attracts plenty of wildlife including deer, owls, squirrels and even cougars now and then. But perhaps its most endearing residents are the rabbits. The campus has become well-known for its large population of domestic rabbits, which are probably the offspring of abandoned house pets. The furry little critters get ample food and even names from students and staff, and Victoria's mild climate has proven to be quite agreeable to them. So hop on over and have a look!
Fact 8: Victoria's Annual Flower Count broke a record in 2002 when local citizens and visitors tallied up 8,521,514,876 blooms. It's not called the "City of Gardens" for nothing!
Fact 9: Victoria's British roots live on in a popular citywide custom – afternoon tea. Many of the city's restaurants offer a traditional spread complete with crumpets, scones, Devonshire cream, cucumber sandwiches and, of course, tea.
Fact 10: The Cousteau Society has dubbed the waters surrounding the Victoria area second best in the world for scuba diving. National Geographic magazine has also recognized the area, calling it one of the top coldwater diving destinations in the world. Why all the recognition? There are a number of artificial reefs around the island, which attract a wide array of marine life, and water clarity is exceptional. Several local companies arrange snorkeling and diving excursions for both novices and certified experts.
