VICTORIA, THE HOST CITY

OF THE NORTHWESTERN

FRANCOPHONE GAMES

About Victoria

Located on the Southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia and the metropolitan center of the Greater Victoria region. With a population of 94,000, it is home to a dynamic and thriving economy, a vibrant arts and culture scene and an unparalleled natural environment for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Victoria has many assets, including stunning heritage architecture, ocean views and mountain vistas. It is this rare juxtaposition of heritage charm, picturesque backdrop and modern cityscape that makes Victoria one of the most unique places in Canada. Millions of people visit our city each year and enjoy the natural beauty, temperate climate and heritage charm that Victoria offers its citizens every day.

To learn more about British Columbia’s capital city, visit Hellobc.

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First Nations

The JFCNO are held onthe ancestral lands of the Lekwungen, now known as the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations, and W̱SÁNEĆ .

For many decades, they have worked to respect and transmit their culture and maintain their connection to the land.

As you walk through the city, you will find various sculptures that mark places of cultural significance, including Thunderbird Park (see below).

Learn more about the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.

10 MUST-SEE PLACES IN VICTORIA

Downtown Victoria

Downtown Victoria hosts not only the world-renowned Inner Harbour, the Fairmont Empress Hotel and Legislative Assembly, but also Canada’s oldest Chinatown and a very charming Old Town district.

Our downtown is without a doubt one of the reasons why Victoria is consistently rated as a premier travel destination across the country and around the world. It is picturesque with remarkable architectural monuments, waterfront paths, numerous stores, restaurants, cultural venues as well as amazing heritage buildings.

To discover more: click here.

Legislative Assembly of British Columbia

Located in the heart of the city, across from the Inner Harbour, the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia is a landmark building in Victoria. With a neo-baroque style and three buildings, Parliament is an impressive architectural monument and very innovative for its time (opened in 1898). A statue of Queen Victoria stands in the front courtyard, while a figure of George Vancouver sits atop the central dome. There is also a statue of a soldier to commemorate the province’s fallen heroes of World War I, World War II and the Korean War, as well as a totem pole in reference to the First Nations peoples.

The visit to the Parliament is free. Find all the information by clicking here.

Beacon Hill Park

With approximately 740,000 square meters of parkland, Beacon Hill Park is the jewel in the crown of the Victoria State Park system. Sports fields, trails and children’s parks; Beacon Hill offers an unlimited number of experiences. Here are some of the key points of the park:

Goodacre Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Beacon Hill Park and allows for peaceful enjoyment of the lush nature;
The Moss Lady, created in 2015 by park staff, inspired by the mud maiden located in Heligan Gardens in England;
The educational farm: you can see donkeys, goats, sheep… (Donation appreciated);
“Mile 0″ marks the beginning of the Trans-Canada Highway. It crosses the ten provinces, starts in Victoria (BC), on the Pacific Ocean and ends 7,476 km further, in St. John’s (Newfoundland), on the Atlantic Ocean.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is a very popular destination in Victoria.

In this place located in the James Bay district, you can walk along the pier and discover a dozen floating houses of different colors, which make this place special, especially during the nice days.

This slightly hidden treasure of the city is full of small restaurants where you could eat at the water’s edge. In order to take full advantage of the mildness of the place, it is also possible to board a water cab that will take you to the Harbour or to take a kayak ride.

Chinatown

Victoria’s Chinatown is a testament to the resiliency of the culture and traditions brought to Canada by Chinese immigrants more than 150 years ago.

These days, Chinatown proudly stands out in the downtown landscape of BC’s capital. As one gets closer to the Gate of Harmonious Interest, the ornately decorated arch marking the entrance to Chinatown’s centre on Fisgard Street, the neighbourhood’s presence is revealed: bold colours of lucky red and gold, distinct architecture, and business names written in Chinese on shop windows. Small hidden passages make the place even more atypical.

Ogden Point Breakwater

Ogden Point Breakwater is a popular walkway near downtown Victoria that leads to a lighthouse at the end of it.

From this area, you can observe Victoria’s busy harbor traffic: cruise ships, ferries, sailboats, seaplanes, helicopters and more pass through on their way to Victoria.

Wildlife is also often seen along the breakwater, from seagulls to seals. The lucky ones can even see orcas.

The Butchart Gardens

Butchart Gardens is an internationally renowned public attraction that has been open to the public since 1904. The 55-acre show garden is located in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia.

Created by Jennie Butchart, and still owned and operated by the family, the gardens were designated as a National Historic Site of Canada in 2004 on the occasion of their 100th anniversary.

Full information on visiting Butchart Gardens can be found here ici.

Thunderbird Park

Thunderbird Park in Victoria is a great destination for some peace and relaxation. What makes this park special is that it’s filled with authentic and restored First Nations artwork.

Totem poles, paintings, carvings, and more await; it’s a great look into the artistic styles of a unique and ancient culture.

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Oak Bay

The Town of Oak Bay offers a wealth of activities, an exceptional natural setting and a most soothing environment.

Imagine a getaway with miles of beach, stores, art galleries, great food, bakeries and cafes to linger in, a boutique hotel and inn, all within a few miles of downtown Victoria… Plenty to do with family and friends within walking distance.

Find out everything there is to know about Oak Bay, the host municipality of the Northern and Western Canadian Games on our dedicated page.

Saanich

Saanich is a mix of rural and urban on southern Vancouver Island. Its community is diverse. More than 114,000 people live in Saanich, making it the largest municipality on the island.

Its motto is Populo Serviendo. It means “to serve the people”. The municipality of Saanich tries to improve the quality of life for its citizens, visitors and future generations, here and in the region. Residents are willing to live in harmony with each other and the environment. The municipality aims to promote the economic, physical and social well-being of its citizens.

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