Welcome to Downtown Victoria
Downtown Victoria is as urban and metropolitan as Vancouver Island gets! Unlike the concrete and high-rise jungles of other larger cities, Downtown Victoria manages to offer the best of city life without sacrificing the tranquil appeal of Island living.
Overview
Urban Meets Metropolitan
Downtown Victoria is as urban and metropolitan as Vancouver Island gets! Unlike the concrete and high-rise jungles of other larger cities, Downtown Victoria manages to offer the best of city life without sacrificing the tranquil appeal of Island living. When it comes to Downtown Victoria, you can have both! Historical buildings, modern residences, cherry blossom trees, a bustling harbour, the songs of seabirds, and fresh ocean air are all part of the package. It’s just one of the reasons Victoria is so cherished by tourists, snowbirds, and year-round residences alike.
Lifestyle
Outdoor Urbanite
85% CITY + 15% ISLAND LIFE
| Walkable access to the Inner Harbour, excellent shopping, and over 376 restaurants, bars, pubs, cafes, and food trucks located throughout downtown. |
Live close to the action and excitement of the downtown core, galleries, museums, music festivals, and nightlife. Several parks, waterfront walkways, the Inner Harbour, and outdoor areas to stroll and explore. |
Enjoy the most convenient access to work and play, and a direct route to the University campus. Easy access to many of the city’s services including groceries, health, and fitness facilities. |
Walkability and Bikeability
Downtown Victoria has a Walkscore of 95, making it the 2nd most walkable neighbourhood in the Capital District. Downtown Victoria is considered a “walker’s paradise” because nearly all errands can be accomplished on foot. Cyclists will appreciate the many dedicated bike lanes positioned throughout the downtown core, and paved biking and walking trails passing through Downtown Victoria and outside districts.
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Pet-Friendly
Many condo buildings allow for pets and there are plenty of areas to walk your dog on-leash within the downtown core. Moreover, there are many parks within walking distance from downtown that offer designated dog off-leash areas. Visit Victoria's Paws in Parks for a complete list of 13 leash-optional areas located within Victoria.
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Family-Friendly
A variety of townhouses and condos in Victoria’s downtown core are modern and spacious enough to comfortably accommodate small families. Plenty of outdoor areas, playgrounds and bike lanes to enjoy, plus easy access to amenities, make downtown attractive to small families. However, busy thoroughfares make the downtown core unsuitable for young children that aren’t accompanied by a parent.
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Senior-Friendly
Unsurpassed walkable-accessibility to shops and restaurants, and the convenience of living just steps away from everything the downtown core offers, makes living in Downtown Victoria ideal for active and social seniors.
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Key Landmarks & Amenities
PARKS & OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS
While there are plenty of outdoor attractions and walkways to stroll within Downtown Victoria, you’ll find even more parks, playgrounds, and trails located just outside the downtown core, such as
Summit Park and the large
Topaz Park (which has a dog off-leash area), as well as those located in neighbouring districts.
Refer to this comprehensive list of Victoria's many
activities & attractions, as well as
nightlife & entertainment compiled by Tourism Victoria for a rundown of just about everything Victoria has to offer. Following are just a few of the most notable outdoor parks and attractions located within the downtown area:
The Capital Region’s famous, historical, and post-card-picturesque Inner Harbour represents the heart of Downtown Victoria, BC. Deemed "one of the most beautiful harbours in the world." Besides affording views of The Empress Hotel, Parliament Buildings, and a working harbour, Victoria's Inner Harbour also features a well-lit and paved boardwalk that is beautiful to stroll both day and evening. The lower walkway of the Inner Harbour features moored recreational vessels and small boutiques and eateries at either end. A popular spot to enjoy performances by buskers and artists in the summer months, and a lovely place to stroll regardless of the season. It's a real gem to have in your neighbourhood.
Find out more!
Canada's oldest Chinatown and second oldest in all of North America, dating back to 1858. Have fun exploring the restaurants and shops, indulge in a fresh honey bun from one of Chinatown's bakeries, and take a stroll down Victoria's equally famous Fan Tan Alley. Find out more!
Expansive town square featuring City Hall, McPherson Playhouse, a large fountain and plenty of room to hosts seasonal events. Find out more!
Located next to the Royal BC Museum and features a paved-walkway, seating, and several First Nations totem poles.
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Paved waterfront walkway with bench seating along Wharf Street and lovely views of Victoria's working harbour.
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Historical town square located in the heart of Downtown Victoria and fringed by some of Victoria’s best restaurants and pubs. Hosts a lively public market during the summer months.
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A newly built playground for kids, located behind Victoria's Court House.
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Stroll the wharf lined with colourful floating homes, friendly seals, harbour ferries, and some of Victoria's best food vendors. Enjoy the view from the small grassy park that features a children’s playground, and benches.
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