Every year, a variety of organizations take it upon themselves to proclaim a list of the 'best'.
The categories are many and varied and run the gamut that includes things like education, food, movies and entertainment, sports figures – well, you get the picture. If it’s out there, there’s a ranking list.
Although these lists are often highly subjective, they are popular and, let’s face it, they are most often based upon an indisputable excellence of the product, service or experience being rated.
That’s what makes the Victoria News' Best of the City features so fascinating. They highlight the best of Victoria, providing insights as to what makes the winners in each category so wonderful.
But what about the city itself?
Well, the truth is that Victoria is consistently at the top of the lists of the best cities in which to live as well as the most attractive destinations for visitors.
Travel and Leisure magazine’s annual poll, for example, has ranked Victoria in the top five cities in Canada for both 2024 and 2025, and Conde Nast Traveller (another top-ranked travel magazine) has ranked Victoria as one of the best cities in the world.
And while it’s always nice to hear that others agree with our assessment of our city, we really don’t need others to tell us that Victoria is a great place
“We certainly have a strong brand internationally,” said Paul Nursey, the CEO of Destination Victoria. “Brands are developed over decades, but for the past several years, it’s been independent businesses that have really shone and have pushed us to the forefront. We’ve earned that brand.”
Those independent businesses are, in many ways, the essence of what makes Victoria such a special place.
“Hotels, restaurants and other businesses have earned us a reputation as having friendly service and a positive local energy that visitors delight in and residents appreciate and develop an affinity for,” said Nursey.
That positive energy and the reputation that it has engendered is one of the reasons behind Victoria’s burgeoning reputation as a convention hotspot.
“The convention business is reaching new heights, and for local businesses, that provides a great opportunity,” said Nursey. “Our tourist season is very vibrant between April and October, but the convention business has become very strong and continues throughout the rest of the year.”
As might be expected, visitors to Victoria are arriving from all over the world, and Nursey identifies 11 “long-haul markets” with a propensity for making Victoria a must-see destination. But while countries like the U.S., Australia and Japan are on that list, Nursey points out that Victoria’s brand has been recognized by a host of countries around the globe.
“Look at the comment books at any hotel and you’ll find notes from everywhere you could imagine,” said Nursey.
Victoria’s reputation as a great city has also been recognized within our own country, with about 60 per cent of our visitors arriving from other parts of Canada.
“We get such positive feedback on our friendliness and the personal touch that Victoria offers to visitors and locals alike,” said Nursey.
Of course, those characteristics extend beyond just the city’s commercial and service sectors.
Victoria is inarguably one of the most magical cities to be found anywhere. Surrounded by unsurpassed beauty and blessed with a fantastic Mediterranean-like climate, the city is large enough to offer entertainment, dining opportunities, and a host of cultural activities and other attractions, while retaining its charm and small city feel.
“Victoria is just a great place to live or visit,” said Nursey.
