Meet Where the Air is Always Fresh

The natural landscape of the Pacific Ocean and nearby mountain ranges are a large part of what makes Victoria so special, and they also are to thank for Victoria’s mild year-round climate. Located on the Southern tip of Vancouver Island in the rain shadow of Washington State’s Olympic Mountains, Victoria, British Columbia receives considerably less precipitation than its other Pacific Northwest neighbours. In fact, Victoria sees almost half as much rainfall as Vancouver!

The sun favours Victoria too, shining more days here than anywhere else in British Columbia. Summers are kept comfortable by the ever-present ocean breeze, while winters remain mild with little to no snow. All of this helps make Victoria an excellent location to host a meeting or conference no matter the time of year.

 

Getting here is a breeze

Temperate weather patterns mean Victoria doesn’t experience nearly the same amount of winter travel issues as other Canadian cities – no need to stress over snowstorms delaying flights or blocking roads. The Victoria International Airport (named one of the friendliest airports in the world by CNN Travel and twice named ‘Best Regional Airport in North America’ by Airports Council International) has over 100 daily flights throughout North America and is known for efficiency and friendliness. Year-round, Harbour Air and BC Ferries also operate connections from Vancouver, while Kenmore Air and Clipper Vacations depart from Seattle to bring you right into the heart of Victoria, stress-free.

Image courtesy of Harbour Air

 

Stunning outdoor venues

Victoria's favourable climate is an open invitation to enjoy the outdoors. Being surrounded by natural beauty can invigorate any meeting or event, and Victoria offers countless offsite venues that can be enjoyed year-round. Take advantage of Victoria’s reputation as the City of Gardens at the stately Hatley Castle National Historic Site and Gardens or the Gardens at HCP, which are lush and full of life whether it’s June or January. At Church & State Wines or Blue Grouse Estate Winery, a meeting or farm-to-table meal among the vineyards will leave your delegates dazzled.

Alternately, take in endless ocean views from a waterside hotel venue, such as the Oak Bay Beach Hotel or the Inn at Laurel Point. Even the Victoria Conference Centre is located steps away from Beacon Hill Park, perfect for a lunchbreak stroll through its variety of manicured gardens and rugged parkland. 

Image courtesy of @matt_shannon_photography

 

Exciting activities all year long

Before, after or in-between meetings, take advantage of Victoria’s mild climate by enjoying one of the many outdoor activities that can be experienced year-round! Head out on a whale and wildlife watching tour, where you may spot anything from the Southern resident orcas to colonies of seals and sea lions that bask on the rocks year round. Heading out into one of Greater Victoria’s many parks for a stroll or hike is even enjoyable in the winter months. Victoria’s climate also lends itself to be a golfer’s paradise, with many courses like the Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort or Olympic View Golf Course being playable twelve months a year. Outdoor activities also make for excellent teambuilding opportunities: favourites include embarking on a true west coast angling experience with Adam’s Fishing Charters or taking a guided tour of the city via bicycle with The Pedaler.

 

Image courtesy of Westin Bear Mountain

 

Contact our Business Events Victoria team to start planning your event today.