Immigrate to Victoria: Guide to Settling in British Columbia, Canada

Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, Canada and is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island off Canada’s Pacific coast. The city has a population of about 80,017 within the metropolitan area of Greater Victoria, which has a population of 344,615, the 15th most populous Canadian metro region. Named after Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and, at the time, British North America, Victoria is one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest, with British settlement beginning in 1843.

British Columbia’s population is growing faster than the national average, according to the latest census data. Figures from the newest census data reveal that Victoria’s population grew by 4.4 per cent — from 330,088 residents — since the last census in 2006. There are approximately 22,000 small businesses in the region and most employ fewer than twenty staff. These small enterprises represent 93% of Greater Victoria’s employers, making Victoria an excellent location for people interested in business class immigration.

Victoria has a temperate climate that is usually classified as Marine west coast, with mild, damp winters and relatively dry and mild summers. It is sometimes classified as a Mediterranean climate. This is a major factor for people that immigrate to Canada from warm climates.

The regional economy is strong in tourism, public administration, defense and retail. However, the City of Victoria is focused on service-oriented and knowledge-based industries.

The oldest (and most intact) Chinatown in Canada is located within Victoria. In the heart of downtown are the Parliament Buildings, the Fairmont Empress Hotel, the gothic Christ Church Cathedral, and the acclaimed Royal British Columbia Museum, with large exhibits on local Aboriginal peoples, Natural History and Modern History.