Attention, travellers. We know the world is your oyster and there are so many beautiful places to see, but we can’t help but admire the beauty in our own backyard. It’s no surprise that Victoria has garnered a reputation as a stunning destination for Canadians and international visitors alike, and this new accolade is just the icing on the cake. Travel + Leisure Magazine just ranked the BC city as one of the best places to travel in 2023, and we couldn’t agree more.

According to the Travel + Leisure editors, 2023 is shaping up to be the year that international travel officially “bounces back” after the pandemic, meaning it’s never been a better time to start planning a trip. In fact, they had so many choices on the map this year, that they had to break down their list into several categories: Food & wine, cultural riches, big-city thrills, moments on the water, fresh air & nature, beach vibes, and a look at the future.

Victoria, BC

Victoria was categorized in the latter, praised for its sustainability efforts and green impact, and stunning outdoor beauty. Although we say the city could fall under any of these categories!

 

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“Visitors have their choice of carbon-neutral hotels, such as Inn at Laurel Point and Parkside Hotel & Spa, and can even do carbon-neutral fast food at Big Wheel Burger, Canada’s first such restaurant,” wrote Liz Cantrell. “Other eco-minded activities include e-biking along the Saanich Peninsula to seaside towns like Sidney — with stops at picturesque wineries or the Butchart Gardens along the way — or hopping aboard an orca-watching cruise with Eagle Wing Tours, which is, of course, part of 1% for the Planet.”

The editors also note that the city has “green travel” itineraries for visitors who are on a mission to produce as close to zero waste as possible on their trip. And with so many outdoor activities to do every season, it’s no wonder that Victoria continues to impress visitors year-round.