This B.C. city was named the best in the world in Conde Nast's Readers' Choice Awards
The Vancouver Island city is one of only two North American locations to make the list
The Canadian Press · Posted: Oct 05, 2023 3:42 PM PDT | Last Updated: 10 hours ago
British Columbia's capital city has been named the best small city in the world according to more than 520,000 readers who took part in Conde Nast Traveller's Readers' Choice Awards of top cities. (Ken Mizokoshi/CBC)
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An award-winning travel magazine said British Columbia's capital city tops its 2023 list of the world's best cities.
Conde Nast Traveller, a luxury and lifestyle travel magazine, said Victoria captured top marks in its annual Readers' Choice Awards of top cities.
Victoria and Mexico's San Miguel de Allende, which ranked sixth, were the only cities in North America to make the list.
Conde Nast Traveller said Victoria's restaurant and nightlife scene is "something to be celebrated,'' while the city "embraces adventure,'' and "draws outdoorsy types.''
Kayakers enjoy Victoria’s inner harbour on a sunny day in May 2023. (Mike McArthur/CBC)
Readers gave Victoria, San Sebastian in Spain, and Singapore the top three spots on the list, followed by Tokyo, Seoul, San Miguel de Allende, Cape Town, Sydney, Copenhagen and Oslo.
Victoria also topped the list of the world's best small cities.
Conde Nast, which publishes numerous magazines including Vogue, GQ and The New Yorker, said its Traveller magazine reaches more than 20 million print and web readers every month and more than 40 million people on its social media channels.
The publisher says more than 520,000 readers participated in this year's Readers' Choice Awards by submitting ratings about their travel experiences on a five-point scale.
Victoria is home to Canada's oldest Chinatown. (Ken Mizokoshi/CBC)
Bruce Williams, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, said he was excited but "not surprised at all'' to hear that B.C.'s capital, where he has lived for more than 20 years, was top of the magazine's list.
"We are very deserving of first place and we are thrilled and so proud to see that recognition,'' said Williams. "I've lived in other places and I have to say that Victoria is amazing.''
Williams said Victoria is a place where people can not only see beautiful scenery but also enjoy "a robust hospitality and tourism experience.''
Two friends enjoy the sun at Clover Point Beach in Victoria in July 2023. (Mike McArthur/CBC)
"It's a combination of a number of things. Physically, it's a beautiful place. We have mountains, we have ocean water, we have beautiful gardens, we have natural landscapes. It's a spectacular place visually,'' said Williams.
"Locals are very friendly. We are a very welcoming place and we always want to make sure that visitors have the best possible experience.''
He said Victoria also has a vibrant cultural scene, with thousands showing up for the South Island Powwow on Truth and Reconciliation Day over the weekend.
In the summer, painters and sculptors line the streets with their work, said Williams.
"I think that everybody just needs to understand that Victoria is worth visiting.''
