It’s January – the middle of winter. In most of Canada, that means snow, cold, and short days. Victoria, as well, is receiving its annual winter dusting of snow this week. Typically, though, Victoria is a versatile place to enjoy a variety of (outdoor) activities during the dark days of January. We love our corner of the world, so I thought it would be a good time to showcase some of the things Vancouver Islanders do to pass the winter months.
- Embrace the Winter
Yes, we boast a mild temperature. However, it’s still Canada. In case you didn’t realize, you can still embrace your inner arctic hare on Vancouver Island. While you can’t skate outside, many people do head to the mountains to snowshoe or cross-country ski in the wintertime.
Vancouver Island even has two ski hills: Mount Washington and Mount Cain. The closer to Victoria of the two, Mount Washington is just a few hours drive or bus ride and boasts a variety of alpine and Nordic activities, from fat biking to snow tubing to good, old-fashioned downhill skiing. Temperatures are generally milder than at other Canadian ski resorts. Plus, you can see the ocean from the top of the mountain (pictured here)!
- Embrace the Water
We do live on an island. Even in the winter, we love and appreciate the ocean. All year, there are opportunities to surf, kiteboard, and stand-up paddleboard (SUP). Wetsuits are a great investment for Victoria winters.
Another popular winter (and summer!) activity is a cold-water swim (with or without wetsuit), which you can, of course, do just minutes from UVic. After all, the ocean temperature doesn’t change much at all during the months of the year; it stays a consistent will-wake-you-up-and-get-your-attention all year!
- Embrace our Lack of Winter
Most days in the winter, we count on some grey skies and rain, saving us money on sunscreen. However, we usually stay above the freezing point. We have more sun and much less rain than Vancouver. So, it might be a little wet, but it’s almost always good hiking, running, or cycling weather. Whether you’re a hard-core mountain hiker or prefer a gentle stroll through Beacon Hill Park, Victoria’s typically lush and green winters are well-known for keeping an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.
- Embrace the City
So, you might not be outdoorsy. The good news is that Victoria and surrounding areas are still located within a milder climate than exists in most of Canada. That’s right; on most days, you can walk the city and enjoy shopping or take in sites in nothing warmer than a hoodie. And, of course, whether you’re into high tea, gardens, ghost tours, or walks along the water, Victoria has plenty to offer.