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Smart. Experienced. Friendly. Beautiful.  Consistently ranked one of the best small cities in the world, Greater Victoria is a place where business prospers and people thrive.

What are the top 5 reasons?

Strategic Location

Located on the tip of the largest island on the Pacific coast, Victoria is the southernmost major city in Western Canada. Access Vancouver and Seattle quickly and easily with a wide range of transportation options, all within the same time zone. Travel between downtown centres can take as little as 35 minutes by float plane to Vancouver and 45 minutes to Seattle, making same-day meetings possible.

Serious Talent

Leverage experienced local talent to launch a business or build out a team. Our talent pool has been carefully fostered through one of the highest-ranked school systems in Canada. Local post-secondary institutions excel in innovation and technology-related teaching and research and are helping graduates integrate with local business through co-ops, incubators, accelerators and business centres. The region also benefits from the spillover effect of nearby tech hubs like Vancouver and Seattle.

Business Advantages

Benefit from newcomer-friendly immigration and visa programs designed to attract foreign talent and companies to our region. Our overall corporate tax rates are the most competitive in the G7. And a broad system of tax credits and incentives involving research and development, business investment and entrepreneurs support companies establishing a regional platform.

Better Affordability

Improve your bottom line, with business costs that are typically lower than Vancouver, Seattle or Silicon Valley. Operating costs like wages, utilities and commercial space tend to be lower, comparatively. Residential properties are also less expensive, making it feasible for employees to grow their families and call Greater Victoria home for the long run, resulting in a more stable workforce.

Attractive Lifestyle

Simply put, the mild climate and unsurpassed quality of life here is a huge incentive for people to stay in the region, which can help with employee retention. Shorter commutes and a multi-modal transit system make getting to work better and faster. Coffee shops, restaurants and craft breweries celebrate local ingredients and producers. After work and on weekends, the lively local cultural scene, outdoor recreational opportunities and family-friendly parks and services keep everyone busy and healthy.

What makes this place so special?

Canada’s most temperate climate, top-notch public facilities and an active outdoor culture means this is a place that balances work with play. Why invest in Victoria and South Vancouver Island?

Download the brochure to read the full story

With frequent, easy access to Vancouver, Seattle, and to markets across North America and the world, the region offers enormous growth opportunities in these sectors:

  • Digital & Civic Technology
  • Marine & Ocean Sciences
  • Food & Agribusiness
  • Cultural Industries

Digital & Civic Technology

Marine & Ocean Sciences

Food and Agribusiness

Cultural Industries

You’ll be in good company.

Business is thriving in Greater Victoria, especially among our top performing economic sectors.  Read about some local success stories.