Victoria named best city in the world in Conde Nast's Readers' Choice Awards - Action News
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British Columbia

Victoria named best city in the world in Conde Nast's Readers' Choice Awards

Conde Nast Traveller, a luxury and lifestyle travel magazine, said Victoria captured top marks in its annual Readers' Choice Awards of top cities.

B.C. capital is one of only two North American locations to make the list

 Exterior of  B.C. legislature in Victoria. A tall, imposing stone building.
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)

British Columbia's capital has topped an award-winning travel magazine's 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 for 2023.

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 are seen in a marina with boats and city buildings in the background.
Kayakers enjoy Victorias inner harbour on a sunny day in May 2023. (Mike McArthur/CBC)

Paul Nursey, CEO of Destination Greater Victoria, is hopeful the recognition willresult in a boost in tourism, adding that the magazine has a globalreach.

He agrees the city's culinary offerings are world class.

"Our chefs take full advantage of surrounding coastal waters and rich farming regions, which results in food and drink that's uniquely West Coast: diverse, flavourful, locallysourced and truly inspired," said Nursey.

He says visitors to the city and its suburbs can choose from hundreds of restaurants, bistros, bars, breweries, cafs, produce markets and food festivals.

"Together theycreate an experience that proudly puts Victoria on the culinary map,"he said.

A red and gold gate arches over a city street.
Victoria is home to Canada's oldest Chinatown. (Ken Mizokoshi/CBC)

San Sebastian in Spainand Singapore took the next two spots in the list, and were followed by Tokyo, Seoul, San Miguel de Allende, Cape Town, Sydney, Copenhagen and Oslo.

Victoria also topped the magazine's 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.

Two women sit across from each other on a blanket spread out on a beach.
Two friends enjoy the sun at Clover Point Beach in Victoria in July 2023. (Mike McArthur/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 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."

"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," he said.