Victoria Secures Title of World’s Best Small City for Third Year

Victoria has achieved international recognition once again, being named the best Small City in the World by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for the third consecutive year. The Canadian city outperformed notable destinations such as Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, which ranked second, followed by Florence, Italy, Lucerne, Switzerland, and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Notably, no other Canadian city made it onto this prestigious list.

“This achievement reflects the quality and dedication of our members and their teams, whose passion for service and hospitality sets Greater Victoria apart on the global stage,” stated Paul Nursey, CEO of Destination Greater Victoria. The accolade comes as a result of feedback from over 757,000 readers who participated in this year’s voting process, providing insights into the destinations they most desire to revisit.

According to Condé Nast Traveler, Victoria is “a popular day trip from Vancouver, British Columbia’s capital city,” and it deserves a standalone visit. The travel publication highlighted the scenic ferry ride across Swartz Bay as one of the most breathtaking ways to arrive in the city. It also noted that the city, recognized as the most British town in Canada, boasts numerous restaurants and hotels that offer a traditional high tea experience.

Victoria’s appeal is further supported by impressive summer travel statistics. The Victoria International Airport experienced record passenger traffic, exceeding 600,000 travellers during the summer months alone. The breakdown includes approximately 190,000 passengers in June, 207,000 in July, and 227,000 in August. In tandem, BC Ferries also reported significant movement during the same period, transporting 9.4 million passengers and 3.7 million vehicles from mid-May to late August.

The charm of Victoria continues to captivate visitors worldwide. Known for its stunning oceanfront living, world-class attractions, and farm-to-table dining, the city’s unique combination of coastal beauty, culture, and sustainability has become a defining characteristic. Victoria has garnered recognition as one of North America’s most sustainable destinations, earning a place on the Global Destination Sustainability Index. In a landmark achievement, it became the first urban destination in Canada or the U.S. to receive Biosphere Certification in 2023, a designation it has successfully recertified for both 2024 and 2025.

“This award highlights what makes Greater Victoria exceptional and why we are so proud to share our region with the world,” Nursey added. “Our commitment is to deliver authentic, memorable experiences and to keep raising the bar for responsible, welcoming tourism.”

Victoria’s continuous recognition as a top destination illustrates not only its inherent allure but also the dedication of its community to fostering a thriving tourism environment that prioritizes sustainability and memorable visitor experiences.