British Columbia is a region located in the west coast of Canada. It is a constituent of the Pacific Northwest alongside the states of Washington and Oregon in America. Victoria BC is the capital of British Columbia and the 15th leading metropolitan area in Canada. The name Victoria BC originates from Queen Victoria BC who was responsible for the creation of the British Columbia colony. The British Columbia bases its economy upon resource exploitation. The transcontinental railways end within its territories. Consequently, it provides a site for the main pacific ports that enhance international trade. Its metropolitan nature enables people to learn more about other peoples’ cultures.
The capital Victoria is located at the edge of the southeastern part of Vancouver Island. Victoria BC enjoys mild weather that is essential for recreational activities and tourism. Victoria BC has become a cultural center as authors, actors, musicians, artists, poets, and dancers flock to its attractive sceneries and warmer temperatures as compared to most Canadian cities. These professionals have influenced the increase of theatres, pubs, nightclubs, and restaurants. One of the most outstanding features in Victoria BC is its distinct climate that has rainy and dry seasons. For regions that are not in the extreme northern parts of Nanavut and Northwest Regions, Victoria BC has the driest summers. As such, Victoria BC has better climatic conditions as compared to Toronto.
Its economy is growing rapidly as the current regime has continued with its ambitious plans that centers on the infrastructure development. The sustained economic growth in the energy, mining, and forestry sectors has boosted the infrastructure development. As such, Victoria BC has become one of the fastest growing economies in Canada. Economic growth translates to an increase in job opportunities. Victoria BC has affordable housing and the cost of living is relatively low as compared to Toronto (Numbeo 2014).
Further, Victoria BC has a large advanced technology sector that boasts of the leading revenue generating private industries that are a source of employment for thousands of direct employees. Consequently, the Macleans Magazine of 2011 ranked Victoria BC as the ‘smartest city’ in Canada.
Regarding Toronto, it is the most populous city in Canada (Flew 2004). It has more ethnic diversity as compared to Victoria BC therefore better for people hoping to learn more about other cultures. The cost of living is higher than in Victoria BC but the difference is minimal. Toronto is a big city compared to Victoria BC therefore it is not as easy to move around as it is in Victoria. The climate of Toronto is relatively cold with cold winters and warm, humid summers. Its proximity to water ensures that the temperatures remain low throughout the year compared to Victoria BC. As such, Victoria BC has favorable temperatures.
Toronto has an array of varied public spaces such as public parks that overlook ravines and city squares that provide interesting sights. The city has many theatres, museums, and centers for performing arts. These places provide residents and visitors with scenes to entertain themselves. Further, the city boasts of being the representative of seven key league sports such as National Hockey League and the National Basketball Association. As such, sports lovers would be most comfortable while living in Toronto since the city provides greater diversity to sports. However, the sceneries in Victoria BC are more attractive since they provide new experiences than the ones in Toronto.
Concerning the economy, Toronto is the financial capital of Canada. It has a higher brokerage firms and bank concentration rate than in Victoria BC. Consequently, the city hosts the five biggest Canadian financial institutions. It is also an important place for telecommunication, production industries, information technology, and various prominent corporations. However, these industries have been in existence for a long time hence there are few opportunities for working in them as opposed to relatively new industries in Victoria BC. The high population in Toronto means that there is more pollution as compared to Victoria BC.
References
Flew, Janine; Humphries, Lynn; Press, Limelight; McPhee, Margaret (2004). The Children's
Visual World Atlas. Sydney, Australia: Fog City Press. p. 76.
Numbeo (2014). Cost of Living Comparison Between Toronto and Victoria. Retrieved from
http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of living/compare_cities.jsp?country1=Canada&city1=Toronto&country2=Canada&city2=Victoria
