Victoria has once again captured global attention, earning the title of World’s Best Small City in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards.

It’s the third consecutive year that B.C.’s capital has topped the prestigious list, outranking destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Florence, Lucerne and San Miguel de Allende.

Condé Naste says more than 750,000 readers voted in the annual survey, one of the travel industry’s most respected rankings.

“Being recognized as the World’s Best Small City by Condé Nast Traveler’s discerning readers for a third consecutive year is both an honour and a testament to Greater Victoria’s incredible community,” Paul Nursey, CEO of Destination Greater Victoria, said in a news release.

“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.”

The magazine praised Victoria’s “boutique hotels, world-class attractions, and fresh farm-to-table dining,” as well as its walkable waterfront charm — a city where, as Nursey put it, “authentic, memorable experiences” thrive.

Victoria’s recognition adds to a growing list of recent accolades. Just last month, Airbnb named both Victoria and Tofino among Canada’s top trending fall destinations, while in August, the international site Global Citizen Solution ranked Victoria sixth in Canada for quality of life, highlighting its balance of nature, culture and livability.

Nursey said sustainability continues to be a defining part of Victoria’s global reputation. The city was the first urban destination in Canada or the U.S. to earn Biosphere Certification in 2023, and has maintained that designation while also ranking among North America’s top destinations on the Global Destination Sustainability Index.

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

The full Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are available online and will be featured in the magazine’s November 2025 issue.