My thoughts on Victoria: The land of the newlyweds and nearly deads

It seems Hudson Williams might have started a heated rivalry with part of his home province. 

The Heated Rivalry star made some interesting comments about the city of Victoria while filming a new series in the area. While I can’t exactly repeat what was said, the most notable part of his thoughts on the city rhymes with “bed has ducks,” among other parts. I’ll let you take a wild guess on what he actually said. 

Williams also described Victoria as being 30 minutes away from Vancouver and having old people. Describing Victoria as somewhat close to Vancouver is definitely not the sound of someone who wants to stick around the area for too long. 

Speaking from personal experience, I don’t think Williams is necessarily wrong with his words. From my time on the island, there is some truth about Victoria’s lackluster appeal.

As someone who has been to Vancouver Island a few times, Victoria and its surrounding areas were truly places for sure. During a summer 2020 trip to Vancouver Island, all I can remember is going to the beach and seeing the Goats on the Roof market. Granted, it was early on in the pandemic, so options were limited anyway, but that’s the impression I’m left with here. 

Vancouver Island feels very suburban and not much sticks out to me.

If anything, Victoria and the rest of Vancouver Island do have some amazing views when you stop and look around. I remember hanging out with a group and looking over at an overwhelming view of nature while eating poutine. However, Metro Vancouver has plenty of other eye-catching views, making the island not much of a standout.

I wouldn’t say I’m Hudson Williams, but if he’s someone who enjoys the vibrant city life — something Vancouver can often provide — I can see why he is indifferent to Victoria. I wouldn’t say Victoria is a lowly underdeveloped town with a population number in just the triple digits, but it’s not a city you’d imagine visiting instead of Vancouver, especially considering it’s on a literal island, while Vancouver is accessible through YVR Airport. 

There are activities to do in Victoria. I’m sure going to the beach and walking through nature parks is enough for other people. However, none of them interest me — so much so that I’d rather stay inside my place and watch videos on YouTube instead. 

While Victoria is an amazing city with unique experiences in its own right, I don’t think it’s got as much of a broad appeal as its more popular neighbouring city — Vancouver, just 30 minutes away, right?

So yes, maybe Williams was on to something with those words, even if they came off a little too strong.