About the building
Completed in 2009, Aria is one of Victoria’s most luxurious downtown condominium developments. Sitting at the western edge of a burgeoning neighbourhood of luxury residential buildings in the Humboldt Valley, Aria residents enjoy a growing urban community made up of other high achievers. Aria is home to 174 mixed suites, all featuring a high efficiency gas fireplace, granite countertops, engineered wood flooring, modern appliances, heated bathroom floors, frameless glass shower doors, bathtubs, and granite backsplashes.
The Aria is registered as strata plan VIS6606 and was designed by Merrick Architecture for Alpha Project Developments, with the two 12-storey towers joined by a stepped podium of four to seven storeys over retail and amenity space at grade. Sources date completion to 2008 or 2009. The concrete structure has a full rain-screen envelope.
Suites are one- and two-bedroom plans with or without dens, typically around 900 to 1,125 square feet, with solid-wood cabinetry, in-floor heating, marble vanities and floor-to-ceiling windows alongside the gas fireplaces and granite already mentioned. Two levels of underground parking, storage lockers, an exercise room with sauna and steam room, a lounge, bike and work rooms and a resident caretaker come with the building. Listings describe it as pet-friendly with no size restriction; confirm rental rules with the strata. Cridge Park and Thunderbird Park are across the street, with the Royal BC Museum and the Inner Harbour a short walk.
About Downtown
Victoria’s Downtown is the most rapidly growing neighbourhood in the city. New residents of all ages are attracted to the area’s rich historic character and its vibrant waterfront. The downtown has a thriving arts, culture and entertainment district combined with an impressive variety of dining and shopping choices, all within easy walking distance. The Royal BC Museum and Chinatown (Canada’s oldest) are perennial attractions for visitors and residents alike. The neighbourhood also hosts celebrated landmarks like the Empress Hotel, provincial Parliament Buildings and the Royal and McPherson Theatres.
Parks
The Downtown neighbourhood has green space along the waterfront, which includes Reeson Park near the Johnson Street Bridge. Cridge Park is located to the south, next to the downtown Lawn Bowling Club and Crystal Garden and near the entrance to Beacon Hill Park. Centennial Square, situated next to Victoria’s historic City Hall, is the downtown’s primary venue for events.
Schools
Chinese Public School (Chinese language and cultural classes for children and adults)
Victoria Conservatory of Music
Victoria Academy of Ballet
Victoria School of Contemporary Dance
Pacific Design Academy
Over 15 English language schools
Gardens & Markets
The Yates Street Community Garden is operated by the Downtown Residents Association
Bastion Square Public Market runs Thursdays to Sundays between May and end of September
Ship Point Night Market operates Friday and Saturday evenings from mid June to mid September.
About Victoria
Victoria’s Downtown is the vibrant heart of British Columbia’s capital city, blending historic charm with modern urban energy. It is the city’s most rapidly growing neighbourhood, attracting new residents of all ages to its mix of heritage architecture, bustling waterfront, and thriving cultural scene. With scenic harbour views and tree-lined streets, downtown Victoria offers a dynamic urban lifestyle while remaining walkable and accessible.
The area boasts a rich arts, culture, and entertainment district, featuring galleries, theatres, live music venues, and festivals throughout the year. Residents and visitors enjoy an impressive variety of dining, shopping, and service options, all within convenient walking distance. Historic and iconic landmarks, such as the Royal BC Museum, the Fairmont Empress Hotel, the provincial Parliament Buildings, and Canada’s oldest Chinatown, provide both character and a strong sense of place. The Royal and McPherson Theatres further enhance the city’s reputation as a hub for the performing arts.
Downtown Victoria’s waterfront plays a central role in community life, offering promenades, marinas, and public spaces that encourage outdoor recreation and social engagement. The combination of rich history, vibrant culture, and urban amenities makes downtown Victoria a highly desirable neighbourhood for residents who value both convenience and quality of life.
Today, Victoria continues to grow while maintaining its unique blend of heritage, modern development, and coastal beauty, making it a welcoming and dynamic place to live, work, and explore.
