Not many campuses can offer a 10-minute walk to the beach with surroundings of ocean, mountains and forests, but the University of Victoria has so much green space that students flock outdoors in the springtime—which comes in early March—to study and sunbathe on blankets. The location also influences the identity of UVic, which has research strengths in ocean and climate health, Indigenous knowledge, clean growth, health sciences and sustainable communities.

“UVic is a diverse and welcoming community that cares deeply about driving social, economic and environmental change,” says president Kevin Hall. “Our students experience a huge range of research-enriched and hands-on learning opportunities.”

UVic has multiple research facilities dedicated to environmental change and sustainability. Ocean Networks Canada manages cabled ocean observatories off the west and east coasts of Canada and in the Arctic to help communities, governments and industry make informed decisions about the ocean. Both the Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium and the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions focus on solving climate challenges through collaborative research. Meanwhile, creativity and innovation thrive across campus. The Fine Arts building is home to programs in music, writing, visual arts and theatre, while entrepreneurial startups in business, engineering and computer science extend to community partnerships and boost co-op opportunities.