Surrounded by sparkling ocean and splendid mountain views, the city of Victoria is located on the south-eastern tip of Vancouver Island and is the provincial capital of British Columbia, Canada’s third largest province. Victoria is a quiet, conservative and charming city which is recognised as being Western Canada’s oldest settlement having been established in 1843 by James Douglas as a Hudson Bay Company trading post. The historic Fairmont Empress Hotel and the impressive Parliament Buildings of British Columbia presides over Victoria's picturesque Inner Harbour which remains a working harbour and an integral part of city life. The harbour consists of three sections with the Outer Harbour being used by deep sea vessels while the Inner and Upper Harbours are used for smaller coastal vessels, seaplanes, ferries, yachts and kayaks. It is interesting to note that even today Victoria Harbour remains home to a major fishing fleet, Canada’s western naval base and is a busy ferry terminal. Victoria enjoys a mild temperate climate that has helped to create its reputation for being known as Canada’s ‘Garden City’ which is justified by its numerous well tended flower gardens, lush green shrubbery and its wide variety of trees which are scattered throughout the city. With its beautiful location and great natural beauty Victoria has grown to become a popular tourist destination attracting over three million visitors each year with many arriving as part of an Alaskan cruise. Victoria provides visitors with an abundance of historical and tourist attractions, a large variety of accommodation, a plethora of cafés, seafood and international restaurants, pubs and clubs, and a full spectrum of entertainment which ranges from harbourside buskers to cinemas and live theatre.
Originally named Fort Victoria after Queen Victoria, the city is proud of its rich heritage and the ‘Olde Towne’ of Victoria lies adjacent to the wharf and provides visitors with many examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture. The older part of the city remains quite modest and can easily be explore on foot with some of the historic locations including Market Square; the oldest Chinatown in Canada which is home to Fan Tan Alley, one of the narrowest commercial streets in North America; Helmcken House (built 1852) which is one of the oldest buildings in B.C; Point Ellice House which is complemented with original furnishings and is an oasis of Victorian charm; the Carr House (built 1863) which was the home of Emily Carr one of Canada’s most famous artists and authors; and Craigarroch Castle (built 1887 to 1890) which is a National Historic Site and features an extensive collection of stained glass, magnificent woodwork and Victorian furnishings. Other places of interest include the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria; the Maritime Museum of B.C; the Royal B.C. Museum; St Ann’s Academy which feature Victoria’s first catholic cathedral; St Ann’s Schoolhouse which is the oldest building in Victoria as it was constructed in 1844; the coastal artillery complex of Fort Rood Hill built 1895-1900; and the Fisgard Lighthouse built 1860. If perchance Victoria’s gardens are of interest Abkhazi Garden is considered to be one of the world’s best and most unique small gardens, while the grounds around Government House, Beacon Hill Park and Hatley Park which surrounds Hatley Castle are well worth a visit. Just outside of town there is also the Butchart Gardens which is one of Victoria’s most popular attractions.
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