Victoria

Victoria is both the capital city of Canada's western-most state and a popular North American tourist destination. Featuring both old-world style and elegance as well as modern entertainment and activities, Victoria is situated on the southernmost tip of the expansive Vancouver Island, which extends along the West Coast of British Columbia, Canada. As such, the city is only accessible via ferry service from Vancouver, British Columbia http://www.bcferries.com/schedules/mainland/tssw-current.html or Seattle, Washingtonhttp://www.mahalo.com/seattle or by plane.

Surrounded on three sides by 50-degree Pacific water, Victoria boasts some of the best weather in Canada with relatively moderate temperatures and less rainfall than other West Coast Canadian citiesNew Link. The city also offers visitors gorgeous views including the island's many hills, the Pacific Ocean and the Strait of Juan de Fuca as well as views of the San Juan Islands and the Cascade Mountains in Washington, United States.

The area which now comprises the greater Victoria metropolitan area was originally home to the Coast Salish indigenous people, including the Songish which are also known as the Songhees.http://www.victoria.ca/visitors/about_hist.shtml

The beginning of European influence began in the late 17th century,http://www.victoria.ca/visitors/about_hist.shtml with both British and Spanish explorers. The city of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada was first founded by the Hudson Bay Company on March 14, 1843 as a port and trading post to protect the British interest in the trade available from the region.

In 1862, Victoria was incorporated after the Gold Rush in 1858 brought tremendous growth to the area.http://www.victoria.ca/visitors/about_hist.shtml In 1871, Victoria became the province's official capital.http://www.victoria.ca/visitors/about_hist.shtml

The Empress Hotel and the Parliament Buildingshttp://www.victoriabc.ca/victoria/parliamentbuildings.htm are both two of Victoria's most popular attractions, with historical architecture and traditional detailing. High Tea is still served at the Empress Hotel and both are within walking distance of each other, downtown and the harbor as well as the ferry terminals. The city also boasts a plethora of dining, museum, sightseeing, and entertainment venues.