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History

In 1843, the Hudson's Bay Company founded a fur trading settlement in the Victoria area called Fort Camosun; it was later renamed Fort Victoria to honour the British Queen. In 1849, the Hudson's Bay Company's western headquarters was moved from Fort Vancouver to Fort Victoria, and the Fort Vancouver Chief Factor, James Douglas, was relocated to the new settlement. This prompted the British colonial office to designate the territory a crown colony. The Hudson's Bay Company was then given a ten-year lease to the area, and in 1951, Douglas was appointed the new governor.

In 1866, when the Colony of Vancouver Island united with the mainland, Victoria became the capital of the new united colony; when British Columbia joined the Canadian Confederation in 1871, Victoria became the provincial capital.

Location

Victoria is located 111 km (69 km) south of Nanaimo and the Swartz Bay ferry terminal which services ferries from Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen in the Vancouver area. Victoria is situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, on the Saanich Peninsula. Regular, frequent ferry service connects the island to mainland BC and Washington state. The trip is an experience itself as the ships weave a path past forested islands. Marine life, including orca (killer whales) and seals, are often spotted. Victoria's arrival points are the Inner Harbour, the town of Sidney, and Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal (30 minutes from Victoria near Sidney).

Places to See

• Royal BC Museum

Discover the Royal British Columbia Museum and its famous First Peoples, Natural History and Modern History Galleries. Three-dimensional displays offer the senses a feast of the sights, smells and sounds of British Columbia. Walk through a rainforest, sit among aboriginal poles and stroll down the street to window-shop in Old Town.

• Centre of the Universe

The Centre of the Universe is the new interpretive centre at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory in Victoria, BC, Canada. Treat yourself to spectacular views of Victoria and the Cosmos! Our interactive exhibits and talented staff will introduce you to the amazing world of astronomy.

Tour the awesome 1.8 metre Plaskett Telescope. Try our fascinating interactive exhibits. Travel the constellations in our Starlab Planetarium. Experience a special theatre presentation- the Falling Asteroid Blues, the Backpacker's Guide to the Universe, or another one of our entertaining multimedia shows. Take part in one of our family-friendly special events, like our Saturday Star Parties or Stargazer Sundays.

The Centre of the Universe is part of the Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics, the scientific institute within the National Research Council of Canada which has the mandate from Parliament to "operate and administer any astronomical observatories established or maintained by the Government of Canada."

• Butterfly Gardens

Experience the sights of hundreds of exotic butterflies flying free in an indoor tropical paradise. Sense the smell of flowering plants, delicate orchids and the rainforest that is home to fascinating birds. Hear the waterfalls as the stream flows for the koi and provides a home for flamingos. Friendly staff, guided tours, an art and gift store, attached restaurant and plenty of free parking will compliment your visit to Victoria Butterfly Gardens. Five minutes to the world famous Butchart Gardens.

• Victoria Bug Zoo

Welcome to the amazing world of insects and spiders. A visit to this must see zoo offers visitors an excellent opportunity to view and experience multi-legged creatures from around the world in a safe, fun and friendly atmosphere. Get up close and personal with LIVE giant walkingsticks, alien-eyed praying mantids, hairy tarantulas and glow-in-the-dark scorpions, to name a few. Discover over 40 fascinating species including Canada's largest ant farm. The knowledgeable "bug guides" will reveal the exotic secrets of this hidden kingdom and provide a safe animal handling experience for the more adventurous. Imagine holding a tickling 400 leg millipede that stretches the length of your forearm! Bring your camera. It's an unforgettable, hands-on adventure.

• BC Legislative Buildings

Designed by renowned architect Francis Rattenbury in the 1890s, the Legislative buildings are a visual feast inside and out. Gold and silver leaf, murals, ornate plaster details and wood mouldings ornament the richly-hued walls and ceilings. Visitors also encounter solid marble columns, statuary, stained glass as well as unique architectural flourishes. Be sure to take some time to appreciate the beauty of the grounds, which feature flower gardens, fountains, statues and exhilarating views of the harbour and mountains. Tours are available Monday through Friday.

Things to Do

• Shopping!

Shopping in Victoria is fabulous! Whether you are just window shopping or on a major shopping spree, in Victoria you can browse quaint shops, local markets and major shopping malls to find your heart's desire. Victoria offers everything from antiques to the wares of local artisans and the designs of the hippest trendsetters. The city's layout encourages strolling and exploring the many side streets at an easy pace.

• Whale Watching!

Whale watching in Victoria & Vancouver Island is awesome! No other spectacle of nature compares to the awe-inspiring sight of a massive killer whale breaching out of the deep blue water only 100 metres from your boat. Victoria and Vancouver Island are well known as the place to view migrating and resident whales in their natural surroundings, as well as providing a number of other wildlife-watching opportunities throughout the seasons. For a holiday memory that will never be forgotten, experience the mystical beauty of the wild inhabitants of Victoria's waters and its surrounding area.

• Horseback Riding!

Saddle up! Experience the scenic countryside of Victoria and Vancouver Island on horseback. Ride over farmland and through rainforests, gallop sandy beaches or trot along trails. Panoramic views of valleys, mountains and ocean vistas will accompany your ride.

• Hiking!

For the new or lone hiker, Victoria and Vancouver Island's regional and provincial parks provide safe, well-maintained and well-signed hiking trails through some of the most beautiful areas on the Island. Experienced or not, all hikers will benefit from joining a guided hike. A seasoned local guide can introduce you to new areas and trails and offer local history as well as identify flora and fauna along the way. Victoria and Vancouver Island have numerous hiking tours to suit all levels.

• Cycling and Mountain Biking!

Victoria is the known as the "Cycling Capital of Canada". A temperate climate, an extensive trail and road network and spectacular scenery allow for year-round on- and off-road biking. Bike shops, clubs and touring companies offer expertise, equipment and guided rides to both residents and visitors. All ferries that service Vancouver Island allow passengers to bring bicycles aboard for a small fee. Cycling in Victoria and on Vancouver Island is both a mode of transportation and a way of life. Visitors can explore the entire city or the entire Island via bicycle.

Mountain biking has also become a rapidly-growing sport and pastime in Victoria and on Vancouver Island. Active clubs and their members help maintain the numerous trails you will find throughout the Island, ranging from easy family tracks to very difficult rides that will challenge your physical fitness and your technical know-how.

Events

• Jazzfest International

Enjoy 10 days and nights of the coolest music in town. The biggest summertime music festival on Vancouver Island, Jazzfest promises jazz, blues, gospel, and world beat music of the highest calibre. More than 250 musicians in more than 60 performances entertain at venues around the city.

• Victoria Symphony Splash

The highlight of the August long weekend is Symphony Splash. Victoria's Inner Harbour is transformed into a concert venue of gargantuan proportions. The orchestra and guest performers are set up on a barge directly in front of the Parliament Buildings. Powerful speakers carry the sound to the thousands who ring the harbour to listen. The concert traditionally closes with The 1812 Overture, complete with guns and the carillon!  

Nearby Communities

Mill Bay Pender Island Saanichton Salt Spring Island Sidney Sooke

Contact Information

Tourism Victoria
812 Wharf Street
Victoria, BC V8W 1T3
Tel: 250-953-2033
Fax: 250-382-6539
Email:info@tourismvictoria.com
Web: www.tourismvictoria.com