Victoria British Columbia
The Capital City of Gardens.

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Victoria British Columbia was a tiny town, just a small trading fort really, until the Fraser Canyon gold rush in about 1858 catapulted it to a very large city in just a few months; only eight years later, it became the capital of British Columbia.

Today, it's known for its beautiful Edwardian architecture and its very temperate climate,often called "Mediterranean" rivaling Vancouver and Seattle in mildness during summer and winter, with much less rain.

It's often described as having a Mediterranean climate because of its temperate, dry summers and temperate, damp winters. Almost two-thirds of all its annual precipitation falls between November and February, which are also storm watching months. In Victoria British Columbia, you may even see bananas growing in the parks, a mark of its mild winters and beautifully sunny weather overall. The enormous variety of plants growing in parks and in private gardens has earned the city title “City of Gardens.” Flowers bloom almost a month ahead of the mainland.

To give you an idea of the unique climate of Victoria British Columbia, it is as much the capitol of the elderly in Canada as Florida is for the U.S., and for the same reasons: its wonderful climate, year-round golf season, easygoing lifestyle, and beauty. It is also a popular honeymoon destination.

What To Do In Victoria British Columbia

Victoria has an active arts community, including the Victoria Symphony, the Pacific Opera Victoria, and many other musical groups, and a few struggling theatre companies. Nelly Furtado comes from Victoria, as do David Foster, the Armchair Cynics, and actor Cameron Bright.

Among the most beautiful places in Victoria, British Columbia, is Beacon Hill Park, the central green space of the city. Here you'll find a variety of lovely features, from gardens to wild peacocks, a petting zoo, cricket fields, an outdoor concert arena, and excellent views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca as well as the Olympic mountains. You may also spot some of the rare and endangered species of plants that inhabit the area around Victoria.

Downtown you'll be able to enjoy beautiful Edwardian architecture. The British Columbia Parliament Buildings are built in lines that resemble an Elizabethan manor. Christ Church Cathedral is an impressive building that draws photographers year-round, and the Royal British Columbia Museum includes the standard natural and historical exhibits as well as very nice exhibits on the Pacific Northwest Indians who used to inhabit the area.

For the kids, look for unique places like the Victoria Bug Zoo and the Pacific Undersea Gardens. Several walking tours will take you to dozens of historical and architecturally interesting buildings downtown as well.

At some point, you must take the bus. Victoria, British Columbia, is the only city in North America that uses double-decker buses in its public transportation system (though Greater Toronto is preparing to introduce some into its fleet).

Victoria, British Columbia, also serves as a marvelous base of operations for kayaking and ecotourism throughout Vancouver Island. Whether you want to whale-watch or check out a pristine Northwestern rain forest, Victoria makes a great starting point.

Where To Stay In Victoria British Columbia

No matter what kind of accommodations you desire, you'll find something perfect in Victoria, British Columbia. You can find excellent hotels and hostels downtown, bed and breakfasts and guest farms on the outskirts, vacation cottages and homes everywhere, and even a number of very good campsites at the edge of city and wilderness.

Victoria, British Columbia, provides something for everyone and there is much to discover. Continue with the following connecting pages to expand your discoveries of this fabulous "small" city on the pacific coast.

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Victoria British Columbia to Discover Vancouver Island