The city of Victoria is a delightful historical destination with a long maritime heritage. The capital of British Columbia, it’s known as “the Garden City” for its many well-manicured green spaces, like the massive Beacon Hill Park. The history on display is a respectful mix of First Nations and European settlers, with iconic landmarks like Craigdarroch Castle and the British Columbia Parliament Buildings from one and the world’s tallest free-standing totem pole from the other.
Victoria has a rugged seafront, one of North America’s oldest Chinatown districts and a snow-free climate, giving the city a broad appeal. Downtown, you’ll find a great nightlife, regular festivals and events and a wide choice of restaurants, with a special focus on farm-to-table freshness. It’s also right by the docks, and the very popular whale watching tours you can enjoy from there.
