About Victoria, BC

Rich in culture, steeped in history, and vibrant with natural beauty, Victoria, British Columbia, on Vancouver Island is a travel destination sought out by thousands of visitors from around the globe each year. From beautiful beaches to lush gardens and sparkling waterways, Victoria has so much to offer.

Travelers arrive in Victoria from the mainland by ferry, cruise ship, seaplane, or airplane. At the heart of Victoria lies her expansive Inner Harbour where a 360-degree view unfurls all around: elegant vessels moored at docks bob on the water, horse-drawn carriages line the avenues, double-decker British style buses await passengers. The neo-baroque parliament buildings and the iconic Empress Hotel, now designated a historical site, lie adjacent to one another with their impressive flower embellished lawns.

Named the Garden City, Victoria presents a feast for the senses: tall totem poles, museums, arts & crafts displays, and galleries abound. Beyond the harbour, Victoria offers the discerning traveler many hidden gems.

Ride along the waterfront and view the majestic Olympic Mountains across the strait, delve into historical neighbourhoods lined with well preserved Victorian homes. Walk alongside a shimmering lake, or hike beneath towering firs along an emerald fern trail. Victoria’s diverse and lush nature is present everywhere you go, be it countryside or city centre.

Victoria thrives as a modern city yet retains its First Nation heritage and fascinating gold rush history. Cycling, kayaking, and whale watching are among the many activities enjoyed for the greater part of the year. For those looking for luxury, five-star hotels such as the Fairmont Empress offer relaxing spa treatments and high tea. Whether your tastes lean toward enjoying nature or a more indulgent pursuit, Victoria, BC, has something to offer everyone.

Take a fun-filled side trip

If you’ve traveled to Victoria, BC you may have flown over or sailed past the Gulf Islands. The largest and closet to Vancouver Island is Salt Spring Island, reached by way of a 30-minute ferry ride and well worth a visit. You’ll arrive in Ganges, a quaint town that dates back to the 1800s. Cut deeply by fjords that dip between high forested mountains and grassy valleys, Salt Spring Island is home to a distinctive community of artists such as famous wildlife painter Robert Bateman. Sheep farms and wine vineyards dot the countryside, awakening the photographer inside and touching the soul.

Come and enjoy the unique city of Victoria and Salt Spring Island. Take a tour with us to discover the diversity of Vancouver Island’s tall trees, pristine gardens, and magnificent wildlife and views.

Many streets, regions, and waterways around Victoria, BC and Vancouver Island retain the names of the early explorers who first made their presence known along British Columbia?s coastline. The earliest of these sailed under the Spanish Crown and evidence suggests that the explorer Juan de Fuca might have reached the passage between Washington state and Vancouver Island as far back as the 1590s. The strait was later named Juan de Fuca by another explorer, Charles Barkley.

The first documented voyage along the coast of British Columbia was completed by Juan Fransisco de la Bodega y Quadra of Spain in 1775, reasserting claim for the Spanish Crown. However, the Spanish failed to settle on the land and abandoned their claim to the British after several naval confrontations.

When Captain James Cook of the British Royal Navy came ashore at Nootka in 1778, he and his crew traded metal objects such as knives, nails, tin cans and pewter plates for artifacts and sea otter pelts with the First Nation people of the region, bringing them great profit and leading to a large influx of traders to the coast of British Columbia. In 1843, the Fort of Victoria, named after the young Queen of England, was established at the tip of Vancouver Island as the Hudson?s Bay Company?s trading post. The Hudson?s Bay Company is today the oldest corporation in North America.

Two former British colonies, the Colony of Vancouver and Vancouver Island, joined together to form what is now British Columbia. In 1849 Britain made Vancouver Island a Crown Colony wherein the united colonies incorporated into the Canadian Confederation, and in 1871 Fort Victoria was named as its capital city.

Expeditions and Explorations of Canada?s West Coast

All expeditions held the same objective, to discover new land for the Crown and to find fame and riches such as the pelts of sea otters (which led to their near extinction but are now coming back). The Spanish schooners, called goletas, carried Spanish explorers such as Alcal

As mentioned previously, Victoria, BC, and Vancouver Island have retained the names of the early explorers as well as those of the existing First Nation peoples of prior eras. Before the arrival of the European navigators in the late 1700s, the entire coastal region of mainland British Columbia and of Vancouver Island was occupied by communities of Coast Salish people.

These diverse aboriginal coastal dwellers were highly familiar with each and every detail of Vancouver Island’s intricate coastline and were acutely aware of territorial and property rights. They gave names to the geographical features both natural and cultural that concerned them and now in present times continue to honor their ancestors.

The Coast Salish people, who inhabit the beautiful region of Vancouver Island, contribute significantly to the rich cultural tapestry of Canada. Their enduring traditions, deep spiritual connection to the land, and commitment to environmental stewardship are truly commendable.

The Coast Salish people have a long and proud history, marked by resilience and a harmonious relationship with the natural world. Today, their cultural heritage is celebrated and preserved through various means, including art, storytelling, and community events. The vibrant traditions of the Coast Salish, such as their intricate artistry, traditional dances, and symbolic ceremonies, continue to captivate and inspire people.

In addition to their cultural contributions, the Coast Salish people actively engage in contemporary issues, advocating for environmental conservation and sustainable practices. Their deep understanding of the interconnectedness between humans and nature serves as a valuable perspective in addressing ecological challenges.

Moreover, the Coast Salish people play a pivotal role in fostering community cohesion and unity. Through initiatives that promote education, health, and social well-being, they contribute to the overall prosperity of the region. Their commitment to intergenerational knowledge transfer ensures that the wisdom of their ancestors continues to shape the present and future.

In essence, the Coast Salish people on Vancouver Island exemplify a harmonious blend of cultural richness, environmental consciousness, and community engagement, making positive contributions that resonate both locally and globally.

Explore the rich culture and natural beauty of Victoria, British Columbia on our Historical Tour of Victoria.