Beautiful British Columbia – Visiting Victoria

Victoria is a city where the young energy of the West Coast blends with old British and Asian traditions. Where it is just as natural to party in a pub as it is to take tea in a formal tearoom, where you can explore on a bicycle or on a horse carriage, where the elegance of history intermingles with the panache of modern life.

It is a place to relax and restore your sense of balance and also a place to experience thrilling adventures. You can shop for unique made in British Columbia gifts, browse art galleries, relax at a spa, play golf, visit museums, cycle along the coast or just lie down on a sandy beach. As British Columbia’s capital city, Victoria is the hub of provincial politics. The majestic Parliament Buildings overlooking the Inner Harbour are home of the Legislative Assembly and the Executive Council of British Columbia. As an internationally renowned visitor destination, Victoria offers an outstanding array of exciting activities and attractions for every kind of traveler and every type of vacation. Even getting to Victoria is an inspiring experience. Travel options range from quick flights from Seattle and Vancouver, to a variety of ferry services from Vancouver and Washington State, including Olympic Peninsula.

The evidence of European cultural influences is everywhere you go in Victoria. The 33-copper-domed Parliament buildings and The Empress Hotel were both designed by architect Francis Rattenbury. In Bastion Square – one of the most haunted areas on the West Coast, Victoria’s Old Court House, formerly the site of a gallows and graveyard, now houses the Maritime Museum of British Columbia.

In addition to Victoria’s longtime affection for afternoon tea, Victoria and southern Vancouver Island are developing a reputation as Canada’s Provence. Artisan cheeses, seaweed, water buffalo, poultry, unique produce, ciders, and fine wine are created and harvested by a handful of local farms and producers.

Victoria is also gaining a reputation for its spas. If you are into it, try a vinotherapy pedicure that includes crushing locally harvested grapes with your toes or a massage of homegrown lavender and hot stones collected from nearby beach.

Victoria is an active city with a population that loves the outdoors. You can cycle all day long, kayak from local beaches, hike around a lake or on a park trail, play golf on a variety of world-class courses. Professional rowers skim across Elk Lake, parasailers soar over the Dallas Road coastline, divers explore the depths at Ogden Point, windsurfers ply the waves at Clover Point. Every day in Victoria offers wonderful new experiences.