About Victoria

The spirit of the Lekwammen or Coast Salish people pervades the natural beauty of Victoria on southern Vancouver Island. Members of the ten Lekwammen coastal villages welcomed James Douglas in 1843 when he came with men to build Fort Victoria for the Hudson’s Bay Company on the Inner Harbour. Many thousands of First Nations people from up and down the coast traded with the newcomers. During the 1850s gold was discovered on the Fraser River, and Victoria became a busy seaport bringing miners and related business people.

In 1866 Vancouver Island and British Columbia united to form a single colony; two years later, the city of Victoria was declared its capital. In 1871, British Columbia became the sixth province of the Dominion of Canada. The current Legislative Buildings were constructed between 1893 and 1897; the Empress Hotel was constructed in 1908.

There are so many aspects that Victorians like me love about our fair city – sparkling ocean waters, majestic mountain vistas, stunning natural beauty, year-round sports and outdoor activities, and wonderful warm weather most of the year.

Cultural activities abound such as the Victoria Symphony, musical festivals, theatre, shopping, and fine dining. The Royal British Columbia Museum, the Centre of the Universe Planetarium, Chinatown, and shops and restaurants in the Inner City are pleasurable outings. For the sports-minded individuals, golfing, hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking can be experienced in many venues, along with whale watching tours.

The exhilarating scenery throughout Greater Victoria will draw you in; there are many famous gardens such as the Butchart and Abkhazi Gardens. You will enjoy walking and biking anywhere in Victoria and surrounding regions. Lakes such as Matheson and Durrance are perfect for summer swimming and fishing with the family. One of my favourites, the Galloping Goose hiking and biking trail will take you from downtown to Sooke and back.

Architectural gems are found in every area of Victoria – Oak Bay, Rockland-Fairfield, James Bay, Uplands to cite only a few. You will be certain, with the right REALTOR®, to find your dream home and garden in any one of these stunning, quality neighbourhoods. There are outlying peaceful, nature-sanctuary homes and properties available in Metchosin, Sooke, and the Saanich Peninsula.

Higher education is available through the University of Victoria, Camosun College, alternative medical colleges like Pacific Rim College and others. Every neighbourhood has primary and secondary schools, sports arenas and parks where adults, children and dogs come to relax and have fun.
The capital of British Columbia as well as a major tourist destination, Victoria has long welcomed visitors from all over the world. Our hometown is very multicultural in its people, restaurants and cultural spots. Its transportation systems are well developed, making it easy to get there, whether you're flying in on a connecting overseas flight or making your way after spending time on the mainland. An international airport operates just 30 minutes away, while floatplanes and helicopters constantly fly in and out of the downtown harbour during daylight hours. Rail and passenger/vehicle ferry services are also available.

GETTING AROUND

There are several ways to get around Victoria, but walking and cycling are the best options. There are many safe, car-free paths in the city, some of which connect to long country trails. If you're going farther afield, or prefer to drive, there are plenty of car rental companies to choose from. The neighbouring Gulf Islands are just a scenic ferry ride away.

Below are a few links to get you started.

Air: Victoria has an international airport and busy, centrally located floatplane terminals.
> More about Air Travel
Ferry: Vehicle and passenger ferry services are available from multiple points in BC and Washington State.
> More about Ferry Travel
Car: Driving is a convenient and flexible way to explore Victoria, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
> More about Car Travel
Bus: Commercial bus lines service Victoria from various points on the mainland and Vancouver Island.
> More about Bus Travel
Rail: Comfy seats, big picture windows and food service make train travel one of the most comfortable and relaxing ways to explore southeastern Vancouver Island.
> More about Rail Travel
City Transit: BC Transit provides bus service in Greater Victoria, Sidney and Sooke.
> More about City Transit
Travel &Tourism: Arts & Cultural Information about Victoria and other areas of British Columbia
> More about the unofficial Travel Guide to British Columbia

Other Links:

David Bouchard - Author, Educator, Presenter
Sourceco-Creations - Awaken Your Soul
Feng Shui, Vaastu Shastra and Prepping
Victoria Web Hosting and Web Design
Riverbank Design