Victoria

The city sits at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, surrounded by the Pacific and dense forests. Downtown arranges itself around the Inner Harbour, where ferry terminals, government buildings and old neighborhoods meet.

The Hudson's Bay Company founded a trading post here in 1843, which became the capital by 1862. Gold strikes on the mainland brought settlers and turned the outpost into an administrative center.

Afternoon tea is served in many hotels and teahouses, a tradition reflecting the British roots of the place. Local artists and musicians perform regularly in cafés and public spaces around the harbor.

Ferries connect the harbor daily with Seattle and other islands across the Salish Sea. Downtown is easy to explore on foot, with clear signage toward the main areas around the waterfront.

The Parliament Building lights up at night with thousands of bulbs outlining its shape. This illumination began in 1956 and has been switched on every evening since dusk.

Location: Capital Regional District

Inception: 1862

Founders: Hudson's Bay Company

Elevation above the sea: 23 m

Shares border with: Saanich, Esquimalt, Oak Bay

Website: https://victoria.ca

GPS coordinates: 48.42215,-123.36570

Latest update: December 16, 2025 16:03