Victoria (British Columbia) (Vancouver Island) / Canada

On the southern coast of Vancouver Island, in the southwest of Canada on the shore of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, separating Canada from the United States, lies the city of Victoria. The capital of the province of British Columbia is a 2-hour ferry ride from Vancouver, and its metropolitan area has about 350,000 inhabitants.

The city, named after Queen Victoria, was founded by British settlers as Fort Victoria in 1843, making it one of the oldest in the Pacific Northwest. After the outbreak of the gold rush in the mainland part of the province, Victoria became a supply point for thousands of future gold miners and was established as the capital of British Columbia in 1871. In the second half of the 19th century, Victoria was the largest North American port for opium import, and although it soon lost its commercial position to Vancouver, it remains a popular destination for domestic and foreign tourists. They come here for the mild climate, high standard of living, and peaceful pace.

The city's British colonial past is referenced by a number of well-preserved Victorian buildings. Among the most famous is Craigdarroch Castle, an estate from 1890 with beautiful stained glass windows and original interiors, which can be admired during a guided tour.

The dominant feature of Victoria is the majestic Parliament Buildings, built in the neo-baroque style between 1893-7. In 1908, the Fairmont Empress Hotel, one of the oldest in the city, was opened, and the history of the beautiful neo-gothic Christ Church Cathedral dates back to the mid-19th century. The city center is Market Square and the adjacent streets, lined with quality restaurants, pleasant cafes, boutiques, and souvenir shops.

At the Royal BC Museum, you can look into the region's past from the original inhabitants to modern history, and 50 species of insects and spiders await visitors at the unique Bug Zoo, the largest tropical insect collection in North America. A short visit is also worthwhile to the Maritime Museum of British Columbia, which focuses on the past and present of the province inextricably linked with the sea.

Victoria is often nicknamed the City of Gardens – and for good reason: it is home to numerous parks and beautiful nature in the surrounding area, inviting active leisure time. The Butchart Gardens, established as early as 1904, are home to countless beautiful flowers, and one of the city's major attractions is the Butterfly Gardens, where, in addition to these colorful creatures, you can also see birds, fish, frogs, or turtles and about 200 species of tropical plants.

Victoria boasts a beautiful coastline and stunning beaches, so it's no wonder it's popular among boat, yacht lovers, and fans of various water sports – from kayaking to diving. Beyond the city limits, there are several provincial parks with a dense network of hiking trails for both novice and experienced hikers.