Victoria, British Columbia

Greater Victoria (Area Population: 311,902)

Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, was orginally established in 1843 by James Douglas as a fort for the Hudson's Bay Company. Bastion Square marks the site where a portion of the fort once stood, although all that remains now are two iron rings set into the rocks at the foot of Fort Street, next to the old Customs House.

Victoria has always had a history as a stronghold of British traditions. Double-decker buses, horse-drawn carriages, meticulously kept gardens and the tradition of formal afternoon tea has contributed to the city's long-standing reputation as a mecca for adventurers drawn by the limitless outdoor activities available in the city and throughout the Islands.

-Text courtesy of Toursim Victoria