Victoria BC Tourism

Introduction

Where is Victoria?

If you have not heard of Victoria, please open this Map of Canada

It is on the west coast of Canada in the province of British Columbia (showing yellow on the map). Vancouver Island is the westernmost land mass with Victoria situated at the southern tip. The bodies of water bordering Vancouver Island are the Strait of Georgia to the east, Juan de Fuca Strait to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

Why is Victoria a popular tourist destination?
Could it be the majestic mountains, the rugged shoreline, the sandy beaches, the mild climate, the British charm or the unspoiled wilderness? Find out why thousands of people visit Victoria every year.

Most people who visit Victoria always include a trip to the better-known City of Vancouver which is a short ferry ride across the Straits of Georgia. Both cities are very much the same and have been described as:

A city where mountains and ocean merge into a matchless whole, and one of the continent's most exciting cosmopolitan places. Experience the sights by trolley and the city by gondola. Whether visiting from a cruise, travelling for adventure, on a family trip, or looking for a romantic getaway. ... an experience for every interest, and all your senses. ... alive with a wide array of arts and entertainment from live theatre and performing arts to unique exhibits and museums, there is something for every arts enthusiast. Discover historic artifacts, Beluga whales and Aboriginal artwork*.

Every country has something unique whether it is the widest river or the highest number of cell phones or the shortest railway line. In tune with "uniqueness", here are some little-known facts about the Island area**:

• Canada's tallest tree is also the world's tallest Sitka spruce. Found in the Carmanah Valley on Vancouver Island, it soars for 95 metres (311 feet).
• Della Falls in Strathcona Provincial Park are Canada's highest cascade waterfalls at 440 metres (1,465 feet), nearly 10 times as high as Niagara Falls.
• Powell River is the second shortest river in the world.
• British Columbia has North America's wettest weather station at Henderson Lake on Vancouver Island, where the average annual rainfall is 6,550 millimetres (258 inches).
• The waters of Georgia Strait are home to the largest species of octopus in the world.
• British Columbia has more mountain goats than any other Canadian province or U.S. state.
• The endangered Vancouver Island marmot is one of the rarest animals in the world. Their total population: about 120.
• British Columbia is now among the top three film and TV production centers in the world, after Los Angeles and New York.***

The best time for whale watching is from April to October during their migration to and from Alaska. While most of the country is under ice and snow in the winter, golfers can enjoy a game year round on the numerous golf courses. In the spring, you can be sun tanning on the beaches and then go up to the mountains and ski in summer clothing. Ski resorts come alive in the winter while mountain hiking takes a hiatus. Some of the best surfing and scuba diving sites in the world located in the Victoria area.

There are many more fascinating attractions and activities that Victoria can offer you. This course will give you the lowdown on what to see and do.

Please let me be your tour guide on your virtual visit!