Victoria: Historic Gem of the Island
Victoria BC is the province’s capital. Nestled at the south end of Vancouver Island, Victoria is a little piece of urban British heaven. Discovered in 1842 by James Douglas, Fort Victoria was established as a trading post in 1843. Victoria also enjoyed the gold rush years in the 1850’s when prospectors arrived in town to drink and celebrate their finds. Victoria was named the province’s capital in 1871. In 1866 Victoria was united with the rest of the province to become single colony named British Columbia. By the 1890’s the Victoria was the busiest seaport north of San Francisco.
Top Victoria Tourist Attractions
Victoria is a small city but it is jammed packed with things to do. Take High Tea at the Empress Hotel, take a horse drawn carriage ride through Beacon Hill Park, or sail in the harbour. Victoria has a temperate climate so that means there is great golfing all year around. The Parliament Buildings are also a big draw and there is a great cafeteria inside that serves lunch at a very reasonable price.
Victoria Heritage Sites and History
Victoria is an important heritage site in BC. One of the most well known heritage sites is Craigdarroch Castle. Sitting at the top of Fort Street, its estate was originally 18 acres. Called a ‘bonanza castle’, it was built at the height of the Industrial Revolution when industrialists were making money faster than they could spend it. Designed by H. H. Richardson, it is an amalgamation of Spanish, French and Italian styles of architecture. There are 33 lead glass stained glass windows – the finest of any residence in North America as well as a spectacular oak paneling inside. Take a self guided tour, a guided tour or browse in the gift shop.
Victoria Lighthouses
Victoria’s location on the southernmost tip of Vancouver Island means it is home to many Lighthouses, including the oldest Lighthouse in Canada: Fisgard Lighthouse. Still in operation, it gives visitors a chance to step inside and see how the beacon for the British Royal Navy works. Situated on Fort Rod Hill, which is the Coast Artillery Fort built in the 1890’s, it is a great place to visit and take pictures of if you are interested in military history. On a clear day, you can see the Olympic Mountains in the state of Washington.
The Fairmont Empress Hotel Restaurants, Accommodations and Shops
The Fairmont Empress sits in Victoria harbour and is well worth visiting- even if you just walk around inside. Designed by British architect Francis Rattenbury (who also designed the Parliament Buildings and the Crystal Gardens), it is a majestic sight. This castle on the inner harbour boasts many shops restaurants, a tea room and an award winning spa. The Crystal Gardens are directly behind the Empress- just walk through the hotel cross the street and you’re there!
Victoria's Chinatown
Victoria is also home to the oldest Chinatown in Canada. Situated downtown, at the corner of Fisgard and Government Streets, it is easy to walk to and around. Enter through the Gate of Harmonious Interest, and enter another world of restaurants, shops, and street vendors. Walk through the narrowest Street in North America; it is only 3 feet wide!
Plan your trip to historic Victoria today!
http://www.tourismvictoria.com
http://www.victoria.ca/visitors/index.shtml
http://www.bcferries.com/