Introduction Victoria is the provincial capital of British Columbia. The town is very popular with tourists because of the relaxed atmosphere and the mild climate. At the beautiful Inner Harbour it’s always pleasantly busy and from here you can see many large and small boats departing. Across the harbour you can see the Parliament Buildings and the beautiful Empress Hotel. In the town centre you can still admire the many Victorian buildings in the shopping streets.

History When in 1818 the border between USA and Canada was laid down again, a new headquarters had to be set up for the Hudson’s Bay Company. In 1843 James Douglas built a fort which took its name from the English queen, Victoria. The 1858 goldrush ensured that this trading post became one of the busiest harbours in the area. Around this time, England proclaimed British Columbia a ‘crown colony’. When, in 1871 it became part of the Canadian Federation, Victoria was made its provincial capital. When the Canadian Pacific Railroad reached Vancouver in 1885, the town grew and surpassed Victoria, taking over its role as the largest commercial town.