Victoria
It is the capital of the Canadian province of British Columbia and the second most populated city after Vancouver. It is located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, in the southwest of the province. It was a fortress erected in 1843, later in 1862, it was granted the status of city and in 1866 it became the provincial capital. Its local economy is based on the provincial government apparatus, local universities and tourism. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Canada for its beautiful landscapes, dream gardens and emblematic buildings.
Of English, Asian and indigenous heritage, it is an emblematic place of retirement. Until not long ago it was an authentic English theme park for Canadians, the most British and, surely, the most refined city in North America. Today we can say that Victoria goes far beyond its European, Asian or indigenous roots. Its immaculate streets of colorful buildings seem painted every day, its peaceful people seem anesthetized by the Pacific breeze and its elegant port seems like a toy. If we talk about calm, natural balance, Victoria goes one step further, but make no mistake, there is no time for boredom here. It is a small city that lives by and for the sea; nourished by large parks with lush gardens and long coastal walks, where the wind hits hard against the sandy beaches. In the midst of all this natural wealth, a silent revolution has been brewing for several decades, driven by young artists and bohemians who have taken over pubs, cafes, restaurants and shops to give their personal touch to the Victorian spirit.
Its gastronomy is tremendously young and innovative. In addition, it is second in North America in number of restaurants per capita. From long-established tea rooms to international restaurants and the well-known island cuisine with Pacific seafood, island products and local cheeses. Many establishments offer wines from the island itself.
To get around the city and the island, it is recommended to rent a bicycle and take one of the spectacular routes such as the Coastal Route, the Galloping Goose Trail and the Senda Lochside, thus discovering its natural wonders.
Places of tourist interest that you cannot miss:
- Butchart Gardens: With 22 hectares of striking flowers, as well as statues, decorative aquatic elements and a merry-go-round, it is one of the many gardens that adorn the city.
- Inner Harbor or James Bay: the point of greatest effervescence, overflowing with people walking, artists and clandestine concerts. It is frequently named one of the most beautiful bays in the world and can be enjoyed both day and night, when the city's historic buildings light up and add a little more charm to the landscape. Among its old buildings, the Fairmont Empress hotel stands out (one of the oldest hotels in the region) and others as emblematic as the Royal British Columbia Museum, with a genuine historical collection of more than seven million items, or the Parliament building. , one of those unavoidable spots in Victoria.
- Marine fauna watching: Victoria is famous for its marine fauna: orcas, whales, dolphins, turtles, seals or sea lions; Three-hour excursions to the Juan de Fuga Strait and Oak Bay to see these species are very popular. Expeditions can be made on fast Zodiac boats or cruises on yachts and sailboats. There are times when it is possible to see these majestic marine animals from the beach, but the easiest way to do this activity is on organized excursions, where you will have the opportunity to see orcas, gray, humpback and Minke whales, porpoises, sea lions, seals or otters (depending on the time of year).
- Beacon Hill Park: With an area of almost 1 square kilometer, it is one of the main city parks. Inside there are dozens of trails, sports fields, an animal farm, the “Mile Zero” sign of the Trans-Canadian Highway, which crosses the entire country and ends on the other coast of Canada, and a 53-meter totem pole. high, one of the tallest in the world with carved figures of the Kwakiutl tribe, such as a bear, a whale and the Sun Man.