Victoria is located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island and is the capital of British Columbia. Before the arrival of the Europeans, this area was home to many indigenous peoples who spoke more than 30 different languages. The arrival of Europeans began around the mid-18th century as fur traders entered the area to harvest sea otters. In 1778, the British Royal Navy and Captain James Cook arrived in the region, searching for the Northwest Passage. They landed at Nootka Sound on Vancouver Island, where Cook and his crew traded with the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation. Upon trading his goods for sea otter pelts, his crew in turn traded them for an enormous profit in Macau on their way back to Britain. This led to an influx of traders to the British Columbian coast, and ongoing economic contact with the aboriginal peoples there.
The history of Victoria is rich and fascinating. If you are a history buff, then during your visit be sure to stop at the Royal British Columbia Museum located in downtown Victoria. Exhibits range from human history to natural history. While walking around the city, you will also discover Victoria's history carefully preserved in their residential, commercial and public buildings.
As far as cultural diversity, British Columbia is also very diverse here as well. The discovery of gold in the Fraser River brought a rapid influx of prospectors, merchants, pioneers and other colorful figures. People arrived from around the world, traveling from as far away as China. Boomtowns were born and legends made. While in Victoria you can explore the city's fascinating people and places by horse-drawn carriage, double-decker bus, rickshaw, scooter, bicycle, water taxi as well as by canoe or kayak.
Because Vancouver Island is a major boating waterway, during your stay you might enjoy taking a tour by water. There are a large variety of boating tours to be taken in Victoria from large commercial tours to kayaking. With miles of sandy beaches and plenty of coves and bays to uncover, boating is the best way to see the area. The networks of islands and islets also provide tons of excitement around every point with plenty of opportunities to view wildlife.
Geographically, British Columbia has nearly everything one could want. There are mountains to climb, rivers to run, beaches to comb, forests to hike, parks to stroll and warm summer lakes to laze about on. This province generally enjoys a temperate climate for the most part, but where there are mountains, there is snow. Wildlife is abundant due to the geographical variety in this region. Over 380 different species of birds alone have been recorded with average yearly totals in Victoria of over 240 species. Visiting birders enjoy the Spring and Fall Migrations, though most species can be found here year round!
Although the wildlife is plenty, whale watching is one of Vancouver Island's most popular activities. Over 80 magnificent Orcas (killer whales) alone live in the waters off the southern island coastline year-round. Vancouver Island boasts some of the world's highest-density and most accessible whale-watching locations, including Tofino
?Barcelona ? is Spain's second largest city and the capital of Catalonia. It has many modern structures, colorful and lively night life and famous beaches and resorts. You should also try visiting the musical fountains in Placa d? Espanya, Casa Batll? and Torre Agbar office tower, it offers a magnificent view at night.
?Bilbao ? is the city capital of Vizacaya in Basque Country. It is famous for various museums such as the Guggenheim Museum, Museo de Bellas Artes, Basque Museum, La Ria Maritime Museum, Museo Taurino, Museo Diocesano de Arte Sacro (Museum of Sacred Art) and the Museo de Reproducciones Art?sticas (Museum of Artistic Reproductions)
? ? located in the region of Andalucia with a population of 350,000. the city of Cordoba is famous for its La Mezquita, the 3rd biggest Mosque in the world with a cathedral built inside of it. other places to visit include the Calleja de las Flores, La Sinagoga, Medina Azahara, Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos and Plaza del Cristo de los Faroles.
? ? the capital of Andalucia, the financial and cultural district of southern Spain. Never miss to drop by at the Sevilla Card, this special card provides free admission to a good number of museums, monuments, unlimited use of public transportations and other freebies. The Cathedral of Seville, Real Alcazar, the Jewish Quarter, Torre de Oro, Parque Maria Luisa, Plaza de Espa'a, Universidad de Sevilla, The Museum of Fine Arts at Plaza del Museo and Casa de Pilatos
?Valencia ? considered to be the birthplace of paella, Valencia is the capital of the Old Kingdom of Valencia. The best places to visit are the City of Arts and Science, Barri del Carme, the Seu, the Llotja, Mercant Cathedral, and the old Turia river bed. It also recently hosted the 2007 America's Cup.
Second to Italy, Spain has the most number locations declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site with a total of 40 found all over the country such as the Historic Walled City of Cuenca, Monastery and Site of the Escorial, Palau de la M'sica Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau, Burgos Cathedral, Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct, Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula, Vizcaya Bridge and many more.
The cities of , Santander, Le'n, San Sebastian, Cadiz and Jerez de la Frontera are also much recommended. Each city offers a unique and diverse culture that every visitor will surely find remarkable and something to make you keep coming back for more. There would no dull moments in Spain once you stepped in any of these cities. Exploring each city will be a new and exciting experience you will never forget.
Article Source :
About Author
Both Alex Gwen Thomson & Dori Kelsey are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Alex Gwen Thomson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Income Tax Return and Wrinkles. Escape to the romantic luxury of this beautiful Inn located on Vancouver Island, BC Canada. Built in 1893, Humboldt House has been authentic. Alex Gwen Thomson's top article generates over 673000 views. to your Favourites.
Dori Kelsey has sinced written about articles on various topics from Investing and Trading, Education Toys and Education. Dori Kelsey:Director of Spain Exchange holds a Master of Liberal Studies from The University of Toledo (Ohio) and a Bachelor of Arts de. Dori Kelsey's top article generates over 550000 views. to your Favourites.