Through the ages, the Aboriginal peoples of the West Coast have gathered together to share their knowledge through story telling. Direct, verbal communication is such an important tradition in indigenous culture that many elders shun email and telephones altogether. When First Nations people need advice, a favour or traditional knowledge, they go to the house of an elder, sit down, ask and listen. Anyone interested in a deeper understanding of this culture is invited to take a similar direct approachbvisit historically significant places, reach out and touch intricately carved totem poles and take advantage of the deep knowledge of the on site caretakers of these cultural treasures.

Victoria has been described as gracious, genteel and even quaint. Enjoy a stay in this charming city with its narrow streets, handsome Victorian buildings, Inner Harbour, Parliament Buildings and museums. Stay at a spa resort set on a beautiful tidal beach or relax in the warmth and comfort of a first class hotel set on a forested island overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

The city benefits from one of Canadas mildest climates, which allows its residents to pursue outdoor pleasures all year round.

Sports are an important part of day to day life in Victoria. While the locals have a particular passion for golf and water sports, thanks to a mild climate all manner of sports are played here year round. This climate is one reason professional athletes from around the world train in Victoria, which also boasts first class coaching and facilities.

Victoria boasts many historic buildings and some of the most fascinating museums in Western Canada. Visit the beautiful floral displays at But Chart Gardens, explore the wonderful sights of this colonial city, or experience a whale watching cruise. Explore the island and discover the immense variety of landscapes and activities, from white sand beaches to the ridge of mountains blanketed in cedar and Douglas Fir and the quaint fishing villages on the west coast of the island, which offer some of the best whale watching.

The totem poles of Thunderbird Park have been a popular attraction in Victoria for more than 60 years. Its a rare treat to view so much large scale Aboriginal art in one place. Poles of varying sizes populate the lawn around Mungo Martin House, a traditional longhouse. Aside from the pole at its entryway, the poles are replicas of the ones first erected there in 1940.