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