It was spring of 1778 when Captain James Cook set foot on what is now British Columbia, and more than half a century later that James Douglas selected Victoria as the site for a British Hudson’s Bay Company trading post. Since then the city has grown into a delightful blend of Old English, Northwest and First Nation cultures – a place where you can enjoy the freshest seafood, totem poles and high tea, all on the same afternoon. Shop windows — and the town is full of them — display British imports, Native and contemporary art, British antiques and the latest trends in fashion. The Inner Harbour is alive with tall ships docked along the wharf, historic landmarks, museums and galleries and the twinkle of lights each evening atop the landmark British Columbia Legislative Buildings.

The Cowichan Valley, 45 minutes north of the city, receives an abundance of sun, producing some of the finest vegetables, meats and cheeses in the world. Victoria restaurants are proud to offer their patrons menu items prepared with these local ingredients, many of them organically grown, along with fresh seafood.

Located in a sub-Mediterranean zone, Victoria boasts the mildest climate in Canada with snow only on rare occasion. Spring arrives as early as February and summers are mild and dry. As a result, outdoor adventure abounds, golfers are in paradise and gardens bloom year-round.

The ocean and land are as integral to Victoria as the year-round flowers, which makes getting out on the water to sail, kayak, fish or whale-watch a must, as is exploring the land by foot, bicycle, ferry or float plane. For self-exploration, the Galloping Goose Trail extends 100 kilometers from Victoria through southern Vancouver Island’s scenic rural and urban areas. For a more organized adventure, numerous tours are available, including day trips to the approximately 200 islands extending northeast of Victoria.