Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

It seems History purposely fashioned Victoria, Canada into a tourist destination. British elegance permeates the island, making it simply too alluring for any tourist to pass up. Located on the southeastern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is home to 75,000 residents, more protected natural habitat than any other Canadian city, and more than 700 buildings that were constructed between 1860 and 1900.

Victoria is a city rich in history and British culture. The city hall was erected only 35 years after James Douglas and his fellow Hudson Bay Company explorers established Fort Victoria in 1843. The true birth of this frontier city, however, did not occur until the Cariboo Gold Rush of 1858, which brought miners and other entrepreneurs from the depleted California gold fields. Almost overnight, Fort Victoria had transformed from a whaling and fur trade stop to a bustling boomtown. In 1885, the transcontinental railway linked Vancouver to the rest of Canada and opened the door for mainlanders to experience and enjoy Victoria. Eventually, Victoria was reclaimed by old-money Englishmen, who brought with them the discriminating taste and heirs of high British culture.

Today, Victoria offers travelers the opportunity to explore authentic British culture set amid the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Although many forms of touring transportation are available, Victoria is most effectively traversed on foot. The numerous antique merchants and countless dining options make finding entertainment a simple task.