Victoria BC is a beautiful city of about 300,000 located on Vancouver Island in Canada's British Columbia.
Victoria, like Prince Rupert, BC, is a popular stop on many Alaska cruise itineraries, especially those originating in or ending in Seattle.
Over 3.5 million visitors a year come to Victoria, which is located at the southernmost tip of Vancouver Island, looking out onto the Straight of Juan de Fuca.
Victoria is the provincial capitol of British Columbia, and therefore is home to the truly beautiful British Columbia Parliament Buildings, which were built in the Romanesque Revival style.
Due to its year-round temperate climate and its lush, manicured greenery, Victoria is known as the "City of Gardens".
The Horticulture Centre of the Pacific encompasses 103 acres of gardens and manicured parkland at Glendale Gardens & Woodland, about 8 miles (12km) outside of the center city.
The Royal British Columbia Museum contains exhibits exploring the history, peoples, geography, and coastal ecosystems of British Columbia, and makes for a fascinating stop for cruise passengers and other visitors to Victoria.
Craigdarrach Castle is a lavish 4.5 story mansion built in 1890 and magnificently restored, both inside and out. It's open to the public and is definitely worth the 45 minute walk from the Victoria Harbor.
Victoria is truly one of the most beautiful cities you will ever visit, with its 19th Century architecture, countless gardens, and sparkling waterfront. It's a place you'll want to return to again and again.
