Victoria

Victoria is Western Canada's oldest city. It is the capital city of British Columbia, Canada. Before the people from Europe settled during the 1700's, the place was home to some communities of Coast Salish peoples, comprising the Songhees. Its name was chosen in honor of Queen Victoria, and when Vancouver Island's crown Colony was created in eighteen forty nine, the town was laid out on the site and became the capital of the colony. Songhee's village was later transferred to Esquimalt. For the majority of the 19th century, Victoria became amongst the biggest city in British Columbia, and became one of the leading trade and commerce players within the nation. Nonetheless, with the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway terminus on Burrard Inlet, Vancouver City became the commercial centre of British Columbia. In the 20th century, Victoria changed into a city of tourism, government, and retirement. It has a projected 400,000 people, with a moderate climate and scenic scenery which makes a comfortable life for its residents.

Beacon Hill Park is the cities main central urban green space, located next to Victoria's southern shore. This area consists of playing fields, manicured gardens, a petting zoo, exotic species of animals and plants like wild peacocks, and magnificent views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic mountain range. Victoria even has Garry Oak Meadow habitat, an ecosystem which once dominated the region. Downtown, Victoria has National Geographic Theatre, Royal British Columbia Museum/MAX, Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria Police Department, the British Columbia Legislative Buildings and the Empress Hotel. There is likewise Butchart Gardens, Craigdarroch Castle, and Vancouver island's golf courses.

Those who love shopping will find Victoria a haven of shops, major shopping malls and local markets. The city has a layout which encourages exploration in a lot of side streets at a very simple pace. Victoria's British heritage is apparent in Government Street, and it shows many trinkets that are perfect gifts or souvenirs. From bone china from England to Irish lace, to handmade chocolates, to tartans from Scotland or cups of coffee, people will surely find anything valuable to give to someone. One more best-kept secret for shoppers is the Trounce Alley, where gift shops and European fashion await the shopper. Across the street is the Bastion Square, that has lots of restaurants and shops to pick from. It's also good to visit the Market Square. It has 40 merchants which provide the best selections of specialty shops. For individuals who like antiques, they could go to Antique Row to find rare china, furniture, other trinkets and toys.

Victoria's main industries are education, federal, technology provincial government administration/services, and tourism. Sectors of the Greater Victoria area include: technology products, online book publishing, light aircraft manufacturing, food products manufacturing, investment and banking, several private and public schools, different high tech companies in computers, engineering, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications and architecture. The Victoria Advanced Technology Council is a partnership between industry and education that promotes high tech business growth in the region of Victoria.