Victoria

Victoria is the capital city in the province of British Columbia and is the oldest city in Western Canada. The area was home to some communities of Coast Salish peoples, comprising the Songhees prior to being settled in the 1700's. Its name was chosen in honor of Queen Victoria, and when the crown Colony of Vancouver Island was created in eighteen forty nine, the town was planned 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 one of the largest city within British Columbia, and became among the leading commerce and trade players in the country. However, with the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway terminus on Burrard Inlet, the City of Vancouver became British Columbia's commercial centre. During the 20th century, Victoria changed into a city of retirement, tourism and government. It has an estimated 400,000 people, with a moderate weather and scenic scenery which makes a comfortable life for its people.

Beacon Hill Park is the cities main central urban green space, situated adjacent to the southern shore of Victoria. This area comprises manicured gardens, a petting zoo, playing fields, exotic species of animals and plants like for instance wild peacocks, and fantastic sceneries of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic mountain range. Victoria also has Garry Oak Meadow habitat, an ecosystem which once dominated the region. Downtown, Victoria consists of Royal British Columbia Museum/IMAX, National Geographic Theatre, Victoria Police Department, Christ Church Cathedral, The Empress Hotel and the British Columbia Legislative Buildings. There is likewise Butchart Gardens, Craigdarroch Castle, and Golf Courses of Vancouver Island.

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

The main trades within Victoria comprise the sectors of federal, technology, education, provincial government administration/services, and tourism. The main sectors in Greater Victoria consist of: online book publishing, technology products, food products manufacturing, light aircraft manufacturing, banking and investment, different private and public schools, several high tech companies in pharmaceuticals, computers, engineering, telecommunications and architecture. The Victoria Advanced Technology Council is a partnership between industry and education which promotes high tech industry growth in the region of Victoria.