The charming city of Victoria is located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island and is one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest. Situated on a small island off the west coast of B.C., it is at the intersection of two main roads, Victoria Road and Victoria Drive.

While Victoria and its surrounding region experienced steady growth, Victoria's commercial activities and population were lagging behind booming Vancouver, while Victoria itself and the surrounding regions experienced more steady growth. By the turn of the 20th century, Vancouver, with more than 1,500 inhabitants, had taken the lead as the largest city in the Pacific Northwest. The capital has gradually become accustomed to its current status as an important economic and cultural centre.

Named after Queen Victoria, the town is a family-friendly town that includes Beacon Hill Children's Park. Historic buildings include the Royal Canadian Mint, the Royal British Columbia Museum and the Canadian Museum of History.

In 1868 Victoria became the capital of the newly-joined Crown Colony of British Columbia, and in 1871, when British Columbia joined the Canadian Confederation, it became the capital of the province. Victoria's political function as a capital region has been consistent since the colony was merged, with the exception of a brief period in the early 20th century.

If you are planning to explore more parts of Vancouver Island, Victoria is a great place to visit by car, but don't forget to include it in your itinerary if you are visiting one of the major cities. Victoria, which is perfect for a day trip from Vancouver or Seattle, is so close that you can reach downtown Victoria in about 30 minutes by car. You can take the 70 Express bus or 72 Bus from Victoria to Sidney, BC, about an hour and a half north of Victoria on the Trans - Canada Highway. Sidney BC is the second largest city in the province and the third largest in Canada after Vancouver.