Victoria British Columbia

Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, which is a region of western Canada that comprises approximately 944,000 square kilometres. With a city population of just over 78,000 people, Victoria is situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, which was given its name in the late 18th century after the British Royal Navy officer, George Vancouver. As a result of the area`s outstanding natural beauty and key historical and cultural landmarks, Victoria attracts just under 4 million tourists annually. Indeed, tourism in Victoria is big business for the city, which is one of 12 municipalities that comprise Greater Victoria. The population of Greater Victoria is around 350,000.

Nevertheless, Victoria is not only famous for its beautiful scenery, history, culture and exquisite architecture. Indeed, Victoria boasts a mild to warm climate that, unlike other areas in Canada, experiences some truly fine weather. Summer highs of 30 degrees celsius are matched by mild average temperatures of around 20 degrees celsius from June to October, whilst the winter months are exceptionally mild with average temperatures dipping no lower than 3 degrees celsius. Snowfall is not common in Victoria as it is in other Canadian cities. On this basis, visitors to Victoria can expect relatively mild weather systems and plenty of sunshine in fact, there are more than 2,200 hours of annual sunlight on average.

One of the finest places to stay in Victoria is at The Empress Hotel, which is also known as The Jewel of the Pacific and is situated in the city`s Inner Harbour. Comprising 460 rooms, The Empress is a paragon of Edwardian architecture and has recently undergone major restoration work to keep it in line with modern standards. Indeed, more than $45 million was spent on restoration in 1989 alone and the hotel now boasts a health club, indoor swimming pool and luxurious guest rooms. The prestige of the hotel has attracted the rich and famous in droves, including John Travolta, Harrison Ford, Katherine Hepburn, Bob Hope and HRH Edward The Prince of Wales. In this respect, it is important that guests at The Empress abide by the hotel`s fairly strict dress code, which allows smart casual wear but disapproves of sleeveless shirts, tank tops and shorts. Nevertheless, guests who dress accordingly will be able to enjoy a delightful Afternoon Tea of scones, crumpets and tea that keeps up a much be-loved British colonial tradition.

Another of the city's upscale establishments is the WorldMark Victoria, located at the edge of the Inner Harbour. Offering 92 two and three bedroom suites as well as penthouses for elite guests, the architects of the WorldMark Victoria kept the city's British heritage in mind. The classically styled suites and penthouses with calming color schemes feature the utmost in comfort including gas fireplaces, full kitchens, private balconies and tasteful furnishings. Guests and timeshare owners here can also enjoy the outdoor spa, lap pool and modern fitness center. A car is unnecessary as the resort is within walking distance to the Inner Harbour's most visited attractions, however, underground parking is provided for the convenience of resort guests.

Victoria`s beautiful Inner Harbour, which as aforementioned is the location of The Empress Hotel, is the hub of most tourist activity in the city and it is here that visitors can set sail into the Pacific on jaw-dropping whale watching adventures. In fact, there is arguably no more impressive a site in Victoria than that of whales swimming in the natural habitats. In terms of notable landmarks and buildings of interest in Victoria, visitors are pretty much spoilt for choice. Christ Church Cathedral, the Totem Park on the Inner Habour, the Royal British Columbia Museum, the British Columbia Legislature Buildings, the Wax Museum, and the impressive Parliamentary buildings are among such places of interest. Furthermore, tourists can savour a variety of productions that are hosted by the IMAX Theatre, whilst there are also various other recreational buildings to visit in addition to sporting activities such as golf, hunting, scuba diving, sailing and fishing, all of which are frequently enjoyed i n the city and Greater Victoria.