Victoria

Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, is located on the southernmost tip of Vancouver Island, halfway between Seattle and Vancouver. Named in honour of Queen Victoria, much of Victoria's British-influenced charm remains, thanks to an abundance of old Victorian architecture, cricket fields and pubs. The tradition of afternoon tea is still alive and well in Victoria and cruise passengers can enjoy the world-famous Butchart Gardens, high tea at the Empress Hotel (including finger sandwiches, scones and cream!), horse-drawn carriage rides through the city's downtown core, and walking tours of Victoria's many historical sites. It's a food city, with hip bistros on every corner, and some of the West Coast's most innovative cuisine. In fact, Victoria boasts the second highest number of restaurants per capita in North America. Victorians are passionate about their city, and many cite the excellent climate as the reason. Mild year-round temperatures allow residents to get out and hike, kayak and picnic in the parks, harbours and gardens that surround them.