Victoria was originally established in 1843 by James Douglas as a fort for the Hudson’s Bay Company. Bastion Square marks the site where a portion of the fort once stood, although all that remains now are two iron rings set into the rocks at the foot of Fort Street, next to the old Customs House.

Victoria has always had a history as a stronghold of British traditions. Double-decker buses, horse-drawn carriages, meticulously kept gardens, and the tradition of formal afternoon tea have contributed to the city’s long-standing reputation. However, over the past decade or so, Victoria has earned a reputation as a mecca for adventurers drawn by the limitless outdoor activities available in the city and throughout Vancouver Island, Victoria, and the Gulf Islands.

Greater Victoria’s outlying suburbs are communities within themselves, with distinct atmospheres and interesting experiences. Beyond the city limits, pristine wilderness leads the visitor to other cities and towns, threading together the island from coast to coast.

The following communities are located in Greater Victoria:

Victoria Victoria Victoria Downtown James Bay Esquimalt Oak Bay View Royal Western Communities Western Communities Colwood Langford Metchosin Sooke

Saanich Peninsula Saanich Peninsula Saanich Central Saanich North Saanich Brentwood Bay Highlands Saanichton Sidney Swartz Bay Victoria Airport

Population: 326,000

Location: Greater Victoria is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, bordered to the south and west by the Strait of Juan de Fuca, which separates Vancouver Island from the United States of America (Washington State). To the east of the South Island region lie the San Juan Islands of Washington (USA) and the BC Gulf Islands, which lie in the Strait of Georgia that separates Vancouver Island from the mainland of BC and Washington.