The city of Victoria, British Columbia takes advantage of its geographic location and its historical architecture and now supplies a great deal of tourists each year with a wonderful stay in what can be described as a beautifully quaint community. The placement within view of so many gorgeous mountains and right on the water is enough to satisfy the most discriminating visitor. Here though are seven things you don’t know about the city of Victoria, British Columbia.

1. Victoria was the capitol of the old Vancouver Island Colony which wasn’t included politically with the mainland until they were joined in 1866, the city remained the capital of the new united colony at that point.

2. The Victoria Cougars of the Pacific Coast Hockey Association won hockey’s Stanley Cup in 1925.

3. The Jordan River Diversion Dam, built in 1911, is Victoria’s main source of hydroelectric power.

4. Victoria sits on the western end of Canada’s Trans-Canada Highway which is the longest national highway any where in the world.

5. Nearby Sydney, BC is home to the only Canadian port of call for the Washington State Ferry system. Thousands of tourists every year use this connection as a way to visit beautiful Victoria, British Columbia.

6. Before becoming a city, the area that would become Victoria was long known as Fort Victoria. It had first been established and known for a short time as Fort Albert.

7. The oldest synagogue in continuous use in Canada is Temple Emanuel which was built in Victoria in 1863.

A visit to the city of Victoria, British Columbia is a great way to spend a vacation. From the natural beauty of the surrounding waters and mountains to the historical beauty of the city itself, the city of Victoria is a must stop for anyone traveling through the Pacific Northwest area.

Vancouver Island is a large and beautiful island that is part of the country of Canada. It is part of the province of British Columbia and is located just off the west coast and sits on the Pacific Ocean. But, here are 7 Things You Don’t Know About: Vancouver Island.

1. The Oregon Treaty of 1846 gives all land on North America above the 49th parallel to Canada, and below the 49th parallel to the United States. Vancouver Island is the only part of Canada that extends below the 49th parallel that remains part of Canada.

2. The largest of the two glaciers on the island is the Comox Glacier

3. For 17 years, from 1849 to 1866, Vancouver Island was its own colony before finally being added to the colony of British Columbia.

4. The mildest temperatures in all of Canada are found on Vancouver Island.

5. Though colonized extensively by the British, Vancouver Island was home to the only Spanish settlement ever within the current boundaries of Canada. This settlement was Fort San Miguel near Yorquot.

6. Vancouver Island is accessible from the United State by ferry from four different port cities: Seattle, Bellingham, Anacortes, and Port Angeles.

7. Due to floatplane and helicopter activity, the harbor in the city of Victoria is officially Vancouver Island’s second busiest airport.

Vancouver Island will remain one of the best destinations in the Pacific Northwest area; it is filled with history, natural beauty and tons of recreational opportunities.