Victoria General Interest

With the Pacific Coast bordering this province's western edges, British Columbia is a great place to explore seaside beaches. From sandy expanses of land with clothing optional areas, to ultimate surfing and taking a dip in warm ocean waters, BC offers a nearly innumerable amount of seaside recreation areas

The best wines in the world seem to come from temperate, warm places like France, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, South America and California. It sometimes comes as a surprise to people, then, that Canada—often associated with cold, harsh weather patterns—has a booming wine industry that has been producing world-class vintages for decades. Canadian wine has garnered the country international recognition as a producer of fine, award-winning vino.

The land officially known as Canada since 1867 has a human history that can be traced back 10,000 years. The west coast of Canada, with a temperate environment and rich fishing waters, had a particularly dense concentration of Aboriginal societies. Their cultures are not only reflected in the ancient structures that have survived thousands of years, but in First Nations communities that still exist, many of which still practicing their traditional art and cultural celebrations.

Upon thinking of Canada, one cannot suppress images of open space, diverse landscapes and striking hospitality spread among urban centres and rural communities. With a total area of 9,984,670 sq km (3,855,103 sq mi), plus natural attractions such as...

Spas have a glorious history, dating back to the ancient Babylonians, when people would travel miles to bathe in hot springs and mineral rich pools for their restorative effects. While water based treatments remain popular with the European spa goer, spas in Canada and the United States are seeing an increasing interest in a variety of holistic experiences grounded in the traditions of the middle and far east.

The coolest season in the world is a Canadian winter—and not just because it gets so darned cold here. Simply put, Canada is a big place with unlimited wintertime possibilities. The country spans from Newfoundland and the Atlantic Ocean to Vancouver Island and the Pacific, with borders that reach from

In the past few decades, Canada has started to shed its image as a frigid land of vast wilderness in favour of a sophisticated, urban persona. Canada's major cities are now being seen for what they are—vibrant, modern hubs of activity. The country's urban centres boast many attractions, one of the most significant being their world-class shopping facilities.

People eat with their eyes. From the visual presentation of the food on the plate to a restaurant's decor, these visual cues add to the dining experience. All across Canada, top restaurants excel in these departments and several take that visual component to the next level--literally.

Exhibiting the flora of Canada's vast landscapes and often exotic species from afar, the country's public gardens foster an appreciation of the planet's diverse, precious and vital plant life, and offer brightly coloured, sweet-scented and lovingly tended natural sanctuaries for anyone to enjoy. The Great White North's publicly accessible gardens bloom among the world's best and here are WorldWeb.com's Top 10 picks.

Between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, BC Ferries' fleet of vessels have become a common part of the local scenery. Each day from early morning till late evening, these massive vehicles effortlessly navigate through the often tight waterways that separate the Southern Gulf Islands.

Scattered in the Pacific Ocean just off of mainland B.C. are a multitude of islands with gem-like brilliance. Some have emerald rainforests, others polished communities, and all are surrounded by crystal waters. Each precious rock, from large to small, has its own story and its own rhythm, appealing to a variety of residents and visitors.

The city of Victoria—capital of British Columbia and seat of the provincial Crown. Long has it been since Queen Victoria ruled here, yet to this day it remains as regal as ever, revered far and wide for its sensible blend of history, culture, style and adventure.

You don’t need to be a tea-totaller to enjoy Victoria’s most popular brew. Tea has a grand tradition here that stems back to the city’s British roots. Over the years, it has morphed into a tradition that is uniquely Victorian, becoming integral to the city’s identity.

Most people will shiver at the mere mention of the term Canadian Winter. Images of igloos and parkas accompanied by snowstorms and well below freezing temperatures usually prevail when one envisions January north of the 49th parallel, but those who think of Canadian winters as harsh and unforgiving probably haven't spent a winter on B.C.'s Vancouver Island, a destination known for its mild, even warm winter season.