The capital of the Canadian province of British Columbia is Victoria. It sits at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, while Vancouver—the province’s largest city—is across the water on the mainland.
Victoria grew around Fort Victoria, established by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1843. The city was incorporated in 1862, and Victoria became the capital of the united Colony of British Columbia in 1866 after the colonies of Vancouver Island and British Columbia merged. When British Columbia joined Canadian Confederation in 1871, Victoria remained the provincial capital.
The city is named for Queen Victoria and is known for its mild climate, gardens, and historic architecture. A common mix-up is choosing Vancouver because it is much larger and internationally better known. Vancouver is the economic hub and largest city, but Victoria is the seat of British Columbia’s provincial government.