VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Although we have now relocated to Central Asia, Oxus Communications used to be located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, which has got to be one of the nicer capital cities around. Here, for your enjoyment and for the times when we miss the Pacific Ocean breezes and the view of the Olympic Mountains in northwest Washington, is a little bit of information about our hometown. Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and almost as far west as you can go in Canada before you reach the Pacific Ocean. It is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, one and a half hours by ferry from Vancouver, BC and four hours by ferry from Seattle, WA. Prior to the advent of Europeans, the Coast Salish people had several villages in the area. Some of the totem poles carved by the aboriginal people of the area can be seen in Thunderbird Park, adjacent to the Royal British Columbia Museum.

Spanish and British ships explored the Pacific Northwest in the late eighteenth century and Capt. James Cook of the British Royal Navy was the first to land on what was later to be called Vancouver Island in 1778. He was followed by Capt. George Vancouver in 1792, after whom the island was named. The Hudson's Bay Company established Fort Victoria in 1843, named after the reigning British monarch of the time. During the Cariboo Gold Rush of 1858, Victoria became the main supply centre for goldminers and other entrepeneurs hoping to strike it rich. In 1871, the city was declared the capital of the new province of British Columbia.

In addition to being the capital of BC, Victoria has a thriving tourist industry and a reputation for being "more English than the English." Downtown Victoria is full of sights to see, including the following:

Twenty kilometres north of the city, the world famous Butchart Gardens attract visitors from around the world. Residents of Victoria enjoy a maritime climate which is neither too hot nor too cold. Outdoor activities, including sailing, skiing, hiking and biking, are popular.

Follow the link below to find out more about Victoria...