While the capital of Vancouver Island, Victoria appears close as the crow flies, a trip there requires a planned route across land and sea, but is well worth the effort.

This picture-postcard city, named after British Queen Victoria, was once touted as one of the most English places in North America. While some of the English-inspired architecture remains, these days it’s building a reputation as a cool, somewhat bohemian capital, packed with coffee bars and quirky restaurants.