For coastal island cities like Victoria, an abundance of ocean swimming, kayaking and fishing opportunities is a given. But few places on earth enjoy all this plus pristine freshwater lakes, streams and rivers.
There are many sandy beaches perfect for soaking up the sun, combing for driftwood or building sandcastles. Calm, clean waters welcome swimmers, anglers and kayakers alike.
Then there's the scenery: it can include mountain ranges, old-growth forests, marshlands, waterfalls, spectacular rock formations and island chains.