Fringed by the Pacific Ocean’s sandy beaches, with a backdrop of the Coast Mountain range, Vancouver is among the most beautifully located metropolises on earth. Also feted as the world’s most livable city, this West Coast gem has a lively cultural scene and superb restaurants and hotels. On Vancouver Island, a short ferry ride away, Victoria offers visitors a unique blend of old-world charm and new-world experiences. The city is an excellent starting-off point from which to explore the many natural wonders of the island.