The elegant city of Victoria is situated on the southeastern tip of Vancouver Island overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Originally founded in 1843 as a trading post for the Hudson Bay Company, Victoria now serves as the provincial capital of British Columbia. The city was originally associated with the mighty gold rushes of the north during the 1860's and because of its favorable climate it now reigns as a popular tourist and retirement community. The city retains a distinct English atmosphere honoring Queen Victoria. The city's famous Victorian-style Parliament Buildings and the majestic Empress Hotel overlook the inner harbor and yacht basin. It is also the site of Victoria University, the Royal Roads University, formally the Royal Roads Armed Forces Training College, the British Columbia Provincial Museum and the astrophysical observatory. With the mildest climate in Canada, architecturally compelling buildings, interesting history, and its famed gardens and parks, it is not surprising that two million tourists visit Victoria annually.