This year the AEHMS has the honour of being hosted by the University of Victoria. The conference will be held on the campus grounds during a year-long celebration of the university’s 50th anniversary (2012-2013 academic year). With strong programs in earth, ocean and atmospheric sciences, UVic aspires to be Canada’s ‘oceans university’. Some of the earliest and most outstanding work on marine ecosystems associated with undersea ‘hot vents’ was initiated from the lab of Verena Tunnicliffe at UVic, who now also heads VENUS, the Victoria Experimental Network Under the Sea. Together with NEPTUNE Canada, these undersea networks in the Salish Sea and the North-East Pacific, respectively, offer ocean observatories serving the global ocean research community. In addition to extensive work on freshwater ecosystems, water quality, and research with First Nations on traditional resource management, UVic is the home of pathbreaking programs in indigenous governance and in digital humanities (including the Internet Shakespeare Editions), as well as rich programs in creative writing and several other niches of outstanding scholarship. Mirroring the beauty of the natural surroundings, the UVic campus exemplifies the natural charm of the city and is just a short stroll to the ocean, 20 minutes from the airport and downtown, as well as 25 minutes from the ferry.
The conference will be held in the David F. Strong Building.
The city of Victoria is beautiful, charming, and picturesque. It is located in the spectacular North Pacific setting of Canada’s west coast, not far from the unique Great Bear Rainforest, the ancient Haida civilization of Haida Gwaai, and the natural habitat of the rare Kermode bear. Nestled on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Victoria is a destination known for its mild climate, old world charm, and gorgeous inner harbour. Internationally renowned as the “City of Gardens”, visitors can whale watch in the morning, enjoy high tea at the Fairmont Empress in the afternoon, and take a walking tour of the second oldest Chinatown in North America in the evening. With one of the highest numbers of restaurants per capita, Victoria’s chefs are able to create a unique West Coast dining experience reflecting the local seafood, fresh seasonal ingredients, and rich farming region of the Saanich Peninsula.
Set against a backdrop of the Olympic Mountains, Pacific Ocean, and old growth rainforest, Victoria never lacks for things to do. While here you can visit the world famous Butchart Gardens created in 1904. Still a family business, close to a million people tour the gardens covering 22ha (55 acres) and showcasing the spectacular Sunken Garden. The island is an outdoor adventurist’s playground with ocean, parks, and forests to explore. Kayaking, diving, hiking, cycling, sailing, windsurfing and ziplining are just a few activities you can enjoy here. Dive in one of the top cold water diving destinations in the world; challenge yourself to a hike along the West Coast Trail; or spend a day with the family relaxing on one of the many beaches or lakes nearby.