One of the 2 Canadian provincial capitals that share their names with a nation’s capital city

On the Jeopardy episode that aired Friday, January 23, 2026, the Final Jeopardy clue fell under the category “Capital Cities.” Contestants were asked to identify one of two Canadian provincial capitals that share their names with capital cities of other nations. This type of question required a strong grasp of both Canadian geography and global capitals—a combination that often proves challenging even for seasoned trivia enthusiasts.

What is Victoria or St. John’s?

Victoria and St. John’s are the only two Canadian provincial capitals that share their names with national capitals in other countries. Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, shares its name with the capital of the Republic of Seychelles, located in the Indian Ocean. St. John’s, the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, shares its name with the capital of Antigua and Barbuda in the Caribbean.

Both Canadian cities have rich histories and are among the oldest European-established cities in the country. Their international name counterparts are much smaller in population and geographic scale, but each holds national capital status in its respective country, making this Jeopardy clue a fascinating blend of geographic trivia and global awareness.

A Closer Look at Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, is known for its historic architecture, coastal scenery, and ties to the British monarchy. Named after Queen Victoria, the city has long served as the provincial capital of British Columbia. It has a population of around 90,000 and plays a significant role in Canadian history and politics, housing the province’s legislative buildings.

The city of Victoria in Seychelles, although sharing the name, is a small island capital with a population of around 25,000. Despite its size, it serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the country. Its British colonial roots likely contributed to the naming overlap, as Seychelles was a British colony until 1976.

Exploring St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

St. John’s is one of the oldest cities in North America, with origins dating back to the early 16th century. As the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, it is a cultural and economic hub for the province. With its iconic harbor, colorful row houses, and maritime history, St. John’s plays a key role in Canada’s easternmost province.

Meanwhile, St. John’s in Antigua and Barbuda functions as the central port and capital of this small Caribbean nation. Like its Canadian counterpart, it also has colonial roots, particularly under British rule, which likely explains the name connection. Both cities are coastal and serve as major centers for their respective regions.

The Value of Geographic Awareness

This Final Jeopardy clue highlights the importance of recognizing name duplications across different geopolitical regions. While many capital cities share common names with other cities worldwide, few are as directly mirrored as these two Canadian examples. It also demonstrates how colonial history influenced naming conventions across the globe, often resulting in cities continents apart bearing the same names.

The clue tested contestants’ ability to think beyond national borders and apply knowledge of both domestic and international capitals. It was a subtle reminder of the interconnectedness of geography and history—a theme that frequently appears in Jeopardy’s most thought-provoking clues.