Victoria, Vancouver Island, BC

Victoria, Vancouver Island is a clean and charming city peppered with many reminders of its native and British heritage, where views of totem poles are combined with Afternoon Tea. In the midst of Victoria’s British flavour is a blend of old and new.
Horse-drawn carriages run side by side with modern buses on Victoria’s streets graced by vintage Edwardian and Victorian homes. The first sign of spring beckons hanging baskets and flower boxes, adding a riot of colour to the busy harbour and vintage streets of Victoria’s Old Town. The other seasons of the year call forth their own unique manifestations of Victoria’s beauty. Victoria holidays offer a sensible blend of history, culture, adventure and style, which both visitors and residents can attest to. Those who love Victoria are resolute that no other place in Canada can compare with a holiday to Victoria, Vancouver Island.

The magnificent galleries of the Royal British Columbia Museum house exhibitions on dinosaurs, ancient map collections and the wonders of Antarctica. Beside the boldly coloured totem poles of the Museum’s Thunderbird Park, First Nations carvers are busy at work. The Quw'utsun' Cultural and Conference Centre offers a taste of Native American art and culture, with demonstrations of totems being carved inside the world’s largest carving house. A stroll on the grounds or a visit to the Café to sample traditional Native American foods is the perfect way to pass the hours during a holiday in Victoria. The fabulously warm and beautiful wool sweaters made by the Quw'utsun' people make for lovely souvenir items. Fort Rodd Hill and its Fisgard Lighthouse are great spots for hiking, bird watching or having a picnic. The restored fortress offers the opportunity to explore and photograph visiting marine and land mammals, along with vessels sailing the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Victoria’s Butchart Gardens are a natural wonderland of themed gardens, exotic plants, ponds and streams. In spring, thousands of bulbs create a spectacular show of colour, and at night, dazzling fireworks shows and illuminations cast a magical glow over the gardens’ splendid floral displays. The Abkhazi Gardens are an ever-evolving landscape masterpiece, a series of rooms, each with its own distinct personality. The historic buildings that dot the property are great for exploration before stepping inside the mansion for some afternoon tea as you listen to the fascinating history of the garden and its original owners. Hundreds of colourful butterflies and moths freely flutter through the tropical greenhouse of the Victoria Butterfly Gardens. Self-guided tours are available using the Garden’s identification chart or visitors can opt to listen to naturalists explain butterfly biology. The butterflies emerging from their chrysalises are certain to amaze, as does the world’s largest moth which calls the Butterfly Gardens home.

Located on the ocean and near the castle, the Hatley Park National Historic Site is a diverse and beautiful property in Victoria. Nature lovers will enjoy more than fifteen kilometres of walking trails through a rare ecosystem that includes old growth forest, Gary Oak meadows and a wildlife sanctuary. The 4-story Craigdarroch Castle is an opulent stone palace perched on a hill overlooking the city. This restored home boasts magnificent architecture and beautiful formal gardens that surround the building. The immense wealth of the family that owned the castle is evident in the intricate woodwork, exquisite stained glass windows and fantastic Victorian era furnishings. A guided tour of the British Columbia Legislature Buildings highlights the province’s history and the beautiful interiors of Victoria’s parliament. The gardens at the front and behind the parliament buildings can be explored at your own leisure, while views of the buildings at night when outlined by thousands of tiny lights are priceless.

Old Town Victoria takes visitors on a stroll down memory lane with its many remnants of the past. Vintage buildings house cafes, restaurants, nightclubs and shops that offer an abundance of entertainment options. Beautiful handmade gifts and local delicacies can be found at the Bastion Square Public Market. A quick pint at Garrick’s Head Pub, which has been serving food and drinks since 1867, will immerse you fully into the history of Victoria. Fisherman’s Wharf is another hidden treasure awaiting discovery. This unique marine destination is just the place to visit for its food kiosks, unique shops and eco-tourism adventures, all within the heart of a working harbour. A stroll down the docks to purchase some seafood fresh off the boat whilst gazing at moored pleasure vessels, floating homes and fishing boats unload their catch of the day is a great way to pass an afternoon during a holiday in Victoria.