Victoria

The museums in the city are marvelous, and the Royal British Columbia Museum, in particular, is outstanding, featuring an IMAX theater and incredible exhibits. The Maritime Museum illustrates the heralded maritime history of Victoria, and the model ship exhibit is fascinating.

There are a number of spots in the city where nature has combined with the efforts of local residents to create some of the most amazing sites possible. The Butchart Gardens captivate all who visit, and Beacon Hill Park is a wondrous region that is adored by the entire community.

Victoria is a picturesque seaport that is the capital of the province and the highlight of beautiful Vancouver Island. Positioned ideally, and complemented by the lovely Pacific Ocean, Victoria enjoys a strong English influence, and its Victorian architecture only adds to the feeling. During the 19th century, it was a mighty port city that was a major English outpost. But in the 1880's, when Vancouver was founded, England basically forgot all about Victoria. However, in the 20th century, and in the new millennium, we certainly cannot forget about this gorgeous city by the sea.

With a pleasant climate and plenty of fabulous restaurants to keep you busy for days, Victoria is becoming a more popular vacation spot with each passing year.

• Butchart & Butterfly Gardens
  This combination tour visits two of Victoria's best-known attractions: the world famous Butchart Gardens and the Butterfly Gardens. During your visit of the Butterfly Gardens, you may view plants and butterflies from around the world. See orchids and carnivorous plant displays along with colorful butterflies in various stages of their lifecycle. Your next stop is the world famous Butchart Gardens, covering 50 acres and considered among the most beautiful gardens in the world. Stroll through the Sunken Garden, the Japanese and Italian Gardens, the English Rose Garden and view Ross Fountain. Green lawns, streams and lily ponds link them all.
  
  
• Victoria Ale Trail & Pub Tour
  Victoria may be known for its flowers and gardens, but has a secret treasure that few visitors get time to really experience - its Pubs! Victoria has a selection of pubs and microbreweries located all over downtown. Some are in traditional English Style, others that are truly Canadian with atmosphere that cannot be found anywhere else. Depart from the pier with an itinerary of three separate pubs where you will be treated to samples of local brews - some of the finest to be found in Canada. Select samples at each location are included in your tour. Complimentary light appetizers will be provided at two of the stops and other food and beverage items may be purchased separately.
  
  
• Whale Watching
  The waters surrounding Victoria and southern Vancouver Island are abundant with wildlife. Boarding a high-speed boat you'll begin an adventure that takes in Victoria's Inner Harbour and surrounding coastline. You have an opportunity to see a variety of local wildlife, which often includes the Orca whales that make their home in these waters. Your naturalist guide will use hydrophones so you may hear the whales communicate in their natural environment. Although nature gives no guarantees, the operator's spotter network has a high degree of success. This unique habitat is also a haven for seals, porpoise and a myriad of bird life.
  
  
• Victoria Highlights & Mt. Tolmie
  Discover Victoria's rich history, gardens and homes on a tour of British Columbia's provincial capital. Driving through the downtown core you will see Government Street, the Legislative buildings, Chinatown and the "Gates of Harmonious Interest." See the last remnants of Fort Victoria in Olde Towne together with Bastion Square, famed home of the 'Hanging Judge.' Follow Antique Row before passing Craigdarroch Castle and the Lieutenant Governor's mansion. The Mt. Tolmie Lookout high above the city offers views of downtown Victoria and the surrounding countryside.
  
  
• Grand City Drive, Craigdarroch Castle & Empress Tea
  This excursion encompasses the finest of Victoria's rich heritage and tradition. Travel through the Uplands and Oak Bay residential areas and take in the views along Marine Drive with Mt. Baker and the "Islands" as their backdrop while your driver/guide provides narration on Victoria's past, present and future. Your first stop is one of Canada's National Historic Sites: Craigdarroch Castle. The fortune of the Dunsmuir Family is reflected in the Castle's 39 rooms and 5 floors of stained glass windows, intricate woodwork and lavish Victorian era furnishings representing late 19th century lifestyles of the very rich. Your next stop is the world famous Fairmont Empress Hotel. From the rich and famous to Royalty, all have joined in the Victoria tradition of English Tea at the Empress. While in the Tea Lobby, share in the fine dining and atmosphere that embodies all that is Victoria.

• Art Gallery of Victoria
  
  
• The Butchart Gardens
  
  
• Victoria Attractions