Victoria has perfected the Sunday drive, only here it's done every day of the year. You can plan an interesting tour with a theme, like gardens or heritage buildings, or just head out to the countryside and explore. If you'd rather look at scenery than drive, a large number of sightseeing tours are available, from the famous double-decker bus tours to horse-drawn carriages, and even tiny ferries that ply the waters of the Inner Harbour. Imagine 19th-century shop windows full of vivid tartans, fine bone china, handmade chocolates and striking native art. From the exotic to the extravagant, Victoria offers shopping that's entertainment itself. Victoria is a fascinating marketplace of beautiful things from around the world, and the city is perfectly suited to shopping at an easy pace.
Victoria's British heritage is demonstrated in the shop windows along Government Street. Browse in one of Canada's best bookstores or stop in for a pint in a fully restored turn of the century bank building. See some of the finest native arts and crafts including the world famous Cowichan sweater.
Victoria's cosmopolitan shopping goes beyond Government Street. Open 7 days a week, Victoria Bay Centre is an indoor galleria-style marketplace with over 100 shops and boutiques wrapped in a block of heritage facades. The setting is unique: exquisitely designed fountains, pools, historical facades... even an ornate British Empire clock.
Stroll through Bastion and Market Squares with their unique shops and restaurants. Explore Chinatown for exotic imports from Asia, or go antique-store hopping on Fort Street.
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Just steps from the sea,
nature trails and bird sanctuary
Butchart
Gardens
One of North America's most popular gardens. Stroll through theme
gardens linked by spacious lawns, streams and lily ponds. This splendid 55 acre
floral display has captivated thousands of people for over 100 years.
Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Walk with free-flying butterflies in an indoor tropical rainforest full of
exotic plants and birds in Victoria, BC.
Beacon
Hill Park
A few blocks away is the city's largest and best loved park.
180 acres of rare Garry Oak meadow, beds of unusual perennials, ocean vistas,
wild roses, tame roses, hundred year old rhododendrons and much more. Watch a
game of cricket, listen to free summer concerts, or jog along Dallas Road cliffs
past hang gliders, duck pond yachtsmen, and wind surfers. Eagles and Great Blue
Herons nest here and peacocks roam freely. There's even a petting zoo!
Hatley Gardens
Located on the grounds of Royal Roads University and open to the
general public. Hatley Park is also home to Hatley Castle
Royal
British Columbia Museum
Visitors from all over the world are impressed
with this human and natural history museum. It includes an outstanding collection
of Northwest Native art.
Art
Gallery of Greater Victoria
One of Canada's finest art museums, with
primary emphasis on Canada and Japan.
BC
Parliament Buildings
Seat of the provincial government restored to it's
original late 19th century style.
Craigdarroch
Castle
Beautifully restored exactly as originally built in the 1890s.
Emily Carr House
House with an insight into Canada's first and best known independent female
artist and writer.
Maritime
Museum of BC
Marine history in various themed galleries.
BC Aviation Musuem
Will
provide their visitors with a world class aviation museum experience.
Point Ellice House
Point Ellice is nationally designated and is considered Western Canada's
finest collection of Victoriana in its original setting.
Fairmont Empress Hotel
Considered the quintessential Victoria experience “Tea at the Empress” has been a fixture in Victoria for 100 years. An original Canadian Pacific Railway hotel has been restored to its formal glory and is worth a walk through even if “Tea” is not in your plans.
Island Wines
Vancouver Island has a similar climate to some of the great wine making regions in North America and Europe and we produce many award winning wines and ciders in the Cowichan Valley and Saanich Peninsula.
Walking Tours:
www.discoverthepast.com
www.walkabouts.ca
www.victoriangardentours.com
517 Witty Beach Road, Victoria, BC
250-474-1066
witsendretreat@shaw.ca |