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VICTORIA, British
Columbia, Canada Travel Guide - the Gem of the Pacific North-West, the Garden City of
Canada, is the preferred destination of millions of international
visitors each year. Many British Columbians also call Victoria home.
One little known fact is that Victoria receives 65% more sunshine
than Vancouver. Said another way, Vancouver receives 65% more rain
than Victoria.
Photo Credit: Vern
Faulkner/Esquimalt News
Passing history Against the magnificent backdrop of the Olympic
Mountains, Canadian submarine HMCS Victoria slows to let a sailing
vessel pass. The submarine returned to Esquimalt Harbour Friday,
after several days of tests and exercises around Vancouver Island.
Victoria offers a unique
blend of old-world British charm and 21st Century comfort. In 1862
Victoria was described as: "The largest town north of San
Francisco; population 4,000 to 5,000, or about four-fifths of the
entire population of the colony. Four years ago it was a trading post
of the Hudson Bay Company, and contained about 250 people."
Whether you
wander the vibrant gardens and parks, stroll the lively Harbour or
break-water, visit the museums and stately homes, go to a spa or rest
in the sun as you watch the world go by, Victoria has something for
everyone.
For exciting shopping,
visit the quaint shops on Government Street, the open-air craft market
in Bastion Square, Antique Row, Murchies the Tea merchant, the many
art galleries or the excellent specialty stores in the downtown.
Discover fine dining at
one of the many local restaurants offering everything from North West
Cuisine to exotic ethnic fare. And consider doing Victoria in
Victorian style by staying at one of Victoria's fine Bed and Breakfast
Inns where your hosts can point you in all the right directions.
Victoria is the place to
visit and rest body and soul year-round. With its mild weather and
temperate climate there is always a flower in bloom from the cherry
blossoms in January, through daffodils and tulips in March, lilacs in
May, to the abundance of roses and rhododendrons in the Summer and
Fall. The air reflects the aroma from the blossoms, especially during
the long summer nights.
The sun shines on
Victoria year round and, when it rains, the rose petals glisten, the
rich greens deepen and the fragrance in the air sweetens - encouraging
the abundant bird life to sing out.
This is the city that
breaths in an abundance of fresh sea air and soaks up more hours of
sunshine than anywhere else in Canada. It’s the perfect place to hold
hands with nature and witness marine wildlife in its natural habitat;
and to feel safe, free, and refreshed.
In Victoria no one is in
a rush to get to the side of the street. Put away the watch, you are
on west coast time. Welcome to a city with a lifestyle that many dream
of.
So explore this Travel
Guide and Plan your next vacation. We're here to welcome you!
Forget sky scrapers; ancient church steeples, heritage brick buildings
splashed in bright colours and architectural integrity, totem poles
and flag poles dot this city's skyline. Victoria's architecture has
attracted film makers from around the world and has been masqueraded
as Paris, England, Boston and even New York City in the 18th century.
Known as a haven for
both the active and the leisure visitor, Victoria sparkles day and
night with its vibrant arts and cultural scene. Art is everywhere in
Victoria. Public places have been graced with sculptures and murals by
local artists.
Victoria is
affectionately referred to by some locals as the recreational capital
of BC. Year round golf, whale watching, cycling and mountain biking,
mountain climbing, surfing, running, beachcombing, ocean fishing, fly
fishing, hiking, scuba diving, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, walking,
kite flying, roller-blading, skateboarding, windsurfing, horseback
riding and even beach volleyball - fill the vast array of adventures
to choose from.
It is no wonder Victoria has been declared the Cycling Capital of
Canada. Many residents are able to cycle to work year round. It is
also true Victoria is a gardener's paradise and the annual flower
count which boasts our blossoms to the rest of the year in February.
Who said Victoria was for the newlywed and the nearly dead? The colour
in the faces of the locals are likely made up of authors, poets, civil
servants, film makers, researchers, painters, illustrators,
sculpturers, woodworkers, boat builders, designers, musicians, young
entrepreneurs and scientists- just to name a few.
Victoria has a lot to brag about. Situated on the largest Island in
North America and the Capital City of British Columbia, find out for
yourself why so many people who come for a visit and never leave. Stay
a while, there is a lot more than high tea to be had. The coffee
culture is alive and strong, as are British style pubs which foster
many of their own brews.
The only way to explore all of Victoria's senses is to go outside. Old
growth forests still exist on this island, as do magnificent Garry Oak
ecosystems and ocean ecological reserves. Green spaces are plenty and
in close proximity, and yes you can see shooting stars at night.
Vast farmlands grow and raise a cornucopia of organic produce and
meats as well as grapes for a flourishing local wine industry. Seafood
dominates. Sushi bars and oyster burgers are common. A young and
skilled labour force fills the smiling faces who serve in the diverse
mix of restaurants, shops and hotels.
The West Coast
Trail, the Galloping
Goose Trail and the Southern Gulf Islands neatly package
Victoria's gateway as a world-class recreational paradise. Victoria is
shaped for families, with museums, parks,
beaches, playgrounds and many unusual attractions. Pamper yourself
while you are here. There is something for everyone and don't be
afraid to open the door and go outside.
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the Butchart Gardens,
Victoria, BC
Natalie DeCaro of Victoria Carriage
Tours gives Frankie the Clydesdale an affectionate pat
Victoria Provincial Legislature
Building by the Inner Harbour
Helmcken House
Your complete vacation, accommodation, business
and community information guide to
Victoria, British Columbia in series of Travel Guides including,
Sooke,
East Sooke,
Chemainus
and
Oak Bay on southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
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