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Victoria is a an attractive city with a reputation for having an old-fashioned, seaside town atmosphere and is enhanced in the summer by the abundance of flowers in hanging baskets and window boxes that decorate every lamppost, balcony and storefront.

Victoria BC is the most walked Canadian city and you’ll see why once you arrive downtown.   Park your vehicle in one of the downtown lots and discover breathtaking Victoria.  As you start your stroll you’ll notice the historic Empress Hotel, BC Parliament Buildings and the inner harbour with all its activities.

The BC Legislature Buildings are an impressive display both during the day and night. The buildings were designed by Francis Rattembiruom in 1893 and was completed in 1897.   Inside you’ll find British Columbia’s history, paintings, stained glass and large murals.  Tours are available and run every half hour during the summer months.

Shopping in downtown Victoria is relaxing and easy to get around, you’ll find English-style lamp posts, hanging flower baskets and coffee shops on every street.  There are many specialty stores, fashion boutiques, gift shops and art galleries. Tired of walking take a tour on a horse drawn carriage. 

One of the most relaxing places to hang out is Victoria’s Inner Harbour.  Walk around the docks check out the performers, talk to the boat owners, take a boat tour or just sit and watch all the harbour activities.  Bring your camera as Victoria Inner Harbour marina attracts all kinds of large boats, sea planes and yachts.

Victoria Distances to nearby cities:

Sidney
Distance: 27 Km’s
Travel Time: 25 minutes

Duncan
Distance: 60 Km’s
Travel Time: 50 Minutes

Nanaimo
Distance: 110 Km’s
Travel Time: 1 Hour and 30 minutes

Parksville
Distance: 150 Km’s
Travel Time: 2 Hours

If you choose to get up close to nature, take a whale watching tour.  There are a number of whale watching tour companies located in the harbour.   Visit our local sea friends in the waters of Victoria Harbour and the Pacific Ocean. An exciting excursion which could bring you close to: orcas, killer whales, porpoises, sea lions and seals.

Popular Attractions:
Empress Hotel which was completed in 1905 to a Francis Rattenbury design, the Empress is one of Victoria’s best loved sights. Close to the Parliament Buildings overlooking the Inner Harbour and dominates the skyline. Visitors are welcome to sample the luxurious decor of the hotels public bars and lounges, such as the Crystal Dining Room with its antique furniture and Tiffany glass dome. 
Located: Government Street

Bastion Square - This beautifully restored square faces Victoria’s picturesque harbour and contains some of the city’s oldest 19th century buildings. You will find boutiques and gift shops, cafes, restaurants, and the Maritime Museum.
Located: Government Street

Thunderbird Park - Lies at the entrance to the Royal British Columbia Museum and is home to an imposing collection of plain and painted giant totem poles. The Royal Columbia Museum is huge and tells the story of this region through its natural history, geology and peoples.  The museum is downtown and walking distance from the harbour.
Located 675 Belleville Street. Phone 250-387-3701.

Crystal Garden - are tropical gardens whose jungle like foliage provides a refuge for some 65 different species of rare monkey and tropical birds.  There are also hosts of colourful free flying butterflies to see.
Located 713 Douglas Street Phone 250-381-1213.

Art Gallery of Greater Victoria - art collection is housed in an impressive Victorian mansion on Moss Street, east of the downtown area. Inside the, fine wood moldings, original fireplaces, and tall ceilings provide a home for an array of exhibits including a wide ranging collection of Chinese and Japanese paintings, ceramics and pottery, and a collection of contemporary Canadian paintings.

Butchart Gardens - These beautiful gardens were begun in 1904 by Mrs. Jennie Butchart, the wife of a cement manufacturer.  The gardens are arranged into distinct areas.  There is a formal Italian garden with a lily pond and fountain and The Rose Garden with hundreds of different roses.

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