Victoria
From the original days of the Songhee, Saanich and Sooke First Nations peoples, the Victoria region on the southern tip of Vancouver Island has been a thriving green destination surrounded by ocean water and featuring the warmest average climate in Canada. The Inner Harbour is the main port through which the British settlers came in search of gold; Victoria, the “City of Gardens," was established in 1862. Canada’s oldest and certainly among its most beautiful cities, Victoria is the capital of British Columbia.
Fun Facts:
Population: 82,653
Average rainfall/snowfall: Under 25 cm (9.75 in.) of snow; avg. rainfall of 592 mm (23 in.) per year - one of Canada’s driest areas.
Highlights: The Butchart Gardens is just one example of the historical British fondness for gardening.
1. Vancouver
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Stay Here
The vibrant downtown and the historic Inner Harbour of Victoria are the wondrous locales for many upscale Victoria hotels. Many of them, like Victoria’s neighborhoods themselves, recall their British heritage in their architecture, design and fine dining. You can also easily find modern bed and breakfasts, a Victoria accommodation that seems to grow right from the stunning gardens that bloom year-round.
Victoria Lodging
Play Here
Victoria is a terrific blend of outdoor adventure and urban charm. In one 700-square-kilometre area, you can watch whales or view the breathtaking Vancouver Island coast from one of the many ferries and charters; do some lake or river kayaking; bike the surrounding Okanagan Mountains; or view living history at the famed Parliament Buildings, and stroll Fan Tan Alley - North America’s narrowest commercial street - in Victoria’s Chinatown. Nature and city meet at 48 regional, provincial and federal parks in Greater Victoria.
Victoria Attractions
Dine Here
Besides the ever-present Pacific seafood, the key to fine dining in Victoria is the Cowichan Valley with its perpetually warm climate and long growing season. Meat, vegetables of all types, cheese, vinegar and fine wine thrive in this area. Local farms and world-class chefs team up in Victoria for dining experiences you’ll never forget.
Victoria Restaurants
How to Get Here
Vancouver International and Seattle-Tacoma Airports fly daily to Victoria International Airport; float plane and helicopter services also fly into Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Nearly 20 ferry services - for people and vehicles - provide an added, scenic thrill for a Victoria family vacation, whisking you to the island by passenger boat or high-speed catamaran. Well-known carriers include British Columbia Ferry Services Inc., M.V. Coho, Victoria Clipper, Victoria Express and Washington State Ferry.
Getting Around
Motorcoach, rail and bus service is available throughout Victoria and Vancouver Island. Nearly a dozen carriers include E&N Via Rail Canada Inc., Greyhound Vancouver Island Coach, Grayline of Victoria and British Columbia Transit for fast, inexpensive transportation or comfortable sightseeing. The city of Victoria is delightfully walkable. Even in the center of the city, you never feel as though you’re buried under skyscrapers - the tallest building here is seven stories - and a 15-minute rental car drive takes you into a fertile, unpopulated land of vineyards and outdoor adventure.
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