By Susan H. Green
Things to Do in Victoria, Canada
Victoria is the capital of the Canadian province of British Columbia. This waterfront city was once the heart of
Canada's west coast. Although the railroad moved the focus across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver and reduced the need for maritime trade, Victoria remains one of Canada's most toured cities. Today it is known for Butchart Gardens and for its active harbor.
Gardens
Butchart Gardens is just 23 kilometers (14 miles) north of Victoria. Built by the Butchart family, the gardens began as a private home and reflected the owners' travels abroad and horticultural interests. The 55-acre gardens remain a family business today. As of summer 2009, adult admission prices ranged from $16.25 (Canadian dollars) to $28 (Canadian dollars), depending on the time of year you visit.
Hatley Park is scenically located 12 kilometers (8 miles) west of downtown Victoria near the Pacific coast. It consists of 565 acres, the Hatley Castle, gardens and forest area. The castle, built in 1908 by a former premier of British Columbia, is today a museum. The garden area includes separate Italian, Japanese and rose sections; the forest has miles of hiking trails. In summer 2009, the adult admission price was $9.50 (Canadian dollars).
Butchart Gardens
800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay, British Columbia
Telephone: (866) 652-4422
Website: http://www.butchartgardens.com
Hatley Park
2005 Sooke Road, Victoria, British Columbia
Telephone: (866) 241-0674
Website: http://www.hatleypark.ca
Harbor
The Prince of Whales, just one of many companies to offer whale watching tours, has a number of different routes and boats; rates vary accordingly. Depending on the season, you might see orcas, humpbacks or gray whales.
Take a ferry to Vancouver or to the Gulf Islands: Galliano, Mayne, Penders, Salt Spring and Saturna. Ferries to the Islands and to Vancouver depart frequently from the terminal in Swartz Bay. Fares vary based on route, time of day, advance booking and whether you bring your vehicle. Washington State Ferries service routes from nearby Sidney, British Columbia, to Anacortes, Washington. Multiple companies also serve the area to Seattle, so be sure to research your destination, times and terminal in advance.
Prince of Whales
Telephone: (888) 383-4884
Website: http://www.princeofwhales.com/
BC Ferries
Telephone: (888) 223-3779
Website: http://www.bcferries.com/
Swartz Bay terminal: 32 kilometers (20 miles) north of Victoria at the end of Highway 17
Washington State Ferries
Telephone: (888) 808-7977
Website: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/
Sidney terminal: 2499 Ocean Avenue, Sidney British Columbia
Tea
After all of the outdoor activities, stop for tea at The Fairmont Empress Hotel. The hotel boasts that more than 800 people visit for tea each day. Tea seatings begin at noon and continue throughout the afternoon in the hotel lobby; reservations are required.
The Fairmont Empress
21 Government Street, Victoria, British Columbia
Telephone: (866) 540-4429
Website: http://www.fairmont.com/empress/
About the Author:
Susan Green has ten years of business writing and proofreading experience and three years of web content writing experience. Areas of expertise include personal finance, small businesses, travel, and pet care. Susan has a bachelor's degree from Tufts University.
Photo Credits:
Morguefile.com
