Victoria

Victoria Travel Wiki

[tp_search_shortcodes slug=”4f02989d” origin=”” destination=”YVR” hotel_city=”Victoria, Canada, 204, 25209, city, Canada” type=”avia_hotel” subid=””]

Travel to Victoria

Located on Vancouver Island, Victoria is often marketed as a “taste of Europe in North America.” It is one of the oldest cities in the region, with settlements from England beginning in 1843.

Many of its original buildings are still well-preserved, while the settlements of the local Salish First Nations people are still honored and respected throughout the city.

The main attraction of the city is The Butchart Gardens. Several families hired the Kishida family to construct tea gardens in the early years of the city and these gardens are one of the best examples of the work that was done. Ornamental birds, bronze statues, and ever-present blooms await your visit.

Beacon Hill is the primary green space for the city. Manicured gardens can be found there as well, along with a petting zoo, wild peacocks, and views of the Olympic Mountains in the United States on a clear day. An equally pleasant experience can be found at the Inner Harbor, with a collection of cafés and walking tours to enjoy.

Several notable walking tours are available in Victoria as well. The Royal British Columbia Museum is one of the best, featuring three galleries that focus on modern history, natural history, and the history of the First Nations’ people in the region. Nearly 1 million total records are housed in the facility.

Additional museums include the Aviation Museum, the Maritime Museum, and Hatley Castle. Coastal sightseeing, fishing, and whale watching is also available.

Victoria is a beautiful community that invites you to come explore at your leisure. Make your way here and experience some of the best that Coastal Canada can offer.

High Tea at the Empress Hotel

The Empress Hotel sits regally on the Inner Harbor of Victoria, capital of British Columbia, and is a joy to behold for both history and architecture buffs.  The Fairmont Empress will be celebrating her one hundredth anniversary in 2008.

The hotel was begun in 1904 after supporters of the city convinced the Canadian Pacific Railroad to establish regular ferry service to Vancouver Island and build one of the railroad’s signature hotels in Victoria.  The Empress, named for Queen Victoria, then the Empress of India, and designed by English architect Francis Rattenbury.  The original, 116-room Edwardian chateau-style building opened with a great deal of fanfare in 1908.

The hotel’s magnificent architecture and opulent décor are legendary.  Built at the height of British power in India, it features a number of colonial India-themed areas.  Most notable of these is the club-like Bengal Lounge, decorated with objects given to the hotel by some of its notable guests.  An Indian maharaja donated the mounted tiger skin on the wall and the murals above the bar were a gift to the hotel from the king of queen of Siam.

To take Afternoon Tea at the Empress is to take a journey back in time.  This formal, high tea occurs daily and is enjoyed by over 100,000 people each year.  Do not expect to take it lightly, though.  High Tea is, in many ways, a meal, and you will pay accordingly.

Website

Travel and vacation in Victoria, Canada

Here you can find information about travel and holiday trips to Canada. You will find travel deals as well as general travel information, guides, “good to know” and facts about Canada. We try to find the best travel video about the city and its surroundings and we write about the best sights, shopping and things to do. You will also find updated current weather and forecasts. The current exchange rates are also updated many times a day.

Best of Victoria

What to see and do in Victoria ?

Known for its gardens and relaxed pace of life, a Victoria vacation is the perfect Canadian getaway for all ages. Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, located off Canada’s Pacific coast on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. One of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest, Victoria boasts impressive historic buildings dating from British settlement and is home to the British Columbia Parliament and North America’s second oldest Chinatown. Victoria’s spectacular gardens, architecture, temperate climate and beautiful shoreline are just a few reasons why vacationers instantly fall in love with this charming city.

Visit the iconic Butchart Gardens and take advantage of Victoria’s mild climate while marvelling at its 55 acres of garden year round. Hold off until summer to visit the Rose Garden, Saturday firework shows, boat tours, and night illuminations. Fall brings the striking darkening of Japanese maples. Come see exactly why this world-renowned park is a National Heritage Site.

Victoria is the perfect destination for getting some R&R; while sightseeing. Visit Craigdarroch Castle-a National Historic Site built by a wealthy coal baron, with stunning stained-glass windows, Victorian antiques and an 87-step grand oak staircase.

For a different garden experience, visit the Victoria Butterfly Garden. This indoor tropical oasis certainly won’t blend in with other Victoria gardens you visit. Experience lush jungle plants, wander through tropical rainforest environments and stroll past organic vanilla bean vines, papaya trees, ginger, coffee beans and much more in this fascinating climatecontrolled environment.

Survey the natural wonder and cultural landmark that is Hatley Park National Historic Site. The 555-acre Edwardian estate features a castle, forest trails within an old forest, sprawling period gardens, and a seaside lagoon. Explore leisurely by yourself or engage in an educational tour of Hatley Castle.

For a bit more adventure, embark on a 3-hour SpringTide Whale Tour that is as exhilirating as it is scenic. These tours are conducted in 12-person Zodiacs, which are fast and open inflatables that ensure a poweful but safe ride in the open air. Sights include Vancouver island whales, seals, sea lions and much, much more.

Victoria’s climate and terrain make it a favorite for outdoorsy types. A lesserknown fact about the city is its title as the Cycling Cpaital of Canada. It houses hundreds of miles of bike paths, bike lanes and bike routes making it quickly race to the top of worldwide bike tourism destinations!

The city’s craggy coastline also makes it a favorite for boaters. Visit Fisherman’s Wharf for a unique maritime destination that is fun for all ages. Buy fresh seafood, take in the impressive array of moorage, and observe commercial fishing vessels at work at this one-of-a-kind destination. Visit Vancouver for a relaxing, enjoyable and educational vacation that will leave you wanting more!