Lovely Victoria

Victoria, the capital city of the Canadian province of British Columbia is located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island. It is surrounded by the mountains of the Olympic Peninsula. Due to the warm North Pacific current it has the mildest climate in Canada and is one of the warmest places in the winter.

The scenic Inner Harbor has become a tourist attractions. Strolling along the waterfront you can watch street buskers perform and dine at the restaurants.

Royal BC Museum is a provincial museum in British Columbia. It is one of the best museums of natural and cultural history in Canada. It features three-dimensional displays of sights, sounds, and smells. Among the interactive features is a replica of the HMS Discovery. This was the ship that brought Captain Vancouver to British Columbia.

The Butchart Gardens were started in 1904. Here you can see a lovely Italian garden, a rose garden, a Japanese garden, and a sunken garden. There are pools, fountains, and exotic plants.

Nearby the Victoria Butterfly Gardens have indoor tropical gardens with 75 species of exotic butterflies and moths. You can also see tropical birds, fish, and reptiles as well as an Insectarium.

In the jungle environment you can enjoy ducks, flamingos, parrots, tortoises, frogs, and iguanas. There is a combination of waterfalls, trees, and flowers.

One of the best-loved landmarks on the Inner Harbor is the Fairmont Empress Hotel. It was built in 1908 and the historic hotel has hosted celebrities and famous people. The lobby of this luxurious hotel will take you back in time to before WW I. In the Lobby Lounge you can enjoy Afternoon Tea.

In an extension of the north side of the hotel is Miniature World. Here you'll see dozens of scenes in miniature. Models include historical events, castles, and dollhouses.

The Parliament Buildings dominate the south side of the Inner Harbor. They are the seat of the British Columbia provincial government. The stone buildings have beautiful gardens.

Above the massive dome is a gilded statue of Captain George Vancouver who first circumnavigated Vancouver Island. The facade includes figures of famous personalities . A large statue of Queen Victoria looks out over Inner Harbour from the terrace. You can enjoy breakfast or lunch at the Parliamentary Dining Room. While parliament is sitting the public can observe from the visitors' gallery.

Market Square is one of the city's most unique shopping areas. It is an open-air area with historical buildings. Here are more than thirty retailers with boutiques, restaurants, and services. There are three main entrances at Johnson, Pandora, and Store Streets.

Stroll along the lovely Dallas Road Waterfront Trail. It stretches fro miles offering views over the Juan de Fuca Strait to the Olympic Mountains.

Beacon Hill Park is a popular outdoor area not far from the city center. There are trees, gardens, and ponds. Walking trails will lead you through the park where you can relax on benches and enjoy the views. Among the wildlife here you can see deer, peacocks, ducks and occasionally an otter. For recreation there are areas for baseball, tennis, cricket, and lawn bowling.

Mile 0 a milestone on the southwest edge of the park marks the western end of the continent-spanning Trans-Canada Highway.

Close by is a statue of Terry Fox, who attempted to run across Canada in 1980 to raise money for cancer research.

Craigdarroch Castle is a fairy-tale-like mansion and a National Historic site. It was commissioned in the 1880s by immigrant Scottish entrepreneur Robert Dunsmuir.

The mansion is located in the affluent area of Rockland. Rockland Avenue is lined with heritage houses among them the Government House which is the official residence of Her Majesty's representative in British Columbia. It is open to the public.

Victoria is a very scenic city and has many beautiful parks and hiking trails. To enjoy the coastal scenery take the Coastal Trail in Sooke which is a seaside trail with views of the distant mountains.

The Mount Work Hiking Trail leads to higher ground to get fantastic views of the Olympic Mountains.

Fort Rodd Hill National Historic site is about thirteen kilometers west of Victoria. At one time it guarded the sheltered waters of Esquimalt Harbour, a British naval base.

On-site is the Fisgard Lighthouse is in a lovely spot on the west coast of Canada.

Hatley Park National Historic site includes Hatley Castle. The castle was built in 1908 by former British Columbia Premier and coal baron, James Dunsmuir. This is an Edwardian estate with Japanese, Italian, and rose gardens. Today the castle houses the administrative office of Royal Roads University and is open to the public. Guided tours are available.

Adjoining the Old Town is Chinatown which is entered through a large gate. It encompasses two blocks. A century ago, 8,000 people lived in the Chinese quarter. It became a designated historic district in 1971.

Of interest in Chinatown is the very narrow Fan Tan Alley with shops and restaurants.

Heading south from Chinatown you arrive at the brand new Johnson Street Bridge. This is a futuristic, white bridge which is a new addition to the Victoria waterfront. At night it is lit up in a soft blue light.

The Maritime Museum of British Columbia exhibits the scale model of the SS Princess Sophia. There are many other maritime exhibits.