Victoria

The scenic views, historic buildings and many gardens and parks make Victoria a preferred destination for tourists. Located on the southern shore of Vancouver Island, Victoria can be reached by a short plane trip or ferry ride from Vancouver as well as Seattle and Washington in the US. The British Columbia Parliament Buildings are an impressive site, and over one hundred years old, and visitors can join one of the many free guided tours. The Butchart Gardens, Victoria Harbour, Craigdarroch Castle and the Royal Theatre are also popular with tourists. Cruise ships from San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver and Alaska make frequent stops at Victoria.

Popular Victoria Attractions

The Maritime Museum of British Columbia
Theme rooms tell the story of BC’s marine history – from the Early Explorers and Captain Cook to Canadian territorial disputes with Russia and the United States The second floor houses a collection of ship models – from an 1810 ship built by prisoners of war to 20th century war ships. The building itself was originally used as a courthouse and the collection on the third floor focuses on this part of its history.

Butchart Gardens
Immaculate gardens have been combined with naturally occurring beauty for a unique 22 hectares (55 acres) floral display. By importing rare and exotic plants, the gardeners have developed several gardens within the garden, including the Sunken, Japanese, Rose, Mediterranean and Italian gardens. There are three restaurants within the park to serve the one million visitors the garden receive each year.

Dominion Astrophysical Observatory
1918 saw the opening of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, a research centre for Canadian astrophysicists. .Now, alongside its research, the observatory is open to the public. Nestled into the Rocky Mountains, travellers are able to join the Observatory’s learned staff in stargazing nights, in order to learn more about the Universe, stars and the story behind constellations.

Royal BC Museum
The Royal BC Museum is a natural and human history museum founded in 1886, made up of three permanent galleries – the First Peoples Gallery, the Modern History Gallery and the Natural History Gallery – and an IMAX Theatre. On the museum grounds is the Emily Carr homestead, a foremost Canadian poet and painter who focused on the beauty of nature and the traditions of the First Nations that surrounded her. Be sure to take a look around outside too – look for the Empress Hotel and the BC Legislative Buildings.

Salt Spring Island
By a three hour ferry crossing, travellers can access Salt Spring Island, known as the jewel of the Gulf Coast Islands. Lush island vegetation fills this island community, where deer and other wildlife freely roam. The population of the island is known for its artistic spirit and many a Canadian artist has made it their home, to engage in the creative energy the island is said to deliver. As a result, expect to find handmade arts and crafts made by the locals, who are always more than happy to discuss their work.

Hatley Park National Historic Site
The property was originally purchased in 1906 by then BC`s Lieutenant Governor and a forty room mansion was commissioned and built. Beautiful formal gardens were created at that time. The property was sold back to the Canadian government in 1939 and was used as the Royal Roads Military College, a naval training facility. It now houses the Royal Roads University and its gardens, commissioned as scenes for over forty feature films, are open to the public and tours are available

The CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum
British Columbia, on the west coast of Canada posed a problem during its days as a British Colony. On the other side of the world, Britain had to amass a large navy off of British Columbia’s coast, in order to defend it. The CFB Esquimat Naval & Military Museum relays stories of how, through the navy, the west coast of Canada protected its interests, particularly through the Gold Rush and World War II. With exhibits on Canadian Naval Women, military vessels of all kind and thousands of artifacts, the CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum is sure to leave its visitors with stories to tell.

Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse
Fisgard Lighthouse was the first lighthouse built on Canada’s West Coast, and it is still in use today, providing guidance for small craft to manouevre through the rocky bluffs of Victoria’s coastline. Its sister site Fort Rodd Hill was once a British fortress, constructed in the early 1800’s to defend the coastline from invaders. Walk amidst the original cannons of this historical fortress to picture what life was like in the days of colonial Canada for those who would defend it.

Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
Opened in 1951, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria houses almost 17,000 works of art including the largest collection of Asian Art in Canada, a large Emily Carr collection, handmade pottery, jewelry, and other crafts by local artists. It`s unique building was built in 1889 and was originally known as the Spencer Mansion.

Chinatown
The oldest Chinatown in Canada is located within downtown Victoria, first established in 1858. You are welcomed to the area by the Gate of Harmonious Interest, two large jade lions imported from China. Swing through Fan Tan Alley – at just 0.9 metres (less than three feet) wide at its narrowest point, there is none less narrow in Canada.

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