VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
by Lorrie Orr
Victoria, BC is one of the top destination cities in North America. With
the mildest climate in Canada, lots of sunshine and moderate (57
degrees F) average year-round temperatures, it's a wonderful place for
year-round strolling along the splendid Inner Harbour, or visiting the
unique shops in the downtown core.
Located on the southernmost tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria offers
spectacular ocean views, lush green forests, and urban ambiance. Across
the Strait of Juan de Fuca are the magnificent, snow-capped Olympic
Mountains. Victoria's many beautiful old buildings offer a glimpse into
a more gracious time. One such building, shimmering with lights each
evening, is the Legislature, home of the provincial government. However,
the city was also the starting point for gold seekers heading into the
Klondike. This more raucous part of Victoria's history is seen in
Bastion Square, site of the first jailhouse. You can walk around the
city or take a ride in a romantic, horse-drawn carriage.
Here are 12 more great reasons to visit the almost British city of Victoria,
BC.
1. Getting to Victoria BC
No bridge connects Victoria to the mainland so the only way to get
to Vancouver Island is by air or water. A ferry ride, from either the
Canadian or American coast is part of the charm of visiting the city.
Gorgeous scenery and perhaps a whale sighting are elements of the trip
package. You can walk on or bring your car. www.bcferries.com or
www.wsdot.wa.gov
2. The Empress Hotel
Whether you stay at the hotel or not, you'll want to visit the hotel's
public areas for a peek into the fascinating world of past grandeur. The
hotel is famous for its elegant, but fun, afternoon tea, substantial
enough for a lunch. A window seat ensures an ever-changing view of the
Inner Harbour, or you can cozy up to the fireplace.
www.fairmont.com/empress (250) 384-8111
3. The Royal British Columbia Museum
Known as one of the finest museums in North America, the Royal BC
Museum highlights the history of the region in three permanent galleries.
Special temporary exhibits have included Eternal Egypt (on now until
October 31, 2004), Dinosaurs and Robotic Bugs.
www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
1-888-447-7977
4. The National Geographic Theatre
Located in the Royal BC Museum, the National Geographic Theatre
features a 2-D IMAX Experience with a screen more than six stories high
and 70 feet wide. With your entire field of vision filled, and surround sound,
you will be enthralled with the drama unfolding around you.
www.imaxvictoria.com
5. Crystal Pool
Lots of activities for every member of the family waterslide, hot tub,
steam room, small pools and an alligator to wrestle.
www.bctravel.com/crystalpool.html
(250) 361-0732
6. Royal London Wax Museum
Ooh and ah at the replicas of the crown jewels or shiver in the chamber
of horrors. Figures from literature (Alice in Wonderland, the Seven
Dwarfs) and history are brought to life through the medium of wax.
www.waxmuseum.bc.ca (250) 388-4461
7. Butchart Gardens
Wander about the beautifully arranged 55-acre garden, a world famous
attraction. Look for surprises tucked among the landscapes topiary
bears, or the Twelve Days of Christmas, beginning December 1. Two
restaurants, a coffee shop and fun gift shop prolong your garden
experience. www.butchartgardens.com 1-866-652-4422
8. Picnic and Children s Farm
Just a 10-minute walk from the Inner Harbour is the 100-acre Beacon Hill
Park. Your hotel will be happy to pack you a picnic or you can stop in
at one of the many delicious takeout shops along the way. Visit the
Children's Farm, home to miniature alpacas, guinea pigs, baby goats and
other adorable creatures who love to be brushed (brushes provided) or
petted.
9. Centre of the Universe
The Dominion Astrophysical Observatory offers interactive exhibits, a
mini-planetarium, and theatre presentations for an entertaining look at
the stars. On clear nights you can visit the observatory for spectacular
views of Victoria and the worlds beyond. www.hia.nrc.ca (250) 363-8262
10. The Maritime Museum
Pirates, privateers, explorers and ghosts are an engaging mix at this
unique museum. You can climb into a crow's nest, listen to the kids say
ugh at shipboard food, and see a chair made from a wreck of the
Spanish Armada of 1588. www.mmbc.bc.ca (250) 385-4222
11. Songhees Harbourside Walkway
Meander from downtown Victoria along the harbor to West Bay Marine
Village where avid ocean-lovers live year-round in floathomes. The
walkway follows the curves of the harbor, offering a variety of water
views. Stop to watch seals play in the water or lounge about on logs.
You can hail one of the jaunty Harbour Ferries for your trip back. They
stop at numerous sites, from Fisherman s Wharf to the Empress Hotel.
12. Starfish Glassworks
Young and old alike are fascinated by the ancient art of glassblowing.
From an open balcony you can observe talented artists at work. Learn
more about glassblowing from the explanations mounted on the balcony
rail. The staff is knowledgeable and happy to explain the process as
well. You will be amazed at the transformation of a shapeless blob on
the end of a stick, into a graceful, functional object.
www.starfishglass.bc.ca
For more Information about Victoria BC
www.tourismvictoria.com
by Lorrie Orr
Victoria, BC is one of the top destination cities in North America. With
the mildest climate in Canada, lots of sunshine and moderate (57
degrees F) average year-round temperatures, it's a wonderful place for
year-round strolling along the splendid Inner Harbour, or visiting the
unique shops in the downtown core.
Located on the southernmost tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria offers
spectacular ocean views, lush green forests, and urban ambiance. Across
the Strait of Juan de Fuca are the magnificent, snow-capped Olympic
Mountains. Victoria's many beautiful old buildings offer a glimpse into
a more gracious time. One such building, shimmering with lights each
evening, is the Legislature, home of the provincial government. However,
the city was also the starting point for gold seekers heading into the
Klondike. This more raucous part of Victoria's history is seen in
Bastion Square, site of the first jailhouse. You can walk around the
city or take a ride in a romantic, horse-drawn carriage.
Here are 12 more great reasons to visit the almost British city of Victoria,
BC.
1. Getting to Victoria BC
No bridge connects Victoria to the mainland so the only way to get
to Vancouver Island is by air or water. A ferry ride, from either the
Canadian or American coast is part of the charm of visiting the city.
Gorgeous scenery and perhaps a whale sighting are elements of the trip
package. You can walk on or bring your car. www.bcferries.com or
www.wsdot.wa.gov
2. The Empress Hotel
Whether you stay at the hotel or not, you'll want to visit the hotel's
public areas for a peek into the fascinating world of past grandeur. The
hotel is famous for its elegant, but fun, afternoon tea, substantial
enough for a lunch. A window seat ensures an ever-changing view of the
Inner Harbour, or you can cozy up to the fireplace.
www.fairmont.com/empress (250) 384-8111
3. The Royal British Columbia Museum
Known as one of the finest museums in North America, the Royal BC
Museum highlights the history of the region in three permanent galleries.
Special temporary exhibits have included Eternal Egypt (on now until
October 31, 2004), Dinosaurs and Robotic Bugs.
www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
1-888-447-7977
4. The National Geographic Theatre
Located in the Royal BC Museum, the National Geographic Theatre
features a 2-D IMAX Experience with a screen more than six stories high
and 70 feet wide. With your entire field of vision filled, and surround sound,
you will be enthralled with the drama unfolding around you.
www.imaxvictoria.com
5. Crystal Pool
Lots of activities for every member of the family waterslide, hot tub,
steam room, small pools and an alligator to wrestle.
www.bctravel.com/crystalpool.html
(250) 361-0732
6. Royal London Wax Museum
Ooh and ah at the replicas of the crown jewels or shiver in the chamber
of horrors. Figures from literature (Alice in Wonderland, the Seven
Dwarfs) and history are brought to life through the medium of wax.
www.waxmuseum.bc.ca (250) 388-4461
7. Butchart Gardens
Wander about the beautifully arranged 55-acre garden, a world famous
attraction. Look for surprises tucked among the landscapes topiary
bears, or the Twelve Days of Christmas, beginning December 1. Two
restaurants, a coffee shop and fun gift shop prolong your garden
experience. www.butchartgardens.com 1-866-652-4422
8. Picnic and Children s Farm
Just a 10-minute walk from the Inner Harbour is the 100-acre Beacon Hill
Park. Your hotel will be happy to pack you a picnic or you can stop in
at one of the many delicious takeout shops along the way. Visit the
Children's Farm, home to miniature alpacas, guinea pigs, baby goats and
other adorable creatures who love to be brushed (brushes provided) or
petted.
9. Centre of the Universe
The Dominion Astrophysical Observatory offers interactive exhibits, a
mini-planetarium, and theatre presentations for an entertaining look at
the stars. On clear nights you can visit the observatory for spectacular
views of Victoria and the worlds beyond. www.hia.nrc.ca (250) 363-8262
10. The Maritime Museum
Pirates, privateers, explorers and ghosts are an engaging mix at this
unique museum. You can climb into a crow's nest, listen to the kids say
ugh at shipboard food, and see a chair made from a wreck of the
Spanish Armada of 1588. www.mmbc.bc.ca (250) 385-4222
11. Songhees Harbourside Walkway
Meander from downtown Victoria along the harbor to West Bay Marine
Village where avid ocean-lovers live year-round in floathomes. The
walkway follows the curves of the harbor, offering a variety of water
views. Stop to watch seals play in the water or lounge about on logs.
You can hail one of the jaunty Harbour Ferries for your trip back. They
stop at numerous sites, from Fisherman s Wharf to the Empress Hotel.
12. Starfish Glassworks
Young and old alike are fascinated by the ancient art of glassblowing.
From an open balcony you can observe talented artists at work. Learn
more about glassblowing from the explanations mounted on the balcony
rail. The staff is knowledgeable and happy to explain the process as
well. You will be amazed at the transformation of a shapeless blob on
the end of a stick, into a graceful, functional object.
www.starfishglass.bc.ca
For more Information about Victoria BC
www.tourismvictoria.com
FAMILY TRAVEL FUN.COM
VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUBIA, CANADA
VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUBIA, CANADA
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