Traveler's Guide to Victoria, Canada
Description
Victoria is a popular Canadian city with a diverse population and unique culture. Located at the southernmost tip of Vancouver Island, this energetic city is the capital of British Columbia and certainly lives up to that accolade. Famous for some of its fantastic architecture, such as the iconic BC Parliament Buildings or the Empress Hotel at Victoria Harbor, this city attracts endless tourists to its streets.
Transportation
Getting to Victoria it simple thanks to a regular ferry service and high speed catamaran route to the mainland, and it also has its own International Airport. The city itself has an excellent public transportation system, featuring modern buses, and the roads network is well thought out and convenient. As a leader in eco living, Victoria also boasts an impressive cycle route system that links most areas.
- British Columbia Ferry Services Inc.
- Victoria International Airport
- (Airport Code: YYJ) is located on the Saanich Peninsula, 22 km north of Victoria, the Capital of British Columbia, on beautiful Vancouver Island.
- Victoria Regional Transit System
- The Victoria Regional Transit System began operation on 22 February 1890 with a fleet of four street cars. The system now serves approximately 312,000 persons and operates in a 400-square-kilometre area. The peak fleet in operation is 178 buses operating on 36 conventional routes, and 40 vans providing custom handyDART service for people who cannot ride the conventional buses.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Victoria ranges from high end boutique hotels to inexpensive hostels for independent travelers and there is something to cater for every budget whether in the centre of town or one of the many outlying areas in Greater Victoria. There is also the option to stay in campsites and RV parks or in a Bed and Breakfast for a personal service.
- Accent Inns Victoria
- A pet friendly, locally owned, community minded hotel in Victoria BC. 3233 Maple St Victoria, BC V8X 4Y9 Canada
Restaurants
The dining options presented to visitors to Victoria are wide ranging, and the freshest ingredients ensure that this city is highly regarded as a top gourmet location. Salmon and shellfish feature extensively on many of the menu’s because of its affinity with the ocean, and the local farms provide much of the remaining produce. Traditional restaurants are mixed with international eateries to create a vast range of choice.
- Ocean Island Cafe Lounge
- At Ocean Island Cafe Lounge, we believe that healthy, delicious food can and should be affordable. Our West Coast fusion-style menu blends a variety of fresh flavours and cooking styles, with dishes ranging from Thai and Indian curries to paninis, burgers, pastas and fresh salads. Most of our dishes are vegetarian and vegan-friendly too.
- Spinnakers Brewpub
- Overlooking Victoria's scenic inner harbour, West Coast fare and beer served for lunch or dinner in the restaurant. Patio seating is available.
- Rathskeller Schnitzel House
- The Rathskeller is a taste of Bavaria located in downtown in Victoria BC. The menu introduces you to rich, unique varieties of Schnitzel like Cordon Blue, Wiener, and Gypsy.
Activities, Cruises and Charters
Adventure sports are widely popular in Victoria, and whether they are land based or water based, you’ll probably find every activity known to man in this city. Kayaking and fishing trips are regular features, and cruises and charters are popular. Rent a boat for a deep sea fishing expedition or hop aboard a luxury cruiser for an evening dinner sail all from one of the many marinas.
- Victoria City Bike Paths There are more bike lanes and paths in Victoria than any other Canadian city. Bike helmets are mandatory. For a cool rails to trails ride in Victoria check out the Galloping Goose Trail.
- Royal British Columbia Museum
- The Royal BC Museum is one of the foremost cultural institutions in the world. Since 1886, we have been British Columbia's provincial museum, collecting artifacts, documents and specimens of BC's natural and human history, safeguarding them for the future, and sharing them with the world.
- The Butchart Gardens
- Offers fifty acres of floral finery with best times to visit. Provides a full history of the gardens.
- Victoria Harbour Ferry
- On the Gorge waterway we offer cruises every hour during the spring and every 30 minutes during the summer months. Also offer Hop on / Hop off type passes.
Events, Festivals and Interesting Extras
Victoria offers plenty of cultural activities to enjoy, from museums and art galleries to dramatic productions. It is also home to plenty of fantastic festivals, such as the Canadian Beer Festival which is a favorite annual event. There are numerous festivals and celebrations that bring make Victoria an exciting destination all year round.
- Bastion Grand Prix
