Tourist in Victoria BC

[observor 69]

Always wanted to visit Victoria, sounds like a great place. I visited Vancouver years ago and was impressed by it's natural beauty, especialy for someone from central Canada. 
Any thoughts on where one should stay and what are the must see sights?
I know I want to have "High tea" at some hotel.

Comments appreciated.

 

[ModlrMike]

The Fairmont Empress at 721 Government Street is about as grand as it gets. I seem to recall they have a high tea. There are many great hotels in Victoria that don't cost a mint like the Empress. That being said, if you're entitled and can get in, the C&POs has adequate rooms.

 

[WestCoaster]

Butchart Gardens is a must see while in Victoria. And, it's free with a military ID

 

[daftandbarmy]

Here's the Tourism Victoria site. I'd try to nail a good package deal of some kind. http://www.tourismvictoria.com/

Try to stay near the downtown core as you can walk/stumble to all the right or wrong places.

I'd avoid staying at the Empress if you can. Go to the Bengal Lounge for a curry dinner and a few G&Ts, of course, but don't stay there. I know it's a 'thing' to do, but there are more modern and well set up hotels in town too, with more options for dining etc, such as the Grand Pacific and the Marriott. Also, if you like B&Bs, there are some very nice places within a couple of blocks of the downtown core. And for the ladies, a healthy population of spas.

Also, I'd recommend the kayaking, cycling and scuba diving as it's world class. Lots of good hikes around too to work off the cream tea, so bring your tabbing togs!

 

[mariomike]

I've never been there, but I am told the Vancouver Maritime Museum is a good place to visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vancouver_Maritime_Museum

 

[catalyst]

the james bay teahouse is a good (lower cost) place for tea - same with the bletheringplace in oak bay. Both will run you about 18 bucks at the most.

stroll around beacon hill park perhaps, rent a bike and bike the galloping goose trail.

checkout priceline.com for some good deals, make sure you specify downtown though.

Oh the bengal room, we went there after dinner with the lt gov..........oh mango chuney martinis..............oh.

 

[ENGINEERS WIFE]

A couple of nice brew pubs close to downtown Victoria
http://www.canoebrewpub.com/
http://www.swanshotel.com/pub.php

And taking the train up island is VERY beautiful.  Lots of things to see and don't have to worry about driving. Can be a nice day trip.

Even taking the very from Vancouver - Victoria (Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay) is also very beautiful and if you walk on (without your vehicle) it's not very expensive.

Beacon Hill park, Clover Point, taking a drive through Oak Bay or Brentwood Bay.

Most of downtown is within walking distance and for the most part a picture postcard. Empress Hotel, BC Legislature,the waterfront, Wax Museum, Miniature Land, Royal BC Museum.


Victoria is great, love it, but I am a lot biased.....born there.  ;D

 

[Jaydub]

For accommodations, I reccommend the Executive House Hotel.  They're reasonably priced, and they offer a good Military discount. http://www.executivehouse.com/

You may want to check out the Blethering in Oak Bay.  It's a great place to go for tea, and it's about as traditional as you can get!  http://www.thebletheringplace.com/

If you stay downtown, there's so much to do and see that's within walking distance.  In addition to the downtown core, I recommend that you check out Dallas Road Beach.  The Ogden Point breakwater is always a nice walk.

Fisherman's Wharf is another great place to go.  There are usually a couple harbour seals that hang out there.  And Barb's Place serves the best Fish & Chips in Victoria (IMO). http://www.barbsplace.ca/

Oh, and don't forget about the Royal BC and CFB Esquimalt museums.
http://www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/
http://www.navalandmilitarymuseum.org/

I hope that you find that info useful, and I hope you enjoy your stay in Victoria.

 

[observor 69]

Thanks very much everybody. I have had great fun looking up the suggested locations for "High Tea"    and touring.
My wife and I have promised ourselves we will do this trip some time in the future and your tips make it look like a great place to visit.

Cheers

BG

 

[Colin Parkinson]

If you are a history buff

Fort Rodd Hill National park is worth the trip. The Maritime Mueum there is downtown and is interesting. They used to do tours of the navy base, not sure if they still do.

Another fort you can visit is McCaually point
http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Houston,+Bulkley-Nechako+Regional+District,+British+Columbia&ll=48.419133,-123.408254&spn=0.005219,0.013915&t=h&z=17

 

[eurowing]

Undersea Gardens in the Inner Harbour and the new Shaw Discovery Centre in Sidney are good for an idea of what lives in the Pacific. Give an entire day to the BC Museum/IMAX, park behind the museum, all day for about 8 bucks and the Inner Harbour is right across the street from the museum. The Empress is "the place" for high tea, but be prepared for the cost. At least, my mom says it is outrageous.  You do realize that for us west coasters, Central Canada is called Winnipeg!  ;D