Victoria, British Columbia

The capital city of British Columbia, Victoria enjoys some of the country’s most exhilarating scenery. An ocean or mountain vista is around every corner, and the city’s flower gardens are famous the world over. Boasting the mildest climate in Canada, Victoria is green and beautiful year-round. In this world class city; heritage, architecture, colorful gardens and traditions mix with a plethora of outdoor adventure, world-class culinary experiences and a vibrant arts and cultural scene.

Victoria is a short ferry ride from Port Angeles and is a highly desirable and easy day trip. During the ferry ride, one can enjoy the beauty of the Strait of Juan de Fuca set against a backdrop of the Olympic Mountains. You can zip over on the ferry for the day and leave your car (and hassles) at the ferry terminal in Port Angeles.

The Inner Harbor is the main gathering place in Victoria for marine activity, sightseeing, entertainment, attractions and politics. Most of the major tourism sites, attractions, activities, shopping and dining are all within walking distance and are very easy for visitors to explore on foot. Some of the nearby attractions include the gardens in Beacon Hill Park, and a wide variety of shops, boutiques, and artisans in the downtown core on Government Street. The Inner Harbor provides an entire day of fun filled entertainment.

Victoria is internationally known as the City of Gardens, and is home to the world famous Butchart Gardens. Just a short taxi ride from the Inner Harbor, 55 acres of floral finery await you as you stroll along meandering paths and expansive lawns.

Vancouver Island, where Victoria is located, is rated the Top Island in the Continental U.S. and Canada and one of the Top Ten Islands In The World by the 2012 Travel+Leisure World’s Best Awards. Victoria was rated as the #1 Destination to visit in Canada by the 2010 Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice Awards.

Crossing the US/Canadian Border
A US Passport, Passport Card, Enhanced Driver License or an Enhanced ID Card (EDL/ID) is REQUIRED to cross the US/Canadian border by land and sea. A Passport is required for air travel. A Passport Card or EDL/ID are NOT valid for air travel.

Official Tourism Website for Victoria, British Columbia.
Note – Make sure to Download the Free Tourism Victoria Mobile App

Butchart Gardens has grown to become a premier West Coast display garden, while maintaining the gracious traditions of the past. Today, Butchart Gardens has established an international reputation for its year round display of flowering plants.

Each year, over 1,000,000 bedding plants in some 700 varieties are used throughout the gardens to ensure uninterrupted bloom from March through October. Close to a million people visit yearly, enjoying not only the floral beauty, but the entertainment and lighting displays presented each summer and Christmas. Butchart Gardens is located 14 miles north of Victoria. Taxis are readily available near Victoria’s Inner Harbor.

The Empress Hotel sits majestically as the cornerstone of Victoria’s sparkling Inner Harbor. The Empress, now a Fairmont holding, features turn of the century architecture, classic beauty and a stunning location on the water. Indulge in one of Victoria’s grandest traditions – Afternoon Tea at The Fairmont Empress. For over 95 years, the majestic lobby of this landmark hotel has played host to England’s most beloved ritual – the taking of Afternoon Tea. The Empress Room is a recent recipient of the prestigious Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence. The magnificent Empress Dining Room boasts over 800 selections of Canadian and International wines, paired with exceptional 4-Diamond cuisine.

British Columbia’s past, present and future are alive at the Royal BC Museum. With a collection of more than seven million unique objects and documents, theres something incredible to see and do every time you visit. The Royal BC Museum is located in downtown Victoria, on the Inner Harbor, near the Parliament buildings and the Fairmont Empress Hotel.

The Parliament Buildings are located on the banks of the Inner Harbor. The government buildings are the dominant feature residing on a 5 hectare (12.5 acre) section of land situated on the waterfront in Downtown Victoria, BC. The BC Parliament Buildings offer guided tours year round.

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