Russ

Greetings all. A thread in the US forum about favorite cities reminded me of a couple trips I had made to Victoria, BC. Both times I was only there for a short period of time and did not get a fair chance to soak up the local scene, but I was really charmed by the architecture and feel of the city.<BR><BR>Is this a good destination for a nice week-long spring or summer getaway? I've been to Vancouver many times and am well familiar with it, I am specifically asking about Victoria.<BR><BR>Is there a good night life there? How about cultural activities, anything really special worth scheduling for? Is a week too long, too short? Any hidden gems to see or experience that locals or Canadians might recommend? Restaurant tips? Unique sights?<BR><BR>I'd appreciate any advice you might have for me!<BR><BR>Thanks, all the best. Russ

Russ

And by the way, I have been to the Empress high tea, and to the gardens. I am most interested in the local scene, what do the locals like to do for a special time? Any really cool restaurants with the combination of nice views or unique ambience and cuisine? Any fun clubs or hang outs?<BR><BR>Thanks again, cheers. Russ

April

Here are a few ideas.<BR><BR>Walk from the inner harbour along the waterfront to downtown, up to Chinatown, through Fan Tan Alley and back down Government St., or along the breakwater at Odgen Point and stop for a snack at the cafe there, or through Beacon Hill Park.<BR>Visit the museum if you haven't already.<BR>Take a harbour taxi tour.<BR>Shop in Oak Bay, Sidney or at Mattick's Farm.<BR>Take the ferry from Sidney to Sidney Spit (summer only I believe - no cars) and eat a picnic lunch on the beach, walk the trails and see some fallow deer.<BR>Drive along the waterfront through the Uplands, up to Mt. Doug Park and walk up to the viewpoint. Drive the backroads through the peninsula. Water is all around so you can't really get lost.<BR>Go to the observatory at night. <BR>Visit Hatley Park and castle and drive along the lagoon below it.<BR>Visit one of the beach areas past Sooke. <BR>Hike in East Sooke Park. <BR>Watch the salmon spawn at Goldstream Park in the fall.<BR><BR>With a week you'd probably want to head out of Victoria. You could see the murals in Chemainus, which is very touristy, stay at Parksville, visit Hornby Island or, probably most people's number one choice, drive out to Tofino. You could also visit a gulf island. Saltspring is very easy to get to and has a nice viewpoint from Mt. Maxwell.<BR><BR>If you're without a car your choices would be limited. In that case my preference for getting to Victoria would be to take the ferry one way and the float plane the other.

April

Oops, sorry, that's Ogden Point.

jim

I lived in Victoria for a year. I loved the place, but more for its beauty, climate, and ambience than its nightlife. In fact they tend to roll the streets up at midnight. There are a few clubs and the usual bars that you can find in any city, but nothing out of the ordinary.<BR>The post from April gives some excellent suggestions, to which I would add a drive up the Malahat towards Nanaimo. <BR>A couple of excellent restaurants are Pagliaccis downtown ( casual, bistro-style with superb food), and the Sooke Harbour house for something more upscale. Daniellis is a new Italian restaurant in Oak Bay which was very good when I went last summer.<BR>I would highly recommend a visit and spending some time, but I think a week might be too long if you are just doing the tourist thing. Three to four days would be plenty. Enjoy, its a beautiful place.

Russ

Thanks much for the information! I really have to get back up there again and allow more time to enjoy the city.<BR><BR>Cheers,<BR>Russ