loru100

I feel kind of stupid asking this question, since I live only one province away, but my husband is in Vancouver on business and I'm joining him this weekend. We're planning on taking the ferry to Victoria (we're taking the Pacific Coach bus, which will drop us off in downtown Victoria).

Any tips on what to see when we get there? My husband has already nixed high tea at the Empress!

AndrewDavid

hi, the best option esp if the weather is not picture perfect would be the royal bc museum, one block from the bus station. you could follow with a stroll around the inner harbour and downtown core or if nicer weather a walk through beacon hill park which begins 2 blocks from the station to the ocean @ dallas road, the cliffs above on windy days are thronged with kite surfers and kite flyers. regardless of the weather its a great place to people watch as the cliffs above the beach are 2.5 km of off leash dog romp

cheers
AndrewDavid

ps a better option @ the empress is the excellent curry buffet in the beautiful bengal lounge

annetti

I second the beautiful BC museum. There are some great docent tours or perhaps, a special exhibit. Permanent exhibits are nice, too.

Just wandering around the Inner Harbor and down Government Street is relaxing if the weather permits.

A nice tea (not expensive) is the White Heather, but you would need a bus to get there. The tourist center in the Inner Harbor can tell you how to get there or give you some other ideas. I found them to be very helpful.

Whatever you decide, Victoria is a lovely place to spend a day or much longer. Have a good time.

rivet

If you like the feel of the Inner Harbour, wander right down to the boats and have something to drink or a light snack at The Flying Otter --- cool little place where you can watch the float planes take. off.

Chelz7676

When are you going ? If it's in season - rent scooters. My hubby and I do everytime we pop over for a weekend.

Myer

We were in Victoria for one complete day (two nights). We didn't go to any museums as we wanted to wander.

We walked around the perimeter of the Inner Harbour. We walked around and thru the Government Buildings.

We walked to and thru Beacon Hill Park that's about four blocks below the Inner Harbour. Very nice park.

We wandered into the school next to Helmcken House. Very interesting explanations on the kid's school.

Meandered back and forth between Wharf and Government streets working our way up to Chinatown. Lot's of nice spots along the way.

I don't remember the name of the restaurant where we had dinner but it's on the side of the harbour directly opposite the Government Buildings.

We had a window table and watched the habour get dark and the lights come on.

The bus depot is at the corner of Beleville & Douglas Streets. It's so close that we couldn't even take a taxi to the deport to get to Vancouver. We just wheeled out luggage a block and that was it.

Nice little town.

BC_Robyn

Victoria's a great wandering city. My favourite thing to do is the Royal BC Museum, but you need to devote at least 2 hours there, and you'll want to get there early as they close earlier than I often anticipate. If you've been to Ottawa's (err, Gatineau's) Museum of Civilization, the Royal BC Museum rivals that.

But I'd simply wander. Wander around the Inner Harbour, up Government Street, through (the very tiny) Chinatown - especially the blink-and-you'll-miss-it Fan Tan Alley.

Wander into the Legislative building, then stroll behind it to Emily Carr's house. Stroll along the waterfront over to Fisherman's Wharf where there are a few floating fish & chip (and other novelty food) shacks.

Stroll over to Dallas Road where there are staircases leading down to the rocky beach. Head back into the city through Beacon Hill Park or via Cook Street where you can grab a coffee or hot chocolate at Moka House Cafe.

These are the things I enjoy about Victoria - so much crammed into a tiny area. No need for high tea... BUT on Government Street, do drop by Silk Road. They're a beautiful tea shop. Pick up some loose leaf tea to bring home and enjoy for weeks to come.

Myer

BC_Robyn,

If you read my post just above yours they're very similar.

I'll bet you wrote the same things when I was planning our trip a year ago. Thanks.

BC_Robyn

Oh wow, you're right - they are similar. I must have read the first sentence of your post and got on my own tangent without reading the rest of your post, so my apologies! But you're right, I likely did respond to you. You definitely explored Victoria how I would.

Myer

BC_Robyn,
That's very funny.