Victoria, BC weekend help
Jun 19th, 2016, 06:38 PM
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Victoria, BC weekend help
I'll be in Victoria July 15 to 17th, and I could use a little itinerary review. Usually i need more help with sightseeing, but this time I could use some for the dining parts, to make sure I'm making good choices and getting my times okay.
Am staying at Doubletree in the Centre of town.
Arrive Friday 11:30 from BCF Connector bus from YVR. Gosh, this is a long journey, but it seems easier than figuring out the way to/from the terminals myself before/after ferry ride.
Friday:
Either Fishhook or Red Fish Blue Fish (will be much bigger portion than Fish Hook), say noon or so. I'm going to go with Fishhook maybe here, as I'll want to be hungrier for afternoon tea.
Provincial Legislature Building Tours (Does this also include the BC Parliament Buildings?) - try to join a group public tour at some point? Not sure of schedule
Emily Carr House - ends at 4 pm. Shouldn't take long.
Beacon Hill Park
Afternoon Tea 5:30 Fairmont Empress
After 9 pm, if still hungry, Catalano for happy hour small appetizer or two
Saturday:
Butchart Gardens - Long Day. Eat there, I guess?
Royal BC Museums - open until 10 pm, won't stay that late.
Nice dinner at either: Ferris Upstairs, Nautical Nellie, Matisse or Olo (looking for good seafood). No idea what time to make it for. Maybe 8? Thoughts between these choices? Am leaning toward Nautical Nellie's for the crab cakes and seafood trio.
Sunday:
Putz around in the AM. Thoughts on where to walk?
Probably Red Fish, Blue Fish (around 11, 11:30)
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria - opens at noon, and something I really want to prioritize. Get there at noon. Leave at 4?
Happy hour around 4:30 or so at Nautical Nellie's (Can Miss; can also try Catalano if haven't yet been there and will be a little more time efficient)
Long journey back to YVR, BCF bus at 5:45 pm.
Comments: Not sure I love Sunday for starting sightseeing so late and being a little rushed, but it seems I need to do Emily Carr and Parliament Tour Friday since first won't be open and second only involves group tours. It sounds really odd, I know, but I would rather prioritize the Art Gallery over Royal BC museums, so I don't care if I only get like 3 hours at the latter.
How long will Butchart Gardens take, and am I doing too much on Saturday?
Finally, I need to get cracking on booking the BCF bus/ferry connector thing. I think the seaplane is just too expensive (and too small!)
Am staying at Doubletree in the Centre of town.
Arrive Friday 11:30 from BCF Connector bus from YVR. Gosh, this is a long journey, but it seems easier than figuring out the way to/from the terminals myself before/after ferry ride.
Friday:
Either Fishhook or Red Fish Blue Fish (will be much bigger portion than Fish Hook), say noon or so. I'm going to go with Fishhook maybe here, as I'll want to be hungrier for afternoon tea.
Provincial Legislature Building Tours (Does this also include the BC Parliament Buildings?) - try to join a group public tour at some point? Not sure of schedule
Emily Carr House - ends at 4 pm. Shouldn't take long.
Beacon Hill Park
Afternoon Tea 5:30 Fairmont Empress
After 9 pm, if still hungry, Catalano for happy hour small appetizer or two
Saturday:
Butchart Gardens - Long Day. Eat there, I guess?
Royal BC Museums - open until 10 pm, won't stay that late.
Nice dinner at either: Ferris Upstairs, Nautical Nellie, Matisse or Olo (looking for good seafood). No idea what time to make it for. Maybe 8? Thoughts between these choices? Am leaning toward Nautical Nellie's for the crab cakes and seafood trio.
Sunday:
Putz around in the AM. Thoughts on where to walk?
Probably Red Fish, Blue Fish (around 11, 11:30)
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria - opens at noon, and something I really want to prioritize. Get there at noon. Leave at 4?
Happy hour around 4:30 or so at Nautical Nellie's (Can Miss; can also try Catalano if haven't yet been there and will be a little more time efficient)
Long journey back to YVR, BCF bus at 5:45 pm.
Comments: Not sure I love Sunday for starting sightseeing so late and being a little rushed, but it seems I need to do Emily Carr and Parliament Tour Friday since first won't be open and second only involves group tours. It sounds really odd, I know, but I would rather prioritize the Art Gallery over Royal BC museums, so I don't care if I only get like 3 hours at the latter.
How long will Butchart Gardens take, and am I doing too much on Saturday?
Finally, I need to get cracking on booking the BCF bus/ferry connector thing. I think the seaplane is just too expensive (and too small!)
Jun 22nd, 2016, 07:55 AM
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You seem to have your itinerary already defined in detail.
Time-wise, Saturday seems ok, since you'll be able to walk to the Royal BC Museum. Butchart - we typically spend a half day, plus time to get there and back. We've never been able to eat there (always too busy and we did not have reservations).
Tea at the Fairmont Empress is pricy and I haven't heard that it's all that wonderful. But I'm not much for high tea food, so can't personally comment.
Restaurants in general - not familiar, and we don't tend to plan that specifically. Others may be able to advise you.
Time-wise, Saturday seems ok, since you'll be able to walk to the Royal BC Museum. Butchart - we typically spend a half day, plus time to get there and back. We've never been able to eat there (always too busy and we did not have reservations).
Tea at the Fairmont Empress is pricy and I haven't heard that it's all that wonderful. But I'm not much for high tea food, so can't personally comment.
Restaurants in general - not familiar, and we don't tend to plan that specifically. Others may be able to advise you.
Jun 22nd, 2016, 01:12 PM
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Thanks. I have some Fairmont gift cards with a 20% bonus, so that helps a little. Just felt like something I "had" to do. I was thinking of maybe eating in the Butchart coffee shop or that poppy house or whatever as opposed to the actual restaurant itself. Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
