Although we've been in Victoria before, we've never stayed there. After a family reunion, we're planning on spending 3 days there as our plane leaves from there. Any ideas on places to stay and things to do (especially ideas that involve the ocean). Also looking for a nice inn or b&b and nice places to eat.Thanks

The premier place to stay would be the Empress Hotel. Butchart Gardens would be a place to see. They are having their 100 year anniversary this year.

Definitely do Butchart Gardens -- in the day, see the gardens and have tea there and at night, see the magnificent illuminations and fireworks display. Whale watching cruises depart Victoria harbor daily. A fabulous place to eat (and stay) is Sooke Harbor House, about 30-45 minutes away from Victoria. Delicious, inventive food in a gorgeous setting right on the water.

We stayed at Abigail's B&B and enjoyed it very much. We left the car parked and walked to the harbor area. No TVs and no elevator, though, if either are important to you... Very comfortable rooms and an excellent breakfast.

We toured the Parliament (or do they call it the Provincial Capitol Building?) and would recommend it. We were there pre-Sept. 11th, so you'd need to confirm the public is still allowed entry and/or whether reservations are required.

We also toured a mansion, but you'd need a car or an organized tour to get there. I think the name was Craigdarroch Castle or something similar. Beautiful wood paneling and stairway, nicely decorated with period furnishings, a grand house with an interesting history.

The museum (British Columbia Natural History?) was very good, and we spent a good deal of time there and in the adjacent historical buildings.

Butchart Gardens are gorgeous. We were there in early September, and there was a sense that it would have really been a knockout a few weeks earlier. Nevertheless, there were still lots of flowers. The gift shop is nice too.

I didn't know about the fireworks. Are they every night?

I spent 4 days in Victoria a few years ago and I really enjoyed walking and visiting the city; there are a few very nice day spas.

I agree on Buschart's gardens, welll worth the day trip. Even in september, the summer flowers had been replaced by fall mums.....

The fireworks at Butchart Gardens are held every Saturday night during July and August.

You say "we." If that includes kids, definitely whale watching for a few hours is in order. On the way to Butchart Gardens you'll come across the Butterfly Gardens, which is cool. Kids can get up close to thousands of butterflies. About one blocvk up from Victoria Harbor is Thunderbird Park, a small park area wtih large totems. My 9 year old loved it, playing "totem" himself (great Kodak moment).

Really enjoyed the ghost tour in the evening. It wasn't hokey or ghoulish-the leader was an historian who has lived in Victoria for many years and written about reported experiences with ghosts.

......if you want some rural time on
the water and have a car - drive out
to East Sooke Regional Park and spend
some time wandering the beach and
walking though the beautiful grounds.

It is a real Vancouver Island gem -
and every time we've been there its
been uncrowded.

There are many lovely bed and breakfasts in Victoria. One I stay at often is Binners B&B
http://abeautifulislandaway.com you could always go look at http://wcbbia.com web site for other great bed and breakfasts in and around Victoria and BC.

Here is a hotel map of Victoria click on the hotel and it brings up their web page http://www.greatervictoriahotels.com...map-hotels.htm
hope it helps
there is a lot to do in Victoria!