Traveln_Duke

We are 2 adults who travel at a leasure pace, we have never been to canada, the Mrs. is wanting to go to victoria for sure we will have 4 full days with one day on each side commited to travel we will be flying in from the S.F. Bay Area, i would prefer not having a rental car at all. So here are the first of what i'm sure will be many questions.........
Should all 4 days be spent in victoria will there be enough things to occupy our time, the gardens, harbor area, museum etc. what are the must see/do things in victoria......
Best way to get from here to there(victoria) cost is a consideration but ease and enjoyment of travel rate#1........
we usually pick 4 star places to stay with that in mind any recomendations?
Is there anything that should be booked in advance? (travel date's are appx 3rd week in august)
We considered vancouver but we dont want to short change ourselves and miss something in victoria, thought about whistler but after reading many of the post on here decided to skip that.
Thanks for any and all input and shared experiences, I'm sure I'll have more questions later on.
Duke

P.S. She likes shops,museums,gardens....... I like hikes, walks, bikerides......just to give an idea.

eliztravels

I haven't been to Victoria in many, many years, but I think 4 days there would allow you to enjoy the city at your leisure. I remember Buchart Gardens and the museum as highlights. I suggest you keep your itinerary flexible and take a day trip out of the city when you have a sunny day.

Daniel_Williams

Yes, 4 days would be fine for exploring Victoria at a leisurely pace in my opinion. One day for doing typical tourist things in the center (Royal BC Museum, Parliament Buildings, the Empress, Beacon Hill Park), another for going out to Butchart Gardens and two days for planning outdoorsy excursions would work just fine for me. Biking was a real highlight when I went along Dallas Road; I'm sure there are other routes you might find enjoyable as well.

Have a great trip!

Sam_Salmon

No need for a rental car you can walk or bike anywhere you want to go.

http://www.gallopinggoosetrail.com/

http://www.crd.bc.ca/parks/lochside/index.htm

Also consider a kayak paddle of an afternoon or evening.

NorthwestMale

Hey, even I, (who typically leans against trying to do too much by adding Victoria to otherwise leisurely-yet-busy northwest vacations), say that this sort of traveler should GO to Victoria and ONLY (the ISLAND).

Somebody going there beCAUSE they want to GO THERE, can find plenty to do in Victoria to occupy their time. Vancouver is awesome on its own, but it is unfair to all when splitting 4 days between the two spots.

Do Victoria this time, particularly because the Mrs. wants to do so, and then take comfort in the idea that you got the (geographically) awkward one out of the way... and that you can have a future trip to Vancouver (for more than 4 days) flying conveniently into Seattle, Bellingham, or Vancouver itself.

With 4 days, I think I'd rent a car for one 24-hour period and drive north on the island somewhere, while making sure I went to Craigdarroch Castle near to central Victoria too.

amygirl

4 days sounds like a wonderful leisurely trip to Victoria and I applaud you for devoting your time to just one city. Victoria is a very tourist friendly city, especially in the spring/summer/fall months. Everything you need to see in the downtown core is walkable.....do not miss visiting the Royal BC Museum....one of the best in the world!,skip tea at the Empress as it is WAY overpriced and have tea at the White Heather Tea Room in Oak Bay, or at Butchart Gardens...which also must be on your list of things to do.
If you need something for a day trip, I would suggest renting a car for a day and heading up island to visit Chemainus where ther are some amazing murals all around the town, and if you want a lunch option, check out The Crow and Gate Pub (sorry I don't have their website address, but you can google it, it is a wonderful traditional english pub just south of Nanaimo.
As far as where to stay in Victoria, I would check out The Laurel Point Inn,Executive Inn,Delta Ocean Point Resort,or The Harbour Towers
As for how to get here, there is a direct flight from San Fransisco to Victoria every day....sorry, I don't remember which airline it is!!
Hope this helps, and hope you have a great visit to our jewel of a city!!

annetti

Amygirl has given you excellent advice. I <I>am</i> a leisurely traveler, too, so leisured that I spent 10 plus weeks on two consecutive home exchanges in Victoria and had no problems enjoying myself or finding things to keep us entertained.

Chemainus was interesting and worth an afternoon - we were there on a Mon.; quite a few restaurants were closed, however it did not stop us from enjoying the murals.

I have a trip report on Victoria; you can scroll down on my name if you are interested. Victoria is a charming city.

BTW, the White Heather is a wonderful spot for lunch, the service is terrific and the cost is very reasonable for the high quality. Also, fun was to eat lunch at the Parliament bldg. Remember to bring your ID or you won't be admitted. The tour of the bldg is free and worth your time, too Reservations are recommended for both places.