Day Trip at Victoria
 

what is the most budgeted means to get to Victoria from Vancouver
and where to overnite? also what Must Dos for the day there? Many thanks.

Sorry nobody has replied earlier.

The most economical way to get to Victoria from Vancouver is by the regular transit system to the ferry. (Twawwassem)

http://www.translink.ca/en/Schedules-and-Maps.aspx

Once you arrive in Swartz Bay you can take the public system to downtown

http://www.bctransit.com/regions/vic...p.cfm?region=0

If you want to make it easier but it cost a lot more is to take the Pacific coach bus from downtown Vancouver to downtown Victoria
http://www.pacificcoach.com/

The Royal BC Museum is a must do and is located right downtown. You can spend the day in the area and never run out of things to see and enjoy.

www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

As far as where to overnight there are so many options but it depends on the time of year etc as to price. Definitely stay in the downtown area and you will be able to walk everywhere.

If you have anymore questions just post again.

We took Pacific coach bus. It was a very easy and nice trip, I don't remember the price, but I don't think that it was too expensive.
We stayed for two nights; one day we visited the town (it is very nice and pleasant; you can tour the City Hall, walk a lot) and the next day we visited Butcher Garden and the Conservatorium (where there are a lot of butterflies and birds). IMO, Butcher Garden is a must.

dear traveller 69 & valtor,
thanks for your tips. much aapreciated.
i traveled a lot to asia and resides in hawaii,
love to return favor should you ever have the need.
would appreciate buget/mid price hotels for 2 nights.
mahalo [thank you in hawaiian],TCGirl

TCGirl

You are very welcome. Tell me what month you are coming to Victoria as the prices really vary and the summer months are a lot higher. Also, what do you call budget/mid price? There are lots of B&B's in the area as well. Do you have a preference?

Glad to help, thechinesegirl! We stayed at a B&B, named Marketa. http://www.marketas.com/
Nice, clean, very good breakfast, central location.

valtor - I always recommend marketas - glad you liked it!

thechinesegirl mentioned budget priced accommodation and there are lots of those as well. By the way - just so you know for next time and are looking for information it is Butchart Gardens. Chinesegirl if you read this post there is a bus from the terminal (which is right downtown) you can take to the gardens which is a lot cheaper than a tour.

A truly budget place in Victoria full of young international travelers is.

http://www.oceanisland.com/

Hi Chinesegirl,

Adding to what others have said, a lovely free thing to do is I'd recommend walking over to Beacon Hill Park all the way to Dallas Road with the views of the Juan de Fuca Strait. Just lovely. Being a budget traveller, you might balk a bit at the $26 (possibly more now) entry fee to see Butchart Gardens. I usually don't like paying these sorts of prices, but Butchart Gardens however I felt was truly worth it for its views of Brentwood Bay, surrounded by coniferous trees and a breathtaking visual of flowers, bushes, etc... Nothing that could be captured on You-Tube for sure, such is the panorama.

Have fun! D. Williams

PS I stayed at the Strathcona Hotel, centrally located in Victoria and worked well for me, but some people don't like that it's right next to a popular bar.

thanks to all for your great tips.
i was gone [maui for a week] and will
be heading to SFO/YVR mid may...Victoria
for a day or 2 with my active 76 yr mom.
a neat BB under $100? a nite or 2?
mahalo [thak you in Hawaiian]!

Hi again. Valtor recommended Marketa's B&B which is one that I recommend as well. Mid May I think you will certainly get a room there under $100 or very close to it. It is a lovely B&B and in an excellent location. Check their website for your dates and if there isn't anything available let us know and we can recommend other alternatives.

I would recommend either Swans Hotel (http://www.swanshotel.com) or Fairholme Manor Bed and Breakfast (http://www.fairholmemanor.com) for your stay in Victoria. Both are located downtown. I don't think you will find many B&B's in the area for under $100.

If you're looking for activities maybe try a whale watching trip (http://www.orcaspirit.com).

Here are some ideas on things to do in Victoria:

http://www.notabletravels.com/destin.../Victoria.html

thanks, Linda! found Queeen Victoria Hotel with the link you provided...$165 hotel with 2 adult passes to BGardens [$52+value] is a good deal. location prime. thanks to all
for your input! aloha, the chinese girl *any neat & cheap places for the 3 meals?

Glad you found a great deal! My advice is to have your main meal at lunch time when prices can be half what they are at dinnertime. The Spaghetti Warehouse is a short walk from the Queen Victoria Hotel and reasonably priced at any time. In this very British city, there are also many places that serve afternoon tea.

For a touch of luxury at a reasonable price, try the Bengal Room of the landmark Fairmont Empress Hotel for the lesser-known curry lunch buffet (listed for $27 CAD at lunch and $29 at dinner on their website: http://www.fairmont.com/NR/rdonlyres...ry_Nov2008.pdf
-- about half the price of their afternoon tea--quite a bargain for this fabulous hotel.

dear All, just got back and we had a most wonderful time thanks to all of your kind assistance and tips. the Queen Victoria Hotel was a short walk from the Pacific Coach bus station which also has direct service from Victoria to YVR airport. the hotel offered Free Taxi service within the downtown area which was a plus. many thanks from th Chinese Girl

Dear thechinesegirl,

I'm so glad you had a most wonderful time. Thanks for reporting back.

All the best, Daniel