Despite the number of posts discouraging visits to Victoria, I suggest that it's a wonderful place to go -- especially in the "low" seasons. We were there mid-week in April and again in early October and although there were still a few mobs of tourists, we were able to do and see without feeling the crush of too many people. If you're planning a trip there and are dying to try "High Tea," beware: the famous Empress experience will set you back $42 per person while similarly elegant teas can be had at other places (Gatsby's, for example) for less than half the price. If you must visit the Empress, try a drink in the Bengal Lounge instead. The Harbour Ferry Gorge Tour is information-packed, folksy and beautiful -- and only $16 per person for nearly an hour's trip. Lastly, we highly recommend Spinnakers -- as a brew pub and as a B&B. Just a 20-minute walk along the Harbour from downtown, Spinnakers'Guesthouse rooms are elegant, peaceful and the staff is cheerful and accomodating.

A better choice would be Beaconsfield Inn. They include an afternoon tea in their prices, and they're only 4 blocks from the inner harbour. Their telephone is 888-884-4044. <BR> <BR>BTW Spinakers is more like 45 minutes walking distance. Quite a hike!

Why in the world would anyone bad mouth Victoria? It is a great place and one that I would return to in an instant. Those that bad mouth this wonderful city and the island must be very sour unhappy people.

Shush you people. This place is already too crowded. Tell everyone to go to Vancouver and forget the island.

Gus: <BR> <BR>One of the reasons that people bad mouth Victoria is they think that it is too "touristy". I don't know what they expect as any area that attracts a lot of tourists is going to be quote "touristy". Personally I see nothing wrong with a place being touristy. I far prefer that than some primitive place where there are no amenities.

How can anyone bad mouth Victoria? I've just returned from B.C. and was fortunate in being able to spend 3 weeks in Victoria. We absolutely loved every minute of our stay there and took in as many of the galleries, shows, gardens, free concerts at the university, and walked, walked and walked! <BR> <BR>It was a delightful get away and I hope that my friend loans me her apartment again next year -- actually we're going to exchange our homes. <BR>

Victoria - probably my favourite place I've ever been to. It houses the best burger on the planet (in the Sticky Wicket), some of the most beautiful views across to the Olympic Mountain range, and is, to me, a fantastic mix of North american and British as well as Pacific Rim. <BR> <BR>Go there.