I just spent 30 minutes typing up this report, and it disappeared when I clicked to post it! I guess I'll sum up: <BR> <BR>We had a WONDERFUL time! The hotel was fantastic (Royal Scot Suite Hotel), the food was great (Milestone's was our favorite restaurant, but the Sticky Wicket had great pub grub, and Barb's on the wharf had the best fish-n-chips). We went to Butchart Gardens, toured the Parliament Building, walked out to Ogden Point, hiked along the water (rocks) from Mile 0, took a city tour, rode the Pacific Wilderness Express Railway train up to Malahat Station (highly recommend this!), visited Crystal Gardens, did lots of shopping, and I probably left out all kinds of stuff. We can't wait to go back, and if you want any specifics about our trip, let me know. Thanks to everyone on this forum for providing me with wonderful recommendations that helped to make our trip even better!

Lisa, thanks for the tips. We are going on Tuesday, and will try some of the restaurants you mentioned. What was it you loved about the railway express journey? How long did it take and how much did it cost? Appreciate the help: Thanks!

I am also curious about the railway trip. I know a family who took it and said it was the most boring thing they've ever done in Victoria!

Well, being that we are rail buffs, we really enjoyed the journey. It was relaxing and scenic (so it was nice after 3 days of walking for 12 hours a day). It is not action-packed, so I can see where someone would think it was boring. The scenery doesn't get nice until you're out of town (the train goes through some run-down areas). The train is actually called the Pacific Wilderness Railway, and it costs $29/person round trip (kids are half, I think), and it takes 2 1/2 hours. However, they offer some packages. One includes lunch at the Aeries (I might have the spelling wrong), which is supposed to be a posh restaurant with wonderful views. For that, you would get off the train when it stops at Malahat Station and take a charter bus. You take the train back to Victoria after lunch. From what I've heard, it's a 5-star lunch. That package costs $99/person (kids are half-price, I think). Then there's the wilderness walk. I don't know the price on that, but I wish we had done it. You take the train to Malahat Station, and then it stops on the way back shortly after Malahat, and you get off for a 3-hour guided walk through the wilderness park. You can check out the website at http://www.pacificwildernessrailway.com/ for details. Have fun on your trip, Katherine!!

Hi, Lisa, I also thought the Royal Scot Hotel Suites was great. Three of us went last October, and the winter rate with full breakfasts and dinners included was unbelievable. <BR><BR>I'm "topping" your post for Roxanne, to whom I just recommended the Royal Scot, to be sure she doesn't miss the details of your trip report. (Well, I assume she'd pick up on your thread, since it has to do with Victoria.)<BR><BR>Gosh, you had one heck of a trip - how wonderful! Thanks for sharing!<BR>