My husband and I are planning a trip to Seatle, with a side trip to Victoria. We want to go when the flowers are at their most spendid, or during fall foliage (?). Have researched numerous tourguides, but would apprecite first-hand recommendations on romatic lodgings and sites! Is the Inn at the Market fabulous? How much time to allot for Victoria? One day ,more? Not to be missed sites and experiences? Any info, very much appreciated! Feel free to e-mail! We love fine dining, scenery, history, art, music... Thanks!

Hello, again. You probably can't time your visit so soon to hit the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival because it's in early April. But it is one of the best agricultural displays of tulips outside Holland. In Victoria, you probably already have seen Buchart Gardens in the guidebooks. Don't miss it. I am not a huge fan of Victoria so you might not want to take my advice. But I would not stay there long, two days would get you central Victoria and a day for the short trip up to Buchart. If you want to stay on Vancouver Island longer, I would venture up to Naniamo and stay at the unique Yellowpoint Lodge. Reservations are hard to get but worth it. Contact me if you want more info. Good Luck!

In Seattle the Inn at the Market looks great..although I have not stayed there. A meal at Wild Ginger is a must! Great Thai food and you can walk to it from the Inn. I love Victoria, although in July and August it can become crowded. Go to the Buchart GArdens(I've been twice). There are great b&B's in Victoria..I really Like the Beaconsfield and Abigails(same man own's both).Victoria need's 2-3 days....If you explore Vancouver ISland...seakayaking can be wonderful...HAve fun

Two romantic places in Victoria are:
1-Victoria Regent Hotel on the harbour. The view is beautiful and we had a balcony and complete kitchen: wonderful to have breakfast on your own.
2-Oak Bay Beach Hotel (5 miles out of Victoria) great view of the ocean (ask not to have a parking view). Transportation to Victoria, also possibility of cruises. Beautiful and very quiet.

Good luck!

Hi!Victoria has many nice restaurants.One of our favourites is Barkley's Steak and Seafood.It is within the downtown area.The food and service is excellent.When you go to Victoria make sure you see Butchart Gardens and the B.C. Museum.Have a great trip!

I enjoy the British flavour of Victoria and I enjoy spending time walking around the harbour area. The Empress Hotel is quite an experience ... it is a first class hotel with a rich history. 4 o'clock tea at the Empress is a local tradition that reflects the British heritage of the place. Butchart Gardens is a must see in my opinion ... I'd suggest a full day to really enjoy your visit. There are some great restaurants in downtown Victoria in the harbour area. They have a Hy's Steakhouse ... mmm good! Also, check out the shopping on Government St. You have to try some Rogers Chocolate since its made in Victoria and sold around the world ... yumm!

I would add Anne Hathaway's Cottage to the list of places to visit.

Hi, you'll have a great time in Victoria, I go there 3-4 times per year and spend a couple days each time. A great place to go is the Commonwealth Pool, it has waterslides, wave pool, "sport pool", length pool, diving pool(with different board hights), kids hot tub, adult hot tub ect. it's well worth the time. Walking around Chinatown is always neat with a lot of great places hidden in the alleys. Walking along the harbour, there's always something going on. Beacon Hill Park (within walking distance to downtown) is always a great place to go. When in Victoria make sure you first go to the travel informaton bureau at the upper corner of the Inner Harbour, they can tell you everything you have to know about Victoria and the rest of the Island.

Hi, I live in Victoria, and wouldn't trade it for the world. There is a whale exhibition here this summer at the museum, which is a must see. Late Spring is best for viewing flowers, but lots of tourists then. Places to eat are Amelia St. Bistro, Dilletantes and Pagliacci's. Also check out Craigdarroch Castle, Butchart Gardens, and the Empress. Avoid the Undersea Garden!

Iam going to be on the island in July and tried to get a room at Sooke Harbor House. They recommended a place next door,or so, called Richview House, The owner sounded pleasent. I love beautiful views and wonderful accommodations. I had thought about Hastings House on Salt Spring but decided to take the Richview recommendation. Do you know of this place, the views around there? Have thought about the Aarie but have not spoken with them. Thank you for any of your thoughts. This will be my first time to Vancover and the Island, and am a flatlander from Kansas City