Recently, I traveled to Victoria, British Columbia with my hubby, exploring a good portion of Vancouver Island and the capital city. How to get here? Many ferries come to this island from the mainland of Canada (the city of Vancouver) and the United States (Seattle). Also, the Victoria International Airport is very busy and has frequent flights to and from North America and beyond.
If you have read any of my travel blogs then you know to expect a list of travel tips. So, without further adieu here are my helpful tips, recommendations, and photos!
TIPS for VISITING VANCOUVER ISLAND
TIP 1: Consider traveling during the off-season
Victoria is a popular destination during warmer months due to cruise ships stopping en route to or from Alaska. Consider visiting Victoria, and the rest of Vancouver Island, earlier in the Spring or the Fall. You may have more rain, but you will not have to endure the crowds. If you are on a cruise with limited time – then consider my “Top 3” places to explore on this island.
My TOP 3:
1. BUTCHART GARDENS
2. EMPRESS HOTEL for HIGH TEA
3. INNER HARBOR of DOWNTOWN VICTORIA
TIP 2: MAKE A PLAN BEFORE VISITING
My top places to travel also are popular with others, so consider planning and purchasing tickets to visit Butchart Gardens and The Empress Hotel for High Tea. These two places are very impressive and also deserving of your consideration. Butchart Gardens can take several hours to meander the paths along the Sunken, Japanese, Italian, and Rose gardens. There are shops, restaurants, and even a carousel. During the summer weekends, musical entertainment is available along with fireworks on Saturday evenings.
The Empress Hotel is downtown in Victoria. It is located in the middle of the inner harbor and offers a multitude of places to visit. There is High Tea at the Empress (a very lovely two hours can be spent here having tea and assorted yummy sandwiches, scones, and desserts.). There also is a miniature museum on the perimeter of the hotel and well worth spending another hour or two visiting. (This is a very fun place to bring children!) Except for the museum, it is best to purchase in advance tickets for the gardens and high tea. Plus, enjoy the sculptures all around the hotel, as well!
TIP 3- Wear Comfortable Shoes to Walk the Downtown, including the Inner Harbor
Victoria is a walking city. Dress for a temperate climate and lots of walking. Be sure to pack a raincoat or umbrella!
TIP 4- Use the very accessible bus transportation system.
Tickets can be purchased on the bus or the Visitor’s Center located on the corner of Wharf and Government Street.
TIP 5- Visit a winery or cider mill on the outskirts of Victoria’s downtown.
Located under an hour from downtown is no less than ten wineries and cider mills. We loved the Cowichan Valley’s Merridale Cider Mill – mostly because it had delicious ciders and sandwiches, but also because it was very family-friendly. Their property included much to see, including faerie gardens!
TIP 6: Visit the beaches
Along the perimeter of Victoria, you will find inlets, harbors, and beaches. From the sea glass beach in Sidney (near the airport) to “SPLIT ROCK LOOKOUT” in Malahat (a lovely serene area off the beaten path). Pack a picnic, sunblock, and go hike the beach trails!
TIP 7: Visit at least ONE Castle!
If you are like me, you find castles and lighthouses fascinating. But, after one or two you have had enough! So, if you feel the need to explore a castle- make it Craigdorrach in the downtown area of Victoria! The history is fascinating and the castle is beautiful. BUT… be warned – there is no elevator, ramps, or any other attempt to make this place accessible. It is privately owned and everything is in ENGLISH (not even French – the official second language of Canada!)
TIP 8 – RESTAURANT SUGGESTIONS
We ate at a few really good restaurants and a few not so good. I already covered the two exceptionally yummy high teas we attended at Butchart Gardens and The Empress Hotel.
The only restaurant that we found as a standout was NAUTICAL NELLIES on Wharf Street. This restaurant has a casual atmosphere with a pub-like feel. There is outdoor seating and they have take-out options. It also had an eclectic menu that included lobster mac and cheese (double yum), a spicy street corn, and several varieties of sushi! We ate three times at Nautical Nellies and would have gone back again if we had more days! Their waitstaff also was very attentive and answered all of our questions (due to allergies – I got questions!)
In closing, we visited Victoria during their Canada Day celebration festivities! We booked our hotel for July 1 (Canada Day) at the Delta Marriott. It just happened to be the exact area where they launched the fireworks display for all who were visiting the harbor. Our room proved to be an excellent vantage point to photograph and video the fireworks. Enjoy the video!
