An Intro to Handsome Victoria, British Columbia

[Priya Ghatol]

The beautiful city of Victoria - actually the capital of this province - liesat the southern tip of Vancouver Island, just an hour's drive (and 90-minute ferry ride) from the city f Vancouver. Some of the highlights of this excursion include the ferry ride through the Gulf Islands, a stopover at the Fisherman’s Wharf to feed the seals, a tour to the downtown of Victoria, and a host of other attractions and activities to indulge in like the Royal BC Museum, Butchart Gardens, walking tours, and marine life viewing. Victoria carries a charm and elegance typically expected of British Columbia province. One of the best getaways from the Vancouver city, Victoria blossoms in the spring and summer season and experiences a mild winter, which makes it an all-around year destination. With easy access from Vancouver, this is probably one of the fantastic Vancouver day trips you can indulge in.

Dubbed "the Garden City," Victoria is home to British colonial architecture, and a lovely place to shop, browse, sightseeing, and admire these heritage buildings, stroll amid amazing lush green gardens, and relax over an afternoon tea. Active types can rent a bicycle and explore the various paths and trails of the city or even go for whale watching tours. Here I've listed some top points of interest:

Butchart Gardens


You will be in awe seeing this stunning 55 acres of mesmerizing floral display and theme gardens. One of the national historic sites of Canada, the Butchart Gardens hosts spectacular fireworks display every Saturday evening all through the summer season. Situated 30 minutes from Victoria city, the tour to the Butchart Gardens includes the shuttle cost to and fro from downtown and the admission to the beautiful garden. A must!

Craigdarroch Castle

Built in the 18th century for Robert Dunsmuir, a Scottish immigrant who created a great name and fortune from Vancouver Island coal. The opulence and fortune are reflected in the four floors of this fabulous 39-room castle. With exquisite stained glass windows, stunning Victorian-era furnishings, and intricate woodwork, you simply can’t ask for more from a tourist destination. Enjoy the delightful ambiance as you climb 87 stairs to the tower to experience stunning views of all Victoria, the Olympic Mountains, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Royal British Columbia Museum


Showcasing the human and natural history of British Columbia along with and temporary exhibits from around the world and others cultures, it includes a number of authentic artifacts and specimens.

BC Ferries

Enjoy spectacular scenery on the 90-minute ride from the Tsawwassen terminal south of downtonw Vancouver will land you at Victoria's Swartz Bay terminal, running every two hours and during peak hours/season also hourly. You can even transport your vehicle.

British Columbia Parliament Buildings

This impressive neo-Baroque complex with sprawling lawns houses the province's Legislative Assembly, and is open daily to the public, either by guided or self-guided tour.

Victoria Chinatown

Canada's oldest Chinatown (1858) is fun to explore with its mazelike back streets and courtyard, and includes popular attractions/landmarks such as Tam Kung Buddhist Temple and the Gate of Harmonious Interest, guarded by gigantic lion statues.

Beacon Hill Park

This lush, bucolic 200-acre spread is home to various hiking trails, two playgrounds, a botanical garden, a water park, a petting zoo, and a host of other attractions popular with locals and visitors alike.

Mile Zero

Placed in the southwestern Beacon Hill Park at Douglas Street in Victoria State of British Columbia. This marks the beginning of Canada's Number 1 highway, the Trans-Canada, stretching the entire length of the country.

We are one of the leading travel partners offering fabulous discounts and customized tour packages for Vancouver to Victoria Day trips. Some of the highlights of our package would be:

• Pick up and drop back from your hotel or place of convenience if transfers are selected
• Ferry rides through the stunning Gulf Islands
• A scenic coastal drive through the spectacular communities of James Bay with stopover at Beacon Hill Park and Mile Zero
• Stop over at Fisherman’s Wharf for seal feeding and watching
• Choose among the attractions for the sightseeing tour of downtown Victoria including the Government Street, Chinatown, Empress Hotel, Legislative Buildings, Inner Harbor, Butchart Gardens, The Royal BC Museum, Marine Wildlife Watching, and Craigdarroch Castle.

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