Victoria, British Columbia, the capital of British Columbia, is situated on Vancouver Island and is one of the premier travel destinations in the World. Victoria sits on the southern tip of Vancouver lsland off the west coast of British Columbia, Canada.
Victoria has a Metro population of 370,000 with a breathtaking inner harbour area. Here, seaplanes take off on an exotic journeys, ferries bring curious visitors, and boaters bring a wide range of new and heritage pleasure craft to see and be seen. Don't miss one of the many Harbour Festivals held throught the year!
Dining in Victoria is an art here for both travellers and residents. From elegant English tearooms to swinging jazz spots, fine food is everywhere. British Style fish and chips and great varieties of tea are served next door to haute cuisine.
Special Event : The Canadian Navy's Pacific Fleet will mark the Canadian Navy Centennial with an International Fleet Review June 9 to 14, 2010. Ships from as many as 25 navies in the Indo-Pacific Region are expected to gather at the Royal Roads anchorage in the approaches to Esquimalt Harbour. Plan to be here!
Victoria is a walking town, so bring comfortable shoes. You'll find yourself poking into tiny shops and world class art galleries and of course, don't miss Chinatown, the oldest and most exquisite in North America. Victoria is also home to the narrowest street in North America, Fan Tan Alley. An excellent transit system will take you to the suburbs with ease.
Passenger and vehicle ferries sailing between Victoria, Seattle, Friday Harbour, Bellingham and Port Angeles dock in Victoria's Inner Harbour. Ferries to Anacortes Washington leave from Sidney, just a 15-20 minute drive from the downtown core. Float plane service to Vancouver and Seattle as well as Island points is available daily. Moorage for visiting boaters can be found near the Canada Customs wharf. Also located in the Inner Harbour is the Tourism InfoCentre where hundreds of brochures, maps, etc. can be found.
Greater Victoria is comprised of several communities which are actually self-contained cities, towns, villages and townships, each with their own unique ambience reflected in their diversity of shops, services, parks, beaches and amenities.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the Victoria downtown core, you can find many interesting things to see and do in more relaxed atmosphere. Easily reached by a short drive or by public transit, you may even wish to forgo the usual downtown accommodations for a stay at some of the finer Bed and Breakfast, guest houses and cottages tucked away in the suburbs. |