Victoria Top 10

Victoria B.C., the Garden City 1

The city of Victoria—capital of British Columbia and seat of the provincial Crown. Long has it been since Queen Victoria ruled here, yet to this day it remains as regal as ever, revered far and wide for its sensible blend of history, culture, style and adventure.

Both visitor and resident will attest to this, some of whom possess a love of Victoria so absolute that no other place in Canada will ever compare. Asked why, and these devotees will recite a number of good reasons. For the truly enamored, this process may resemble a religious service, sounding as if it were handed down to them on a stone tablet. And though the translations may very, ten of these laws or commandments are known by most who dwell upon the southern tip of Vancouver Island.

HERE THEN ARE THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF VICTORIA, B.C. (in no particular order)

Thou Shall Drink of Coffee and Tea
It's said that next to oil, coffee is the second most traded product in all the world—well in Victoria, it's probably the first. From Oak Bay to the Inner Harbour, an enchanting aroma of roasted coffee lingers in the air. Follow it and discover something refreshing about Victoria: that olfactory delight doesn't waft from the usual selection of big name chains alone but also from a surprising number of little local roasteries, cafés and coffee bars.

Outdoor Cafe in Victoria 2

Fortunately, when it's time to take a break from the caffeine kick, or for those who prefer a gently steeped pot of tea to a double americano, Silk Road and Special Teas are happy to provide some of the world's finest leaf.

Thou Shall Eat of a Bounty of Food
There's no denying it, good food brings good times and this city is ripe with good restaurants. Edible options range from the healthy eats of Rebar and Green Cuisine to the decadent sweets of Cascadia, Wildfire and the Little Piggy. Seafood at the Blue Crab is an obvious choice for a romantic dinner but a more affordable fish can be caught at Haultain Fish & Chips. Breakfast is covered on all fronts; there is Molé and its unique yet refined flavours; Demitasse and its bustling atmosphere and quality ingredients; Blue Fox's oh-so-popular French toast; and Lady Marmalade's hip crowd and odd ball menu.

But perhaps most of all, it's Victoria's worldly flavours that have made this city into the gastronomical temptress that it is. Truly, it's an international city and nothing shows this quite as clearly as the variety of food found here. In short time, one could dine on beautifully-arrayed Japanese dishes at Sen Zushi, indulge in rich Italian flavours at Ottavio and order a delicate French pastry at Vieux Montreal. But why stop there? Go on, try some award winning Indian or Thai, enjoy High Tea in true English fashion or down a pint and some traditional Irish fare.

	Victoria's Historic Chinatown 3

At the Bug Zoo, life's little mysteries crawl, jump and wiggle about as expert entomologists educate guests on these fascinating creatures. Not too far away, Miniature World ventures through modern history on a bug-size scale, while down the street the Royal B.C. Museum examines the same subject on a more human-size scale. Even closer to scale, the life-like sculptures at the Wax Museum cast a strangely human look on the world, while out in the water the Undersea Gardens offer insight into a more alien domain.

Venture Forth and be Well Informed
Each year, more than three million people visit Victoria—that's a number more than thrice the permanent population. Yet this little city manages not only to be accessible but fun to explore.

Typically, the journey starts in the Inner Harbour and from there the options seem limitless. Sailboats and yachts are docked in the marina, awaiting both the sea savvy and land lovers brave enough to test their sea legs. In the streets, mighty white steeds trot amidst traffic, drawing along Old World buggies and offering a charming taxi and tour. Sometimes though, two legs are as good as four and much more fun. For this unique bipedal experience, hail one of the many human-powered rickshaws roaming the streets and enjoy a spirited ride complete with local information.

Horse and Carriage in the City of Victoria 4

Be sure to spend some time at the Victoria Visitor Information Centre at the intersection of Wharf Street and Government Street. This is an obvious first step in locating all that the city has to offer. Stop in and get acquainted with everything from the Bug Zoo to the Underwater Gardens, learn where to grab a bite to eat and then plan the perfect tour.

Thou Shall Observe the Many Historic Buildings
In a city that was under British rule until 1871 and was named in honour of Queen Victoria herself, it's to be expected that remnants of its British heritage still remain. However, the bond to its past goes much further than that. From the emerald-capped Parliament Buildings down to the rows of Victorian homes, this city has retained nearly as much of the Old Word as the new and enough of that grand British form to seem closer akin to Europe than Canada.

The majestic sight of the vine-wrapped Empress Hotel next to the Parliament Buildings alight with thousands of little bulbs will attest to Victoria's royal heritage. But many more noble examples are on hand, including Hatley Castle and Craigdarroch Castle, Craigflower Manor, the Government House and an array of churches and business buildings that still stand in downtown Victoria.

Do not Fear Snow nor Ice Whilst in the City
Acclimatization is a powerful thing and, when it comes down to it, the local climate is what keeps most people from ever leaving Victoria. While their flowers bloom and the birds return, they know most other cities in Canada (and many in America) still have months of long underwear and snow shoveling ahead. That alone is enough to keep these island people happy and stationary but there's more. The summers here never get too hot either—averaging out at 19°C or 20°C (66°F or 68°F)—and though it can get wet, far less rain falls on Victoria than anywhere along the West Coast.

A Window to Butchart Gardens 5

It doesn't stop there though. As the days grow longer, Victoria transforms into a paradise for green thumbs, capable of supporting every imaginable species out there. Perhaps there is no better example of this than the world famous Butchart Gardens and its 22 ha (55 acre) of floral fascination. However, the Japanese aesthetics of Abkhazi Garden and the horticultural paradise at Hatley Park come very close.

Art Shall Be Observed and Appreciated where it Hangs
It could be said that there is an appreciation for the arts in Victoria. That, though, would be an understatement. It's everywhere, from the polished halls and open spaces at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria to the countless independent galleries, art stores and schools that dot the city. Even local cafés and eateries get in on the scene, doubling as exhibition spaces for the city's underground talent.

Walk upon the Streets and Causeways amongst Shops and Neighbours
There is a unique homegrown style about Victoria; in place of big box stores, major retailers and fast food, there is a bunch of independent shops, unique restaurants and neighbourhood cafés. So get out and walk about, meet the local artists and discover the treasures laying in wait.

Down in Old Town, pieces of the past have survived, tucked away where no cars can go. There, a timelessness can be felt hidden within in the narrow confines of Fan Tan Alley, under the three-tiered court yard at Market Square, out along the cobblestone stairs of Bastion Square and under the gas lights of Trounce Alley. All it takes to find these fragments of yore is a keen eye and a curious mind.

And be sure not to miss the lively street markets held each week throughout the summer. Bringing together an eclectic mix of artists, crafters, performers and entrepreneurs, these bountiful bazaars are a pivotal part of Victoria's culture and a great place to pick-up a one of a kind find.

Adventure Forth from the City and Be Witness to the Island's Many Splendors
From a jewel in Queen Victoria's royal crown to one of Canada's premier cities, Victoria, B.C. has always come off as both polite in manor and elegant in appearance. There is another side to this royal city though, one that's a little more wild and a lot more adventurous.

	Tallships in Victoria's Inner Harbour 6

The city is but a starting point for a number of fantastic journeys. Be it a day on the open seas scouring for Orca whales, a five-day hike down the West Coast Trail or a week of ocean paddling and wilderness camping, the tour companies of Victoria make it all possible. Just think, an hour after landing at the airport, one could be out sailing the strait or surfing the breaks—just book a trip and make it happen.