Victoria
is not only the provincial capital, it is also one of the oldest cities in British Columbia, older than Vancouver by more than 20 years. And, unlike Vancouver, a city always eager to embrace the new and forget the past, Victoria has hung on to its lovely old buildings and its cherished traditions. Back in the 19th century, Victoria was primarily a merchant city, supplying the crews of seafaring vessels roaming the Pacific Ocean as well as adventurers on their way to the Fraser Canyon and Klondike gold rushes. It was a very proper place, taking its role as an outpost of Queen Victoria’s empire seriously. Even so, it has always had its surprising, even scandalous side: It was, for instance, a major importer and manufacturer of opium, and back in the day had a Barbary Coast neighborhood of gambling dens and brothels that was as dangerous and decadent as any in the empire. Victoria is still a busy port, although these days the biggest industry in the area is advanced technology, followed by government and tourism. Visitors are drawn to the spectacular Butchart Gardens, one of the world’s most impressive show gardens, and the romance of horse-drawn carriage rides through the city’s historic streets. Beyond the charm, though, there is a vibrant city of talented young chefs, mixologists, artists, writers, and creative professionals of all sorts. And beneath all the prettiness thrums the haunting history of the First Nations people, in evidence all around if you look closely. Most of the buildings in the downtown core are built of stone or brick, and most of them are low-risers (newer hotels being the exception). But wood was the primary building material for houses, and a drive through any of Victoria's quiet residential neighborhoods will provide an architectural panorama of residential building styles from about the 1880s onward, including many English-style "cottages" that were popular in the 1920s. Victoria's neighborhoods are enhanced by lovely gardens, mature trees, and landscaping based on English gardening styles.
Inner Harbour
The city is built around the scenic Inner Harbour, a busy working port where fishing boats, floatplanes, ferries, and whale-watching tours chug all day long. One could easily spend a day watching all the action from the walkway around the inlet, but it’s even better to hop aboard one of the cute little Victoria Harbour Ferries and check out the view from the water. That includes the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel and the magnificent BC Parliament Buildings. The ferries operate tours that travel throughout the harbor and offer a number of stops, including the one at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Butchart Gardens
Next to taking tea at the Empress, exploring this four-season garden—considered one of the gardening wonders of the world—is the most iconic of Victoria’s experiences. More than 100 years ago, Jennie Butchart started planting sweet peas and roses in an old limestone quarry on the Saanich Peninsula. Today the estate boasts 22 hectares (55 acres) of gardens and has been named a National Historic Site of Canada. Nearly a million people visit each year, strolling through the magnificently perfumed rose garden or the serene Japanese garden and searching for the elusive Himalayan blue poppy. The site also includes a restaurant and gift shop, and features fireworks on summer nights and lighted displays on winter ones. Source: www.frommers.com
is not only the provincial capital, it is also one of the oldest cities in British Columbia, older than Vancouver by more than 20 years. And, unlike Vancouver, a city always eager to embrace the new and forget the past, Victoria has hung on to its lovely old buildings and its cherished traditions. Back in the 19th century, Victoria was primarily a merchant city, supplying the crews of seafaring vessels roaming the Pacific Ocean as well as adventurers on their way to the Fraser Canyon and Klondike gold rushes. It was a very proper place, taking its role as an outpost of Queen Victoria’s empire seriously. Even so, it has always had its surprising, even scandalous side: It was, for instance, a major importer and manufacturer of opium, and back in the day had a Barbary Coast neighborhood of gambling dens and brothels that was as dangerous and decadent as any in the empire. Victoria is still a busy port, although these days the biggest industry in the area is advanced technology, followed by government and tourism. Visitors are drawn to the spectacular Butchart Gardens, one of the world’s most impressive show gardens, and the romance of horse-drawn carriage rides through the city’s historic streets. Beyond the charm, though, there is a vibrant city of talented young chefs, mixologists, artists, writers, and creative professionals of all sorts. And beneath all the prettiness thrums the haunting history of the First Nations people, in evidence all around if you look closely. Most of the buildings in the downtown core are built of stone or brick, and most of them are low-risers (newer hotels being the exception). But wood was the primary building material for houses, and a drive through any of Victoria's quiet residential neighborhoods will provide an architectural panorama of residential building styles from about the 1880s onward, including many English-style "cottages" that were popular in the 1920s. Victoria's neighborhoods are enhanced by lovely gardens, mature trees, and landscaping based on English gardening styles.
Inner Harbour
The city is built around the scenic Inner Harbour, a busy working port where fishing boats, floatplanes, ferries, and whale-watching tours chug all day long. One could easily spend a day watching all the action from the walkway around the inlet, but it’s even better to hop aboard one of the cute little Victoria Harbour Ferries and check out the view from the water. That includes the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel and the magnificent BC Parliament Buildings. The ferries operate tours that travel throughout the harbor and offer a number of stops, including the one at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Butchart Gardens
Next to taking tea at the Empress, exploring this four-season garden—considered one of the gardening wonders of the world—is the most iconic of Victoria’s experiences. More than 100 years ago, Jennie Butchart started planting sweet peas and roses in an old limestone quarry on the Saanich Peninsula. Today the estate boasts 22 hectares (55 acres) of gardens and has been named a National Historic Site of Canada. Nearly a million people visit each year, strolling through the magnificently perfumed rose garden or the serene Japanese garden and searching for the elusive Himalayan blue poppy. The site also includes a restaurant and gift shop, and features fireworks on summer nights and lighted displays on winter ones. Source: www.frommers.com