| Victoria is a beautiful city located at the Pacific | | | | Beacon Hill Park, absolutely beautiful in the spring |
| Coast of Canada on Vancouver Island. This quaint | | | | with the rhododendrons, tulips and daffodils, but it |
| and charming city enjoys the mildest climate in | | | | can be enjoyed even in the winter months. |
| Canada. Golfing and gardening are a way of life | | | | Victoria has winter pansies, heather, and primrose |
| for many residents, and outdoor activities can be | | | | flowers that time of year. |
| enjoyed year round. | | | | The Carillon bell tower chimes on the hour and is |
| The city was named after Queen Victoria and its | | | | a gift to the city from the Netherlands marking |
| British heritage is apparent with many gift shops | | | | Canada's centennial back in 1967. |
| selling fine china, Irish lace, and woolens and | | | | Victoria's Chinatown is small but beacons the |
| tartans. There also are several tea rooms. A visit | | | | visitor with its ornate gate featuring two stone |
| to the Empress Hotel at the waterfront to enjoy | | | | lions. It is the oldest in North America and has fine |
| their afternoon tea is an experience many tourists | | | | restaurants and shops. |
| don't want to miss. This hotel overlooks the Inner | | | | There are many restaurants featuring every |
| Harbour, the area where the Washington state | | | | cuisine. Especially popular is salmon and shellfish, |
| ferries arrive, and across the street from the | | | | fresh from the Pacific waters. You may also |
| stately Parliament buildings which are brightly lit at | | | | enjoy Italian, Greek, and British among many |
| night. | | | | others. |
| Ferries go from Victoria to the British Columbia | | | | The world renowned Butchart Gardens is located |
| mainland and Washington state many times a day | | | | about an hour away from downtown Victoria. |
| and all year. The ferry trips are all very scenic as | | | | The sunken garden is breathtaking and the |
| you enjoy passing by many small islands and the | | | | gardens also feature roses, a japanese garden, |
| mountain views.Be prepared for possible long line | | | | two fine restaurants and in the summer |
| ups, particularly on weekends and holidays. | | | | spectacular fireworks. The gardens are illuminated |
| Walking tours downtown are very popular, and | | | | at night in the summer time. |
| you can also see the sights by taking one of the | | | | Victoria is rated one of the world's favorite places |
| many horse drawn carriage tours. There is much | | | | and with good reason. With so much natural |
| to see and enjoy downtown all within short | | | | beauty, lots of activities to enjoy, pleasant climate |
| walking distance. | | | | and outstanding accommodations and dining it is a |
| Thunderbird Park is small but is renowned for its | | | | city that is not to be missed! |
| native heritage and totem poles. Close by is | | | | |