How To Get To Butchart Gardens From Cruise Port In Victoria Bc

Victoria On Your Own

Inner Harbour

The 10 Top Things to do in Victoria

Victoria is one of the most pleasant cities for tourists to visit. It's also easy to get around on foot. Enjoy your day in Victoria!

Take a tour from ToursByLocals.com. They offer a number of tours, and they're all pretty cool.

Pay a visit to the Butchart Gardens. If you are into gardens and gardening, you'll be in paradise.

Visit the Empress Hotel. It's one of Victoria's most iconic buildings; you can also take High Tea (although it can be somewhat pricey).

Take a ride on the Victoria Harbour Ferry. Riding the ferry provides great waterside views of the city.

Go on a whale watching safari. The orcas of the area are a big draw.

Exercise your shopping gene. In Victoria, you can find a number of unique shops; make sure to grab a treat at Rogers Chocolates.

Grab a plate of fish and chips at Barb's Place. The fish is truly yummy, and you'll be eating al fresco.

Take a walking tour of downtown Victoria. The city has a rich history, and it's your mission to discover it as you walk through town.

Enjoy a ride on a horse-drawn carriage. They're a Victoria tradition.

Pay a visit to the Craigdarroch Castle. See the kind of house that new money could buy at the turn of the 20th century.

What You Need to Bring Ashore

Essentials

Your ship will dock at the Ogden Point Cruise Terminal in the Outer Harbour area of Victoria, which is located just over 1 mile from the Inner Harbour and downtown areas. It's fairly easy to return to your ship if you are exploring the town or if you've forgotten something and need to take a short shopping break. Here's a list of the essential items you'll want to bring ashore:

Room Key Card. You'll need it to re-board your ship.

Passport. You'll need your passport if you're going to the airport and taking your flight home.

Money. Virtually all of the shops in Victoria accept Credit Cards, as do all of the restaurants. Bring Cash if you plan on shopping for incidentals or tipping your server in a bar. It's also a good idea to bring your ATM card so you can get cash on the go.

Tablet and/or Smartphone. There are scores of places in Victoria where the Wi-Fi is free, so you can spend a little time re-connecting with the real world for a lot less than the cost of the internet on board your ship.

Camera. Memorialize your time in Victoria. Amazon sells a great feature packed Nikon 13 MP point-and-shoot camera that's waterproof, shockproof and family friendly for less than $100.

What to Wear

Casual clothing is the order of the day in Victoria. The city enjoys warm, comfortable summer temperatures that rarely become uncomfortable. During the summer months, daytime temperatures linger just around 70° F (20° C), so long pants and a long sleeve shirt are good ideas. Since the evenings can be cool (in the low to mid-50s F (11° to 13° C), it would be good to pack a light jacket and sweater. And although rainfall is at its lowest during the summer months, you never know when the next shower may come, so bring along an umbrella or other rain gear.

Getting Around

Orientation

Your ship will dock at the Ogden Point Cruise Terminal in the Outer Harbour area of Victoria, which is located just over 1 mile from the Inner Harbour and downtown areas. The Port of Victoria offers an inexpensive shuttle service (see below) that will take you to the Inner Harbour area (and return). Princess also offers a shuttle to the Inner Harbour area as an excursion. Otherwise, you can grab a cab or take a very pleasant walk through the James Bay area, or past Fisherman's Wharf, to get there.

The Inner Harbour/downtown area is where you'll find most of Victoria's attractions, including the Empress Hotel, the provincial Legislative building complex, museums, shops, restaurants and pubs. These sites are an easy walk from one another.

Just to the south of the Inner Harbour/downtown area is Beacon Hill Park. It's not Central Park, but it is a great place to escape and enjoy the scenery. It also has a great view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca from its highest point, the Lookout.

To the west of Beacon Hill Park is the James Bay area, home to some of the oldest homes in the city. These Victorian-era beauties have been lovingly maintained over the last century.

Fisherman's Wharf is located on the western boundary of the Inner Harbour; it's home to harbor seals, fishermen who live on their boats, and Barb's Place, a very popular fish and chips eatery.

Ogden Point Cruise Shuttle

Ogden Point Cruise Shuttle. Shuttle service is provided from the Ogden Point Cruise Terminal to and from downtown. The shuttle runs a minimum of every 20 minutes. The last shuttle service is one hour prior to the ship's sailing time. The shuttle stops in downtown, at the 1000 block of Government Street. The shuttle costs C$11 for a round trip ticket; a one way ticket is C$6. Here's a link to the Route Map of the Cruise Shuttle.

You can also take the Marine Shuttle, which will take you from the Ogden Point Cruise Terminal to the Steamship Terminal in the Inner Harbour; it runs every hour on the hour, and returns to Ogden Point from the Steamship Terminal every hour on the half hour. The Marine Shuttle costs C$11 for a round trip ticket, and a one way ticket is C$6. The last marine shuttle leaves from Steamship Terminal 90 minutes prior to cruise ship departure.

Harbor Ferries

Victoria Harbour Ferry. A trip aboard a Victoria Harbour Ferry is a fun-filled maritime adventure. You can pick it up in the Inner Harbour in front of the Empress Hotel. They make 15 stops in the Inner and Upper Harbours. Reservations are not required; the fleet of 11 boats travels so often during the busy summer season that there is seldom a wait of more than a few minutes. Phone: (250) 708-0201.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours

Tally-Ho Carriage Tours
Corner of Belleville and Menzies Streets
Tally-Ho is Victoria's original horse-drawn tour company that has been creating unforgettable memories for visitors and locals alike since 1903.The private carriage tours begin from downtown, near the Victoria Harbour, and continues by some of the most beautiful heritage homes in Southern Vancouver Island. You may also choose to meander through Beacon Hill Park, appreciate the scenery along the Dallas Road waterfront, or discover the second oldest Chinatown in North America. Tours commence from the corner of Belleville and Menzies Streets, adjacent to the Legislative Buildings.
Phone: (250) 514-9257; ask for Larry or Randy

Victoria Carriage Tours
Corner of Belleville and Menzies Streets
Victoria Carriage Tours offers four tours that will take you on an exploration of Victoria's most interesting and scenic neighborhoods. Their 30-minute By the Sea Tour costs C$100 (for the carriage, not per person; each carriage can accommodate 4 to 6 people); their 45-minute Beacon Hill Park Tour runs C$145 per carriage; their 60-minute Royal Tour runs C$185 per carriage; and their 90-minute Our Very Best Tour runs C$225 per carriage. Reservations are required. Tours commence from the corner of Belleville and Menzies Streets, adjacent to the Legislative Buildings.
Phone: (250) 383-2207; Toll Free: (877) 663-2207

BC Transit Bus System

The BC Transit bus system in Victoria provides access to a variety of tourist attractions in and around Victoria; the fare (exact change, and cash only please!) is only C$2.50 per person per ride.

Uber and Lyft

Ride sharing services Uber and Lyft are currently not available in Victoria; the local taxi companies have sued Uber and Lyft to keep them out of the market in Victoria and British Columbia.

Bicycle & Scooter Rentals

Cycle BC Rentals provides bicycle, scooter and motorcycle rentals for those who would like to explore Victoria, Beacon Hill Park and its environs on a two-wheeled vehicle. They're open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
685 Humboldt Street (which is just behind the Empress Hotel)
Phone: (250) 380-2453.

The Pedaler rents a variety of bikes, including urban cruisers, single speeds, hybrids, road bikes and electric-assist bicycles. All bike rentals include a helmet, lock, map, handle bar bag or basket and friendly advice on the best cycling routes. They also offer daily tours with reservations. The Pedaler is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
321 Belleville Street
Phone: (778) 265-RIDE (7433)

CycleTreks offers a variety of full service bike tours as well as single day bike rentals. Their equipment is top quality, and no matter your skill level, you'll enjoy your day cycling in Victoria.
950 Wharf St, in the Inner Harbour
Phone: 250-386-3147

Tipping in Victoria

General Guidelines

Although it is not mandatory, tipping in Canada is customary, and tips are expected by the person or persons who perform a service for you. Pretty much the same rules apply in Canada as they do in the U.S.

Restaurants

It is customary to offer your waiter or waitress a tip of 15% of the bill if you feel that you have received good service. If the service is really excellent, don't hesitate to leave a tip of 20%. If the service is lousy, leave a 10% tip. Many restaurants will add an automatic 18% service charge to your bill if you're in a group of 8 or more, so check before automatically adding a tip.

Bars

An appropriate tip in a bar is 10% to 15% of the total bar tab; however, if you're ordering complicated drinks, a more generous tip is appropriate.

Taxi Cabs

It is customary to provide a tip of between 10% to 15% of your fare to your taxi driver.

Tour Guides

If you are happy with your tour guide, a tip of 10% of the total cost of the tour is appropriate.

Shopping in Victoria

What's Special in Victoria

Victoria is a great place to shop. The special things to look for are British goods, First Nations art, antiques, locally made arts and crafts, original artworks and chocolate.

Where to Find It in Victoria

Victoria's British heritage is very much in evidence in the shops along Government Street, located in downtown Victoria between Johnson and Humboldt Streets. Here you'll find English woolens and bone china, Scottish tartans and Irish lace. Government Street also has many stores that specialize in Canadiana, First Nations art, original jewelry and fashions.

If you're looking for European fashions and gift shops, your best bet is Trounce Alley, just off Government Street between Yates and View Streets.

Fort Street is also known as "Antique Alley" or "Antique Row." You'll find a wonderful array of items here, much of it British in origin: silver, military memorabilia, rare prints, fine china, antique furniture and Victorian bric-a-brac. The street is also home to art galleries and auction houses.

Victoria's Chinatown is the second oldest in North America, after its San Francisco cousin. Here you can browse the shops and artists' studios along Fan Tan Alley and imagine them as the illegal gambling and opium dens of yesteryear.

Victoria Shopping Map

See our Victoria Shopping map for the locations of the recommended shops listed below.

Shopping Malls

There are a couple of shopping malls in Victoria that are worth a visit. These include:

The Bay Centre
Covering one full city block in the center of Victoria's shopping district, the Bay Centre has a mix of over 90 street front and interior shops where you'll find unique, quality brands and a selection of diverse dining options in an urban shopping environment. Open Monday through Wednesday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Thursdays from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm; Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; and Sunday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
1150 Douglas Street
Phone: (250) 952-5690

Market Square
Located on the trendy "LoJo" fashion strip and also part of the home decor Design District, Market Square is a great place to explore a number of Victoria's unique local shops and boutiques. The shops are situated in several heritage brick-and-beam buildings that surround an open air courtyard. Market Square is centrally located in downtown Victoria, one block south of Chinatown and an easy 5 to 10 minute walk from the Inner Harbour.
560 Johnson Street
Phone: (250) 386-2441

Recommended Shops in Victoria

Rogers Chocolates
Chocoholics unite! Victoria is home to Canada's famous Rogers Chocolate Stores. The first Rogers' chocolates were made in 1885 by Charles "Candy" Rogers in the back of his grocery store in Victoria. In 1891, Rogers expanded his chocolate operation to the company's current heritage storefront on Government Street. Today, the company now has 10 retail stores, several hundred wholesale outlets, and a 20,000-square-foot factory. Open daily from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm.
913 Government Street
Phone: (250) 881-8771

Hill's Native Art
Hill's Native Art bills itself as North America's largest Northwest Coast Native Art Gallery. Located three blocks from Victoria's bustling Inner Harbor, a visit to Hill's is highly recommended, if only to browse some of the beautifully carved masks, totems, bentwood boxes, sculptures, wall panels, hand-carved gold, silver and copper jewelry, original paintings, limited edition prints, glass works, feast dishes, talking sticks, baskets, rattles, drums, world-famous Cowichan knits and much, much more. Open daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
1008 Government Street
Phone: (250) 385-3911

Irish Linen Stores
Founded in 1910, the Irish Linen Stores stocks hand embroideries from the Madeira Islands, Belgium and Ireland that take months to create. The store has remained in the same location since 1913, and evokes an earlier era. Open Monday through Wednesday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm; and Sunday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
1019 Government Street
Phone: (250) 383-6812

Vanity Fair Antique & Collectables Mall
Voted Victoria's favorite antique shop, with over fifty dealers featuring a wide assortment of vintage and antique items including fine silver, antique-vintage jewelry, art, vintage toys, glass, English bone china, militaria and curios. If you're a collector, you won't be disappointed. If you're looking for a special present to make a special person happy, think Vanity Fair. Open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.
1044 Fort Street
Phone: (250) 380-7274

Grocery Stores

If you want to stock up on some groceries while in town, or for that matter want to grab a sandwich for a picnic lunch in the park, here are a couple of recommendations on grocery stores that are in the James Bay neighborhood nearby the Cruise Terminal:

Niagara Grocery
Located in beautiful, historic James Bay, Niagara Grocery is Victoria's oldest grocery store. They offer local produce, daily bread, artisan cheese and sausage, and house-roasted coffees. Open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, on Saturday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, and on Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
579 Niagara Street
Phone: (250) 383-1223

Thrifty Foods
Located in the James Bay neighborhood, this store offers you a wide selection of local, fresh and organic products as well as outstanding customer service. In addition to offering a fresh sushi station, they've also got a pharmacy in the store. Open daily 24/7.
475 Simcoe Street
Phone: (250) 386-2554

Restaurants & Bars

Dining in Victoria

Victoria has more restaurants per capital than any other Canadian city, and is second only to San Francisco in North America. Here you'll find a good selection of restaurants featuring Canadian, American, European, Asian and other cuisines.

The legal drinking age in Victoria is 19.

Victoria Restaurant Map

See our Victoria Restaurant Map for the locations of the recommended restaurants listed below.

Recommended restaurants in Victoria

Fairmont Empress Hotel
High Tea
Indulge in one of Victoria's grandest traditions: Afternoon Tea at The Fairmont Empress. For almost a century, the majestic lobby of this landmark hotel has played host to England's most beloved ritual. With seatings beginning at noon, the High Tea includes raisin scones, fresh seasonal fruit with Chantilly Cream, smoked salmon, mango and chicken and cucumber sandwiches, decadent pastries and desserts and the Empress' special blend tea. A children's menu is also available for the little ones. Reservations are required, and should be made at least 2 weeks in advance; tables are held for only 10 minutes after the set reservation time. The cost is C$63 per person, and kids ages 12 and younger are 50% off the adult rate. Tea Service starts at every day at noon, with the last seating at 3:45 pm. The dress code is smart casual: sporting or beach wear including flip flops, shorts, tank tops, ball caps and torn jeans are not permitted.
721 Government Street
Phone: (250) 389-2727

Zambri's
Italian Deli-Restaurant
Zagat says Zambri's serves "the best Italian food in the city." As you enter you are greeted by their open kitchen and an ever-changing daily specials blackboard that always includes pasta, meat/fish main courses and hot sandwiches. The atmosphere is casual, sometimes chaotic but always filled with the aroma of authentic Italian cuisine. Open for lunch (from 11:30 am to 3:0 pm) and dinner (from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm) Monday through Saturday.
820 Yates Street
Phone: (250) 360-1171

Barb's Place
Fish & Chips
If you've got a hankering for fish & chips, Barb's Place serves the best in Victoria. Barb's Place is located on a floating boat in Fisherman's Wharf, a pleasant 15 minute walk from downtown Victoria, or a short ride on one of the Harbour Ferry Boats, Erie St. Fisherman's Wharf. Open: 11:00 am until dark.
Fisherman's Wharf, at Erie Street
Phone: (250) 384-6515

John's Place
Breakfast & Brunch
Locals and visitors alike like John's Place for its great food with large portions at reasonable prices. Friendly, energetic staff, extensive menu, but it's always crowded--even at 8:00 am. Open daily from 7:00 am to 9:00 or 10:00 pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, and again from 5:00 pm to 9:00 or 10:00 pm.
723 Pandora Ave.
Phone: (250) 389-0711

Rebar Modern Food
Vegetarian
Healthy food in a hippie-like atmosphere. The food preparation is focused on natural, wholesome ingredients and the flavors are pure and simple with some international influences. Locally renown for their great pancakes. Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.
50 Bastion Square
(250) 361-9223

Pubs in Downtown Victoria

Being the most British city in Canada, it's only natural to find a large assortment of English-style pubs in the town. Here's a selection of highly-rated pubs in downtown Victoria:

Bard & Banker
In addition to serving up local craft beer, premiums imports and wide array of wine and spirits, Bard & Banker offers a full service menu that is hearty, fast, locally sourced and made from scratch. They've also got nightly live music, beginning at 9:00 pm--and there's no cover charge. The pub is open from 11:00 am to 1:00 am daily.
1022 Government Street
Phone: (250) 953-9993

Garrick's Head Pub
In operation since 1867, Garrick's Head Pub offers a wide selection of micro-brewed and import beers that are available on tap, along with traditional English pub fare. They've also got an outdoor patio that overlooks Bastion Square. Open daily at 11:00 am.
1140 Government Street
Phone: (250) 384-6835

Irish Times Pub
Owned by the same folks who own the Bard & Banker, the Irish Times Pub is a true Irish Pub. Operating out of two floors on the corner of Government Street and Bastion Square, the Irish Times serves Irish beers and ales on tap, as well as a large selection of Vancouver Island microbrews. They also serve delicious contemporary Irish cuisine. The Irish Times Pub offers free live music most nights of the week. Open daily from 11:00 am to 1:00 am.
1200 Government Street
Phone: (250) 383-7775

Canoe Brewpub
Located in a fun space featuring soaring timber frame and rustic brick architecture, Canoe offers great handcrafted beer, a diverse award-winning wine list, a pub, a lounge, a dining room, patios and a knowledgeable and attentive staff. They've got musical acts on Thursday through Saturday evenings, beginning at 9:30 pm (10:30 on Thursdays). They're open Sunday to Wednesday from 11:30 am to 11:00 pm, Thursdays from 11:30 am to 1:00 am, and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 am to 1:00 am.
450 Swift Street
Phone: (250) 361-1940

Swans Brewpub
Swans is a brewpub that also serves some of the best micro brews in Victoria. With an on-site brewery, Swans brews are an interesting array of flavored ales and lager. They've also got a good kitchen, and dining either inside or on their patio. They've got music most nights of the week, with rock featured on Fridays and Saturdays, and an eclectic mix of other styles on Sunday through Thursday. Open daily from 11:00 am to 1:00 am.
506 Pandora Avenue
Phone: (250) 361-3310

Activities & Attractions in Victoria

Tourist Information Centre

Located just to the north of the Empress Hotel is the Victoria Tourist Information Centre. Here you can pick up some free souvenirs and get the lowdown on tourist attractions in Victoria. During the summer tourism season, the Information Centre is open from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm daily.
812 Wharf Street
Phone: (250) 953-2033

Local Tour Guides

Recommended ToursByLocals.com. ToursByLocals.com, based in Vancouver, Canada, specializes in connecting independent travelers with experienced local tour guides. Currently, they've got over 3,000 local guides serving travelers from around the world in over 150 countries.

You want to use ToursByLocals if you are looking for cultural insights, tips on sampling great local food and an "insider" experience in the ports you'll be visiting on your cruise. You can choose your own guide, see the town or area at your own pace, and every tour is private and customizable.

ToursByLocals' Victoria offerings include 50 set and customizable tours, ranging from City Tours, to First Time Visitors Tours, to Food and Wine Tours, to Local Experience Tours, and many, many more. And remember, you can choose your own tour guide; every guide provides a profile of their languages, interests and experiences on the site.
Phone: (866) 844-6783

Private Guide

Tour Operators

Victoria Tours
Victoria Tours offers 16 tours of Victoria and environs. They also offer discounts if you purchase your ticket over the internet.
Phone: (888) 848-0742

CVS Tours
CVS Tours offers a "hop-on/hop-off" tour of Victoria in their double decker, open-top busses. Informative and highly entertaining, this tour makes stops in Chinatown, Craigdarroch Castle, the Mt. Tolmie viewpoint, Oak Bay Village, Cook Street Village and Beacon Hill Park. They also offer a number of tours for cruise ship passengers, including two Butchart Gardens tours, a Victoria Day Tour, a Victoria Sunset Tour and a Victoria City tour.
Phone: (250) 386-8652; Toll Free: (877) 578-5552

Victoria Hippo Tours
Hippo Tours are unique tours that take you around the city, traveling both on land and water. The specially designed amphibious vehicles carry 40 passengers and function as both bus and boat. During your continuous 90 minute trip onboard the Hippo, you will see many of Victoria's best attractions, while also getting a glimpse of local life. You will enjoy a relaxing and entertaining tour around the city before splashing into the Pacific Ocean for the second half of your journey. Their knowledgeable tour guides will take you on a trip like never before on the "Bus That Floats."
Phone: (250) 590-5290

Chinatown Walks Tour
Explore Canada's Chinese heritage first hand on a visit to Victoria's Chinatown, the second oldest such settlement in North America. On this "Chinatown Walks Tour", you will be treated to a myriad of sensations and experiences as interpreted by their expert local guides. All Chinatown Walks start at the Bright Pearl Statue (1689 Government Street), located in front of the Starbucks at the corner of Government and Fisgard Streets, across from the Gate of Harmonious Interest leading to Chinatown. Chinatown Walks take place every Saturday at 10:30 am throughout the year and on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 10:30 am during June, July and August.
Phone: (250) 384-6698

Walking Tours

Discover the Past
John Adams, one of Victoria's foremost historians and a renowned storyteller, offers a range of fun and interesting walking tours of Victoria, including trips through Chinatown, a Ghosts tour and neighborhood tours.
Phone: (250) 384-6698

Come See Victoria
Come See Victoria specializes in historical walking tours that highlight heritage buildings, unique areas and amazing characters from Victoria's past. The two hour guided walking tours are designed to give you a good perspective of Victoria as you walk through the downtown area. They offer three tours: a daytime History & Architecture Walk that traces the evolution of Victoria through its architecture; an evening Victorian Characters Walk that fills you in on the larger-than-life personalities of Victorian Victoria; and a Historic Pub Walk that will give you a sense of how the city's wonderful old buildings and the people associated with them have shaped the city of Victoria, augmented with lots of old photos, all while you sample beers from the multitude of craft breweries and brew pubs for which Victoria has become renowned.
Phone: (778) 676-0142

Parks & Gardens in Victoria

Butchart Gardens
Located 30 minutes from Victoria, Canada's most famous public garden was created at the turn of the 20th century by Jennie Butchart to conceal exhausted limestone quarries near their house. The gardens have been expanded over the years, and now comprise over 50 acres. Today, more than one million people visit the gardens each year. The atmosphere is tranquil and the views are spectacular.

Summertime tickets cost C$32.60 for an adult (half that for a youth ages 13 to 17). From April 1 to June 14, the Gardens are open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm; from June 15 through September 2, open from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm; and from September 3 through September 15, open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
800 Benvenuto Avenue
Brentwood Bay
Phone: (250) 652-4422;
Toll Free in North America: (866) 652-4422

To get to the Butchart Gardens by public transportation, take the bus #75 for "Central Sahnich" from downtown Victoria. There are also regular shuttles during the summer from May through October leaving every half hour from the main bus terminal.

Butterfly Gardens
Stroll amid hundreds of free flying butterflies and visit with the friendliest birds anywhere, all in an enchanting tropical garden. See over 30 species of exotic butterflies including the brilliant Blue Morpho and the delicately patterned Giant Owl. Truly a photographer's paradise and a wonderful place to learn. A gift shop, restaurant and delicatessen are on site. Located near the entrance to the Butchart Gardens at the intersection of West Sahnich and Keating Cross Roads. From March 6 through September 30, open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
1461 Benvenuto Ave.
Brentwood Bay
Phone: (250) 652-3822;
Toll Free in North America: (877) 772-0272

To get to the Butterfly Gardens by public transportation, take the bus #75 for "Central Sahnich" from downtown Victoria. There are also regular shuttles during the summer from May through October leaving every half hour from the main bus terminal.

Beacon Hill Park
Named for the beacons that were once lit as a navigation aid, tranquil and welcoming Beacon Hill Park features streams, duck ponds, a cricket field, wading pools, playgrounds, a bandshell and a children's petting zoo. In the spring, the 150 acre park explodes with the color of hundreds of thousands of daffodils and blue camas. From the Lookout, aka Victoria's Lover's Lane, you can get a great view of the Juan de Fuca Strait. The park is also home to the official Mile Zero marker of the Trans-Canada highway. It's a great place to enjoy a picnic in Victoria.
Located East of Douglas Street, 2 blocks south of downtown.

Attractions in Victoria

Craigdarroch Castle
The Craigdarroch Castle historic house museum is a "must see" on your visit to Victoria. The wealthy Dunsmuir family saga and the mansion they built are a key pieces of British Columbia's history. Designated as one of Canada's National Historic Sites, this Victorian Castle is a legendary tourist attraction. Admission is C$14.25 for adults, C$13.25 for Seniors (ages 65+), $9.25 for students, and kids ages 6 to 12 are C$5.00. Open daily 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, with extended hours from June 15 to September 6: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
1050 Joan Crescent, Victoria
Phone: (250) 592-5323

To get to Craigdarroch Castle, walking up Fort Street from the Inner Harbour takes about 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, rent a bike and pedal there, or do a tour with one of the tour companies listed above.

Victoria Bug Zoo
A visit to this mini zoo offers an excellent opportunity to view and experience live tropical bugs from around the world. All the animals are alive and in tanks. Here you can discover over 40 fascinating species, including giant walking sticks, beautiful praying mantis, glow-in-the-dark scorpions, hairy tarantulas and Canada's largest ant colony. Admission is C$12 for adults, C$8 for seniors (ages 65+), C$8 for youths ages 5 to 17, and free for kids 4 and under. Open weekdays from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm; weekends from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
631 Courtney Street in downtown Victoria
Phone: (250) 384-BUGS (2847)

Miniature World
Located on Humboldt Street, just north of the Empress Hotel, Miniature World features a large display of dioramas featuring miniature models. The miniatures include "the World of Charles Dickens," scenes from old London, a miniature circus, castles, doll houses, Space 2201, Fields of Glory and the world's smallest operational lumber mill. Young and old alike will be captivated by the model of the Canadian Pacific Railway. A great place to take the kids. Admission is C$15 plus tax for adults, C$11 for seniors (ages 65+), C$10 for youths ages 13 to 19, and C$8 for kids ages 6 to 12. Open during the summer from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm daily.
649 Humboldt Street
Phone: (250) 385-9731

Museums

Royal British Columbia Museum
This natural history museum, founded in 1886, was given the "Royal" title upon a visit by Queen Elizabeth II in 1986, and merged with the British Columbia Provincial Archives in 2003. The museum is one of the centerpieces of Victoria's tourist industry. It includes three permanent galleries and an IMAX theater. In addition, it often hosts touring exhibits from around the world. The museum is located in Victoria's Inner Harbour, between the Empress Hotel and the Legislature Buildings. Admission is C$17 for adults ages 19+, C$11 for Seniors (ages 65+) and youths ages 6 to 19. Open daily 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
675 Belleville Street
Phone: (250) 356-7226

Maritime Museum of British Columbia
The Maritime Museum of British Columbia features nautical exhibits chronicling the maritime history of the province. Among the vessels on display are the 38-foot Tilikum, the Trekka and the Dorothy. The museum is open every day except Christmas Day, and admission is $10 for Adults, $8 for Seniors and students, $5 for youths ages 12 to 17, and kids under 12 are free. During the summer season, the museum is open daily 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
634 Humboldt St.
Phone: (250) 385-4222

Zipline Tour

Adrena LINE Zipline Adventure Tours
Yes, Victoria, Victoria does have its own zipline adventure tour. It's located in Snooke, which is about 45 minutes west of the city of Victoria, and is situated on 100 acres of land in a coastal temperate rainforest with mountain and ocean views. The course features eight ziplines, ranging in length from 150 to 1,000 feet, plus two suspension bridges with spectacular views of the Vancouver Island ecosystem. The platforms and ziplines range from 60 to 150 feet off the ground. The tour will run approximately 2 hours; plan to budget 3.5 hours, including return transportation from their Victoria Harbour location. All tours are fully guided by professionally trained guides. Tickets run C$89 for an adult (19 and above), and C$70 for a youth (ages 5 to 18); add C$20 for the 45 minute Shuttle Bus from downtown Victoria. The facility is open daily from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
5128C Sooke Road
Sooke BC
Phone: (250) 642-1933;
Toll-Free: (866) 947-9145

To get to the Adrena Line Zipline by public transportation, BC Transit operates a public bus that runs from downtown Victoria directly to Adrena LINE. Bus #50 departs from the Parliament buildings on Superior St. and travels to the Langford Exchange. From the Langford Exchange, some #50 buses become Bus #61 which travels directly past their location. Ask the driver to let you off at the 17 Mile Pub. It is C$2.50 per person to ride the public bus (exact change required).

Whale Watching Tours

Five Star Whale Watching
Five Star Whale Watching is Victoria's catamaran whale watching company. Established in 1985, Five Star was instrumental in establishing Victoria, British Columbia, as a world famous whale watching destination. Five Star is a family business offering unparalleled service and location. Five Star Charters Whale Watching is proud to help you discover the picturesque West Coast of Canada, and Vancouver Island, home to the largest population of Killer Whales in the world. The water surrounding Southern Vancouver Island, Victoria, and the Gulf Islands, is the home of pods "J", "K", and "L" numbering approximately 90 whales in total. The Five Star crews are waiting to introduce you to these magnificent mammals and share with you the myriad of other natural wonders abundant in this pristine marine environment. Rates for their 3-hour tour are C$110.00 plus 5% GST for adults, C$79 plus 5% GST for students ages 15 to 17, and C$69 plus 5% GST for kids ages 3 to 14. Tours depart at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm daily.
651 Humboldt Street, adjacent to the Empress Hotel
Phone: (250) 388-7223

Prince of Whales
Prince of Whales is the largest and safest environmentally friendly year round whale watching and eco-adventure company in Victoria. They offer Zodiac Adventure Tours and "Ocean Magic Adventure" Tours. Rates for their 3-hour Zodiac Adventure tour are C$105.00 for adults, C$95 for students ages 13 to 17, and C$85 plus for kids ages 7 to 12; and the rates for their 3-hour Ocean Magic Adventure tour are C$120.00 for adults, C$95 for students ages 13 to 17, and C$85 plus for kids ages 5 to 12. The Magic Adventure tour boats depart at 9:00 am, 12:15 pm and 3:30 pm daily, and the Zodiac Adventure boats depart every 30 minutes from their wharf in front of the Empress Hotel.
812 Wharf Street, Lower Causeway Level
Phone: (250) 383-4884; Toll Free: (888) 383-4884

Golf

Olympic View Golf Club
Olympic View Golf Club is located just 20 minutes from downtown Victoria on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. The course boasts tranquility and nature with a variety of golf holes that constitute individual masterpieces. The magnificence of the Olympic Mountains, roar of two spectacular waterfalls, harmony of eagles soaring and deer grazing, calmness of twelve lakes and the stylish rock outcroppings deliver an award winning golf experience. The 18 hole course is 6,534 yards, Par 72.
6450 East College Road
Phone: (305) 294-5232

Other Resources for Visiting Victoria