Got a hankering for a taste of British hospitality? Save your air fare to the U.K. and visit Victoria, British Columbia’s capitol and the second largest city of that province. Named for Queen Victoria, it can be found on the southeastern tip of Vancouver Island. You don’t get more British that this delightfully charming city and it all comes without the stiff upper lip or the stuffiness that is some time associated with our friends across the great pond.
Visiting Victoria includes being surrounded by one of the greatest outdoor vacation destinations anywhere, add the experience of civility, gentility with a little pomp thrown in for good measure and a choice vacation looms before you.
Managing to retain the stately air of the British Empire outpost it once was, engaging Victoria charms the visitor during the summer season with huge baskets of daffodils and other blooming bulbs hung from all the downtown lampposts. Here is a sparklingly clean city with manicured lawns and flower gardens. Include an inner Harbor with ferries, fishing, tour boats and the energy of a happy relaxed place, and you have the lively city of Victoria. Â
The discovery of gold on the Fraser River in the 1850 brought prospectors to Fort Victoria, British Columbia’s only port and source of provisions. As a result, the area developed into a typical boom town, but when the gold fields were exhausted, Victoria continued as an administration center. It was intended to be the western terminus of the Canadian Pacific Railroad, but to the disappointment of the city fathers the railroad decided to stop at Vancouver – and this meant that industrialization also stopped at Vancouver. Victoria had to build in another direction, and happily opened up to tourism. One thing that the CPR did complete for Victoria in 1808 was the stately Empress Hotel that laid the foundation for the tourist industry that flourishes to-day.
Where to go
There is much to do and see in Victoria a minimum of four days is needed to scratch the surface – a week lets you really dig in.
Fragrance and beauty
Burchart Gardens – one of Victoria’s most famous sites – is rated among the most beautiful in the world; 50 acres of fragrance and beauty including the Sunken Garden, the English Rose Garden, the Japanese and Italian Gardens and the magnificent Ross fountain. Visits are available by day or twilight under romantic night illumination.
Not to be missed
Royal British Columbia Museum lets the visitor experience the history of British Columbia in one afternoon. Considered one of the top 10 museums in North America, this is a not to be missed attraction even for those with an overdose of museums from past trips. All the displays are extraordinarily true to life, complete with appropriate sounds and smells. Stroll through a coastal forest filled with deer and chirping birds, wander along a seashore or tidal marsh, then descend into the open ocean (this is very realistic and not for those with claustrophobic tendencies). Take a trip through time via the time capsules. Walk along a turn-of-the-century street. Experience the hands-on exhibits of industrialization, the gold rush and the exploration of B.C. by land and sea. The fascinating and unfamiliar world of the First Peoples Gallery lures with mysterious masks. The Archaeology Gallery, The Totem Pole and Art Gallery and the Kwakiutl Indian Bighouse make up the greatest experiences of this first rate – I repeat not to be missed – museum.
Wear white
Victoria Butterfly Gardens is a photographer’s delight. Stroll amid thousands of free flying butterflies and get up close and personal with the friendliest birds in the world. If you happen to be wearing white you might become a landing area for a family of butterflies. A unique photo opportunity.
Visit the tropics
A visit to the Crystal Garden transports the guest to the tropics. Gorgeous parrots, cockatoos, macaws and an enormous variety of exotic birds from South America, New Guinea and Australia bring the sounds and color of these faraway places into the garden area. Enjoy a waterfall and pools with coral flamingos doing their one foot stand for their enchanted audience. Iguanas, tiny monkeys, Indian fruit bats, wallabies and marmosets peek out of the lush undergrowth. The Crystal Garden is the home to 65 species of endangered exotic birds and animals. Tea is served on the upper floor. This is an animal lover’s delight.
Lots more and then some
The Parliament Buildings, London Wax Museum, Miniature World, Thunderbird Park with its authentic Totem Poles, Craigderroch Castle and the Vancouver Island Wineries are still more attractions to do and see and the visitor hasn’t even scratched the surface.
The Victoria Symphony, the Belfry Theater and the Pacific Opera Victoria offer a cross section of the arts for everyone.
 A few of the outdoor activities available include everything from horseback riding, hiking, golfing, mountain biking, fishing to whale watching up close and personal in the right season.
The place to stay
The Fairmont Empress Hotel was designed by the famous architect Francis Rattenburee (who also designed the Parliament Buildings, the CPR Terminal and the Crystal Garden). The Ivy covered Empress looks out over the Inner Harbor and is the focal point of Victoria. Four hundred and seventy seven guest rooms have been beautifully restored to its 1908 vintage in an over $10 million dollar renovation in 1988 and other renovations throughout the years. The stained glass dome in the Palm Court was rebuilt, guest rooms were redecorated, the Crystal Ballroom was completely restored and The Willow Stream Spa was added. This elegant marvel is a small city within itself.
High tea in the Court Tea Room is a specialty at the Fairmont Empress and reservations for one of the three seatings in season is a must. This is a dressy affair.
The Bengal Lounge recreates Colonial India and serves delicious curry under the watchful eye of a Bengal tiger over the fireplace. Fans hanging from an ornately carved wooden ceiling with oriental rugs and tropical plants complete the setting.
The Fairmont Empress Room rates one of the best restaurants in Canada. European ambiance, a superb menu with a fine wine list complete with harp music while you dine. For the gourmet that has done it all. Â
For information and reservations call (800) 257-7544 or visit the em*****@fa******.com
Getting there
Victoria International Airport is 30 minutes from downtown Victoria. Air Canada, Delta and Alaska offer connecting flights from San Jose and San Francisco.
Something to consider
Remember the rate of exchange is better at the bank than the hotels or airport.
If you need information while in Victoria call Tourism Victoria at 1-800-663-3883 or www.tourismvictoria.bc.ca.
