Canada & Alaska 2015

Vancouver Island
On the southern tip of Vancouver Island,
an elegant reminder of the British Empire
lives on as the capital of British Columbia.
Victoria, with its iconic Provincial Legislature
buildings and Empress Hotel, provides
a remarkable contrast to the untamed
landscapes that surround it.
Indulge in a traditional afternoon tea in the
Empress’ Tea Lobby and stroll among the
immaculate fl oral displays that make the
Butchart Gardens one of the world’s best,
while not far off shore pods of orcas play.
The Inner Harbour is the best place to begin
enjoying the city’s charms. Once a bustling
port of fur traders and dealers in legal
opium sales, the old town brings the history
of Victoria’s past alive. Uncover more local
history at the Royal BC Museum, a superb
small museum.
Our favourite things to see and do
BUTCHART GARDENS – Victoria is well known for the amazing Butchart Gardens. A
designated National Historic Site, Butchart has over 50 acres of magnifi cent gardens to explore.
BEACON HILL PARK – Wander around this beautiful park fi lled with native habitats and
manicured gardens. Try a spot of bird watching or sit and watch the world go by.
ROGERS CHOCOLATE SHOP – No visit to Victoria is complete without visiting Rogers
Chocolate shop. The fi rst chocolates were made in 1885 and they haven’t looked back since. Try
one of their many fl avours or take some home as a gift.
DINING – With the second highest number of restaurants per capita in North America, Victoria
is a culinary paradise. Many of the city’s top chefs focus their menus on products grown on
Vancouver Island.
SHOPPING – Four blocks along Government Street turn into Trounce Alley, one of Victoria’s
best kept secrets. Fashion and gift shops await. Across the street is Bastion Square, once the
site of Victoria’s Court House, a brothel and several hangings, it is now full with shops and
restaurants.
GHOST TOURS – Victoria is said to be one of the most haunted towns in British Columbia
with over 5,000 years of native history. Explore historic courtyards, alleys and other scary places.
MUSEUMS – From the oldest maritime museum in Western Canada to the Naval and Military
Museum, you’ll fi nd a lot of interesting facts and artefacts on show in Victoria.
GOLF – Victoria is a golfer’s dream. With a climate that encourages golfi ng year-round, Victoria
and Vancouver Island are home to many of Canada’s most beautiful and challenging courses.
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