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| Victoria, Vancouver
Island, and the Gulf Islands are consistently voted one
of the top ten travel destinations in the World. From
Victoria's unique British character and outstanding
year-round gardens, to Vancouver Island's impressive
natural beauty, this area is a "must see" for
every travel itinerary vacation. |
| Always in Season |
Imagine 19th-century
shop windows full of vivid tartans, fine bone china,
handmade chocolates and striking native art. Imagine
seacoast city alive with the romance of an era when tall
ships moored alongside the wharf. Where the beauty of the
Pacific Coast and the adventure of the great outdoors are
within the city limits. Where whale-watching is more
common than watching the clock, and golf is a year-round
pastime. Imagine strolling under antique street lamps to
catch the last glow of sunset over the harbour as the
magical lights of the Parliament Buildings wink on.
Victoria and the Islands, Always in season... Here are
some ideas for other things you might like to do while
you are here...
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| Victoria Butterfly
Gardens |
| Witness butterflies
flying freely among lush, tropical plants and flowers -
Nature's own magic show in a brilliant conservatory,
nature shop and casual dining. Victoria 652-3822 |
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| Peninsula Trail
Rides - Woodgate Stables |
| Lessons available.
Just 20 minutes from Downtown Victoria. |
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| The Horticulture
Centre of the Pacific |
| For garden and nature
lovers, visit 505 Quayle Road, Victoria. 479-6162 |
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| Inner Harbour
Walkways |
| The Inner Harbour has
two excellent walks for a warm summer evening or morning
stroll. One starts at the end of Belleville Street near
the Laurel Point Inn and follows the waterway to
Fisherman's Wharf. The second begins at the blue Johnson
Street bridge and continues along the water to the West
Bay Marina. Herons, seals, mink, otters and sea lions can
be spotted along the way. |
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| Scenic Drives |
| A very popular scenic
drive is along Dallas Road and Beach Drive with a stop at
Cattle Point to stretch your legs and watch the sailboats
race or take in the beauty of the sea and distant
mountains. When you arrive at Cadboro Bay, keep an eye
out for "Caddy", short for Cadborosaurus, our
local, friendly prehistoric sea serpent who is spotted
from time to time in the bay but never captured on film
to date!! |
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| Beacon Hill Park |
- Picnic &
Children's Farm
A truly magnificent park for children of all ages -- and
just a 5 minute drive from Dreemskerry - 100 acres,
beautifully landscaped. Have Thrifty's, our neighbourhood
grocer (at the bottom of St. Charles), pack a lunch for
you, or stop by one of the many sandwich shops nearby.
The Beacon Hill Children's Farm, aka "Petting
Zoo", is home to Ethel, a pot-bellied pig; Peanut
Butter, a miniature Pinto and a foal named Jelly;
Priscilla, a miniature Brahmin cow; three miniature
alpacas; baby chicks; guinea pigs; a donkey named Rosie
and 50 baby goats. Children can pet them or brush them
with brushes provided. The farm is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
every day, weather permitting. |
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| Craigdarroch
Castle |
| Walk to Craigdarrach
Castle, 1050 Joan Crescent 592-5323. It's just a 5-minute
walk from Dreemskerry. |
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| Art Gallery of
Greater Victoria |
| Just down the road
and definitely worth a visit at 1040 Moss Street,
Victoria 384-4101. Call for an update of events at the
Gallery. |
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| Government House |
| Check out our
neighbours! Another "must see" with its
exquisite gardens. The house is private but the gardens
are open daily and free. 1401 Rockland Avenue, Victoria
387-2080 |
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| Swan Lake |
| Near Highway 17 and
the McKenzie Avenue interchange is Swan Lake nature
sanctuary, a favorite for afternoon and evening walks.
The interpretation centre sell 25 cents bags of wheat
seeds at the back door to give you an opportunity to feed
the birds. |
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| Visit Hatley
Castle |
| and stroll the
well-manicured Japanese and Italian Rose Gardens at Royal
Roads University. Castle tours by donation. |
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| Fort Rodd Hill |
| Parks Canada staff
will guide you through underground magazines, gun
emplacements and much more. Also visit Fisgard
Lighthouse, Canada's oldest West Coast lighthouse. |
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| The Lookout at
Mount Tolmie |
| off Mayfair Road for
panoramic views of Victoria, Haro Strait, the ocean and
snowcapped Mount Baker in Washington's Cascade range -
360 degree vista. |
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| Mount Douglas Park
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| 25 acres of natural
surroundings with many hiking trails, picnic spots and a
beach and playground area. |
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| The Maritime
Museum of British Columbia |
| The colourful story
of British Columbia's marine history is told in the
various theme galleries from Early Exploration to Captain
Cook, Canadian Pacific Steamships and the Royal Navy. |
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| Ogden Point |
| Scuba Diving -
explore the waters from the breakwater. |
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| Clover Point |
| Off Dallas Road, for
some of the best kite flying in the country. |
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| E & N Railiner
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| Day trips to Duncan,
Chemainus, Nanaimo, Parksville or Qualicum Beach Monday -
Saturday 8:15 am departure. Return 5:45 pm Sunday noon
departure, return 9:40 pm 450 Pandora Avenue, Victoria BC
V8W 1N6 1-800-561-8630 (250) 383-4324. Discounts of up to
40% by purchasing your ticket seven days in advance.
Additional 10% discount for seniors 60+. |
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| Butchart Gardens |
| If you don't have a
car, bus tours are available -- but you can also take a
regularly scheduled city bus there from downtown (for the
small cost of $1.25). If you are not too tired - be sure
to see this enchanted world both during the day and at
night - the sights and smells are heavenly! Fireworks
show each Saturday night... |
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| Golf |
| to your heart's
content at one or several of the excellent golf courses
on the Island. Listing of Vancouver Island Golf Courses
under "Golf" |
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| The Dominion
Astrophysical Observatory |
| houses one of the
world's largest reflecting telescopes - free admission
363-0001 |
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