2015 Victoria & Vancouver Island Visitors' Guide

The Greatest Little Show on Earth! TM A People Attraction – Extraordinaire!

Nothing Short of...MINIATURETASTIC!

Located in the EMPRESS HOTEL

OPEN DAILY, 649 Humboldt St., E-mail: 3859731@miniatureworld.com Victoria, BC Canada, V8W 1A7 Web site: www.miniatureworld.com Ph: (250) 385-9731 • Fax: (250) 385-2835

Great Canadian Railway, Calgary 1885

Voted Gem Attraction by “AAA” • Certificate of Excellence by TRIP ADVISOR

Our Latest and Greatest addition

Knights of the Round Table

Death of King Arthur

Camelot Castle

The Enchanted Valley of Castles

Circus World Parade

Battle of Britain

7LWDQLD·V 3DODFH

A Classic Car Rally

Nob Hill Dollhouse

Space 2201 1

MAP PAGE

11

TRAVEL

I

EXPLORE

I

DISCOVER

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2

Contents / Visitor Information

3

Welcome to Victoria & Vancouver Island BC Gardens Tour

4-8

Vancouver Island Map

9 10

Victoria and Saanich Peninsula Map

11

Downtown Victoria Map

12

The Essential Victoria

13

Top 6 Tours

14

Top 5 Reasons to Get Outdoors

15

Victoria Shopping & Galleries

16

Victoria Dining & Nightlife

17

Explore the Saanich Peninsula

18

Sidney Map

19

Visit Beautiful Sidney

Fishing Tidal and fresh water sport fishing licenses are required and must be carried on your person while fishing. Full regulations and licenses can be obtained from most sporting goods stores and fishing outfitters.

Border Crossing Information U.S. residents need a passport to cross into Canada and return to the U.S. American Custom Regulations After 48 hours stay in Canada, Americans are allowed $400 duty-free merchandise once every 31 days for personal use.

Less than 48 hours stay, the allowance is $200 of merchandise.

Canada Border Services For detailed information, call (800) 461-9999 (while in Canada) or (204) 983-3500 (from the U.S.).

VICTORIA & PENINSULA TRANSPORTATION SERVICES Bus Lines Wilson’s Transportation – Gray Line BC Transit Bus Information Airport Shuttle

TOURIST INFORMATION HelloBC.com TourismVictoria.com

Victoria British Columbia

VancouverIsland.travel DistinctlySidney.ca

Sidney

WilsonsTransportation.com

BC Ferries Victoria Clipper Ferry Service Black Ball Ferry Line (MV Coho) Washington State Ferries

BCFerries.com ClipperVacations.com CohoFerry.com wsdot.wa.gov/ferries

cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

Canada Border Service Agency U.S. Consulate (Vancouver)

BCTransit.com

Ferry Services

Destination British Columbia

Vancouver Island

SightseeingVictoria.com

vancouver.usconsulate.gov

EMERGENCY SERVICES BC Auto Association

911 800.222.4357

FEARN’S 2015-2016 VICTORIA & VANCOUVER ISLAND VISITORS’ GUIDE PUBLISHER: Certified Folder Display Service Canada, Inc. VICTORIA OFFICE: 225 Russell Street, Victoria, BC, Canada V9A 3X1 phone: 250.382.4207 fax: 250.382.4264 certifiedfolder.com Neither Certified Folder Display Service Canada, Inc. or the Victoria & Vancouver Island Visitors’ Guide make any representation expressly or implied as to the performance of the advertisers herein, or the accuracy of the facts herein. Certified Folder Display Service Canada, Inc. and the Victoria & Vancouver Island Visitors’ Guide jointly and severally disclaim any responsibility for acts or omissions of these advertisers. Copyright 2015

by Certified Folder Display Service Canada, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this Visitors’ Guide may be reproduced without permission of the publisher. VVG5/15.

2

I

VICTORIA & VANCOUVER ISLAND VISITORS’ GUIDE

HOSPITALS Royal Jubilee Hospital

250.370.8000

Victoria General Hospital

250.727.4212

Saanich Peninsula Hospital

250.544.7676

2

MAP PAGE

11

VICTORIA & VANCOUVER ISLAND Welcome to

The historic seaport city of Victoria surrounds its Inner Harbour on the southeastern shores of Vancouver Island. As a provincial capital of more than 80,000, the city is one of Canada’s most vibrant. Its temperate climate and world-class VV AA

attractions make Victoria a

NN CC

favorite of visitors year round,

O O UU VV

from families and friends

EE

R II SS

making memories, to couples

N AN

LL A

DD

seeking romantic getaways, to solo explorers looking for adventure.

VICTORIA

These areas are easy to get to

Besides major airlines that fly in

and, with some of the island’s

and out of Victoria International

best attractions, are perfect for

Airport (YYJ), the city is easily

day-trip activities or a longer

accessible by seaplane and

getaway.

ferry, making the journey there an exciting part of the entire Victoria experience.

Traveling farther afield from Victoria, other island regions include the rich agricultural

Vancouver Island, at nearly

valley of Cowichan, the West

300 miles long and 80 miles

Coast’s rugged Pacific Rim, the

wide at its broadest point, is

island’s central core with small

Victoria’s vast back yard.

coastal cities and interior

The south island – the areas

mountains, and the north island

immediately bordering

with rugged coastlines and

Victoria – offer plenty of at-

small fishing villages.

tractions and outdoor recreation. These include: Saanich Peninsula, stretching north from

MORE INFO

Victoria; and Sooke, a scenic

TourismVictoria.com

town west of Victoria.

VancouverIsland.travel

Explore more at visitortips.com/can/bc/victoria

WHALE WATCHING TOURS

950 WHARF ST.

FREE SHUTTLE BUS PICK-UP

250 386 2277

ORCASPIRIT.COM

MENTION THIS AD AND RECIEVE A $10 DISCOUNT ON YOUR TOUR! VICTORIA & VANCOUVER ISLAND VISITORS’ GUIDE

I

3

Follow the

Garden Trail From the delicate cherry blossoms and daffodils of early spring to the magnificent rhododendrons in April and May, vibrant summer perennials to the rich colours of autumn, and the tropical wonders of indoor gardens to enjoy year-round, British Columbia is an incomparable destination for garden lovers. Even the winter months hold a special magic as evergreen shrubs

and trees take centre stage, making the region a horticultural paradise. With a wide range of garden experiences including botanical gardens, a butterfly and tropical wildlife sanctuary, cultural gardens and a National Historic Site of Canada, the gardens featured in this guide range in size from perfect gems of less than an acre to grand estates and everything in between.

YU KO N

TE RR IT

OR Y

NWT

Dease Lake

BRITISH COLUMBIA

ALASKA USA

Terrace

Queen Charlotte Islands

Fort Nelson

Fort St John

Smithers

Prince Rupert

ALBERTA

WHISTLER

Prince George

Bella Coola

Ro

Bella Bella

ck y M ou

COURTENAY

nt ai ns

PACIFIC OCEAN

Port Hardy

Revelstoke

Golden

Kamloops Courtenay

Vancouver Island

Tofino

Powell River

Parksville Nanaimo

Whistler Kelowna Vancouver

Penticton

Nelson Cranbrook

Sidney Victoria

TOFINO

Vancouver Island

PARKSVILLE NANAIMO

Seattle

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

VANCOUVER

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

VICTORIA SEATTLE

The Butchart Gardens The Butchart Gardens, National Historic Site of Canada is a 55 acre privately owned display garden. Open every day of the year.

Spectacular Spring bursts forth with over 300,000 flowering bulbs and countless shrubs. The Rose Garden graces the summer while the perennial borders start their stunning show in late summer. Japanese maples turn to russet, gold, and red in the fall.

Highlights in July and August include evening entertainment, night illuminations, and Saturday fireworks. The Magic of Christmas features carolers, a festive brass band and an outdoor ice skating rink. Spring Prelude marks the beautiful transition from winter to spring.

The Rose Carousel with 30 hand carved animals is sure to delight adults and children alike.

800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay, BC Toll Free 1 (866) 652-4422 | Phone (250) 652-5256 butchartgardens.com Open daily, including holidays

LIMITED

Victoria Butterfly Gardens Welcome to the Jungle!

Victoria Butterfly Gardens offers you an opportunity to experience a tropical jungle without going to the tropics. Caribbean flamingos walk through the streams and ponds among the beautifully coloured koi, goldfish, Australian whistling tree ducks and red-eared slider turtles.

In our climate controlled environment, (26 Celsius and 80% humidity), wander through lush jungles of plants native to tropical rainforest environments and see poison dart frogs, geckos, tortoises, over 30 different varieties of tropical birds and thousands upon thousands of free flying tropical butterflies.

We are located just 5 minutes from the ‘world famous’ Butchart Gardens.

1461 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay, BC Toll Free 1 (877) 722-0272 | Phone (250) 652-3822 butterflygardens.com See website for daily hours of operation.

Tofino Botanical Garden Canada’s westernmost, wettest and wildest garden!

A sign at the entrance informs visitors that the gardens are regularly visited by bears, wolves and cougars. Humans are also welcome, so be brave and come for a visit.

The gardens are described as whimsical, magical and inspiring. There are kitchen gardens, chicken pens, forest boardwalks and amazing views out to Clayoquot Sound. An amazing collection of sculpture, regular music programs and activities for children and learners of all ages. TBG is everything a garden should be. Truly a place to set your heart free.

1084 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC Phone (250) 725-1220 tbgf.org | Open daily from 9am till dusk LIMITED

Milner Gardens & Woodland Vancouver Island University’s Milner Gardens & Woodland is a magical seaside retreat once reserved for royalty.

Surrounded by old-growth forest and the Georgia Strait, this one-of-a kind woodland estate rejuvenates the soul with its gardens and magnificent coastal views.

Enjoy the charming Camellia Tea Room after strolling the grounds and contemplate the history of the Gardens or fantasize about having them all to yourself.

2179 West Island Highway, Qualicum Beach, BC Phone (250) 752-6153 viu.ca/milnergardens See website for season hours.

LIMITED

The Gardens at HCP One of Canada’s top garden treasures.

With nine acres of demonstration gardens to enjoy, you’ll find plenty of inspiration and examples for your own garden. A further 100 acres of conservation park is home to endangered plant species and a host of native bird species. HCP is also home to Pacific Horticulture College, founded in 1987 to provide professional education. Ongoing weekly programs provide community education on a wide range of gardening related topics.

The new Couvelier Pavilion provides a gorgeous setting for small weddings and other events – the perfect place to share and mingle with friends, family or colleagues.

505 Quayle Rd, Victoria, BC Phone (250) 479-6162 hcp.ca | Open 9-5 daily

Vancouver Island Gardens

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden Named world’s top city garden by National Geographic.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is a picturesque and popular attraction on Vancouver’s must-visit places list. Built in 1986, to increase understanding and bridge the cultural gap between Chinese and Western cultures, it is the first Classical Chinese garden built outside of China. Imported limestone rocks, lush vegetation, water features and striking architecture make this a peaceful and tranquil setting in busy downtown.

578 Carrall Street, Vancouver, BC Phone (604) 662-3207 vancouverchinesegarden.com

VanDusen Botanical Garden & Bloedel Conservatory Travel the botanical world in the heart of Vancouver!

Experience thousands of native and exotic plant species at the VanDusen Botanical Garden in one of Canada’s largest botanical gardens. Plus, less than 1km away, you can enter the tropics at the Bloedel Conservatory, which features 500 tropical plant species and 200 free flying exotic birds. See website for seasonal hours.

VanDusen Garden 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC Bloedel Conservatory Cambie Street and 33rd Avenue Phone (604) 257-8335 www.vandusengarden.org

UBC Botanical Garden & Nitobe Memorial Garden Immerse yourself in the world of wild-collected plants with over 8000 taxa to explore!

Highlights include internationally recognized collections of magnolias and maples, over 400 kinds of rhododendrons and the award winning Greenheart Canopy Walkway eco-adventure. The Nitobe Memorial Garden is consistently ranked in the top 5 Japanese Gardens in North America. See website for seasonal hours.

UBC Botanical 6804 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver, BC Nitobe Memorial 1895 Lower Mall, Vancouver, BC UBC Botanical (604) 822-4208 | Nitobe (604) 822-6038 botanicalgarden.ubc.ca

Centennial Rose Garden Coquitlam Recognized as one of the top rose gardens in Canada.

The Centennial Rose Garden in Coquitlam features 1,000 roses including climbers, shrubs, floribunda, hybrid tea, miniature, old garden and rambling roses (including a section dedicated to hybridized Canadian Rose varieties). The gardens are maintained by members of the Fraser Pacific Rose Society affectionately known as the ‘Garden Gnomes’ who are always happy to offer advice to the many visitors who explore the gardens.

See website for seasonal hours.

624 Poirier Street, Coquitlam, BC Phone (604) 464-2754 fprosesociety.org

Gardens British Columbia Directory British Columbia Mainland Gardens

Vancouver Island Gardens

Communities in Bloom* Across British Columbia (604) 574-7772 bccommunitiesinbloom.ca

Centennial Rose Garden * Coquitlam (604) 464-2754 fprosesociety.org

The Butchart Gardens * Brentwood Bay (250) 652-4422 butchartgardens.com

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden* Vancouver (604) 662-3207 vancouverchinesegarden.com

Riverview Horticultural Centre Society Coquitlam (604) 290-9910

Victoria Butterfly Gardens * Brentwood Bay (250) 652-3822 butterflygardens.com

Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden Society * Sechelt (604) 740-3969 coastbotanicalgarden.org

Tofino Botanical Garden* Tofino (250) 725-1220 tbgf.org

VanDusen Botanical Garden & Bloedel Conservatory * Vancouver (604) 257-8335 www.vandusengarden.org

Linden Gardens Kaleden (250) 497-6600 Summerland Ornamental Gardens Summerland (250) 494-6385

Queen Elizabeth Park & Quarry Gardens Vancouver (604) 873-7000

Okanagan Lavender Herb Farm Kelowna (250) 764-7795

Park and Tilford Gardens North Vancouver (604) 984-8200

Merridale Ciderworks Cobble Hill (250) 743-4293 Organic Fair Farm and Garden Cobble Hill (250) 733-2035 Providence Farm Duncan (250) 746-4204 Mayo Creek Gardens Lake Cowichan (250) 749-6291

The Gardens at HCP * Victoria (250) 479-6162 hcp.ca

Cowichan Valley Lavender Labrynth* North Cowichan (250) 701-2885 cowichanvalleylavender.com

Abkhazi Gardens Victoria (778) 265-6466

Hazelwood Herb Farm Ladysmith (250) 245-8007

Beacon Hill Park Victoria (250) 361-0600

Cominco Gardens Kimberley 1-866-431-7669

Japanese Friendship Garden New Westminster (604) 521-3711

Sooke Harbour House Sooke (250) 642.3421

Milner Gardens & Woodland * Qualicum Beach (250) 752-6153 viu.ca/milnergardens

Tulips of the Valley Agassiz (604) 796-3496

UBC Botanical Garden & Nitobe Memorial Garden* Vancouver (604) 822-4208 botanicalgarden.ubc.ca

St Ann’s Academy Victoria (250) 953-8828

Columbia Valley Botanical Gardens Invermere (250) 342-0539 David Douglas Botanical Garden Prince George (250) 564-9235

Butterfly World and Gardens Coombs (250) 248-7026

Finnerty Gardens Victoria (250) 721-7014

Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park Comox (250) 339-2715

Government House Victoria (250) 387-2080

Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens Courtenay (250) 338-6901

Hatley Park National Historic Site* Victoria (250) 391-2666 hatleypark.ca

Native Plant Garden Museum Campbell River (250) 287-3133 Shephard’s Garden Port McNeill (250) 956-4709

Point Ellice House Victoria (250) 380-6506

* Gardens British Columbia members

NORTH VANCOUVER

Nitobe Memorial Garden

7

UBC Botanical Garden

Lower Mainland Gardens

7A

Dr Sun Yet-Sun Chinese Garden

Centennial Rose Garden 7

BURNABY COQUITLAM

Bloedel Conservatory VanDusen Botanical Garden 99

7A

VANCOUVER NEW WESTMINSTER

For more information on British Columbia’s Garden experiences visit

GardensBC.com

W E L C O M E T O VANCOUVER ISLAND pert, BC Ru es ce ri in er Pr C F B

Vancouver Island, off the coast of British Columbia, PORT HARDY

is the largest Pacific island east of New Zealand. Rich with rainforests, rugged shorelines and beaches, mountains, fertile agricultural valleys, working fishing villages, dozens of provincial parks and B.C.’s capital city of Victoria, the island ranks among North America’s most geographically diverse and scenic destinations to visit.

19

PORT McNEILL

30

PORT ALICE Nimpkish Lake

SAYWARD

19

19

TAHSIS

Esperanza Inlet Nuchatlitz Inlet

VANCOUVER ISLAND

Campbell Lake

GOLD RIVER

Buttle Lake

Nootka Sound

N

CAMPBELL RIVER

28

28

Straight of Georgia

19

19A

COURTENAY

Map Not To Scale

B er , Ri v ell rries P o w C Fe B

C

Comox Lake

Clayoquot Sound

TOFINO

Great Central Lake Tofino Botanical Garden 4

Milner Gardens and Woodland

Sproat Lake

19

1 km = .6 mi

NANAIMO

111 km

PARKSVILLE

150 km

UCLUELET

292 km

TOFINO

316 km

Nanoose Harbour

158 km

COURTENAY

220 km

CAMPBELL RIVER

265 km

PORT HARDY

497 km

19

Barkley Sound

BC Bay, shoe Horse Ferries BC

NANAIMO Tsaw

wass BC F en, BC errie s

BAMFIELD

LADYSMITH

Nitinat Lake

BC en, ass ies r ww Tsa C Fer B

CHEMAINUS

LAKE COWICHAN

DUNCAN

PORT

RENFREW Port San Juan

SHAWNIGAN LAKE

JORDAN RIVER

Saanich Inlet

MILL BAY

SWARTZ BAY

Haro

SIDNEY Straight BRENTWOOD BAY

An a

SOOKE

Sooke Bay

co r

tes

,W A

VICTORIA Port Angeles, WA

QUALICUM BEACH

© 2015 Certified Folder Display Service Canada, Inc.

PORT ALBERNI

UCLUELET

DRIVING DISTANCES VI C TO R IA TO :

QUALICUM BEACH PARKSVILLE

19A

4

4

Sea

ttle ,

WA

VICTORIA & VANCOUVER ISLAND VISITORS’ GUIDE

I

9

SAANICH PENINSULA 17 SWARTZ

BAY

Wain Rd.

17A

Tsehum Harbour

r

ou

rb Ha

a sth

ve

17A

Re

McDonald Park

L EGEN D

n

Patricia Bay

1st 5th

Victoria Int’l Airport Glen Meadows Golf Course McTavish Rd.

PUBLIC PARKING

Pa

Bazan Bay

PARKS & GOLF COURSES

i tric

Western 66 Motor Inn

GALLOPING GOOSE BICYCLE TRAIL

15

WATERFRONT BICYCLE TRAIL

Stellys Cross Rd.

SCENIC DRIVE

BRENTWOOD Dr. BAY allace ButchartW Gardens

ve. n uto A

d.

He

Ar bu tus

McKenzie Ave.

C ed ar H il

Swan Lake Park

Sin cla ir

Cedar Hill Golf Course

Rd .

H i ll R d.

y Finla

.

son

e.

Av

d

son S t.

Lam p

as

Fr

Ro

VICTORIA & VANCOUVER ISLAND VISITORS’ GUIDE

INSET

Da

Menzi es

Mo

DOWNTOWN VICTORIA

llas R

d.

Park Beacon Hill Park

Rd .

l ck

OAK BAY

W in

d s o r R d.

Victoria Golf Course Beach D r

.

Moss St.

ntre

al

St.

Cook St.

Map Not To Scale

Oak Bay

rt

ier

Johnson St.

Fai rfi el d

Uplands Park

r. hD ac

Oak Bay Ave.

Pandora Ave.

Fort St.

Munro

Cadboro Bay

po

Wharf

Esquimalt Rd.

Rd.

Bay St.

Uplands Golf Course

Ne w

Esquimalt

rd St. Blansha

t.

Bay S

s St. Dougla Government St.

d.

ESQUIMALT

d.

Lansdowne R

VICTORIA

d.

ira ls R

S t.

Quadra St.

Gorge Vale Golf Course

ide

e Rd

.

Tud or Av e.

Foul Bay Rd.

gflo we rR

Gorg

Shelbourne St.

on A

Rd .

.

erson Rd. Hend

rn

l Cro ss R d

Richmond Ave.

He lmc ken

rdo n

Wi lkin son

ay hw Hig

Rd .

Ave.

B ay

dm

Bu rn s

Econo Lodge

Cra i

A

La go on

enzie

McK

ale

GORDON HEAD

Mt. Douglas Golf Course

ve

N Pedder Bay

rnd

© 2015 Certified Folder Display Service Canada, Inc.

VIEW THE DOWNTOWN VICTORIA M A P O N P A G E 11

.

icia

Jacklin R d.

St

Belleville

Becher Bay

Fe

Rd .

.

p Rd

kinso

Patr

Rd.

Glanford Ave.

rey

Ca

. lvd nB ea Oc

Fort Rod Hill Historic Park

Ba rrie

Rd.

Mt. Douglas Park

Blen

Rd .

Interurban R d .

. ke Rd t La pec

Q ua dr a

Ve

Esquimalt Harbour

METCHOSIN

East Sooke Regional Park

I

Ash Viewpoint

Portage Inlet

10

Royal Roads

t cky P o i n Ro

10

COLWOOD

sin Rd. tcho Me

. ie Rd esp Gill

MILNES LANDING

Latoria Rd .

d. yR

Pros

G

. lley R d py Va Hap

Rd. oke So

14

d.

Glen Lake

d.

17

d s t r e am Ave.

14

Cordo va B ay R

ak al O

Trans-Canada Highw ay

LANGFORD

Royal Colwood Golf Club

GOLDSTREAM

Roy

ide Rd. rns Bu

Thetis Lake

mR ol

16

VIEW ROYAL

a lstre

Langford Lake

Howard

Francis King Park

Rd.

Thetis Lake Park

Mil Florence Lake

Highland

Goldstream Park

Elk & Beaver Lake Regional Park

.

Rd

Trans-Canada Hig hway

Pike Lake

Elk Lake

SAANICH

Munns Rd.

Cordova Bay Golf Course

We Johnson st S aa 17A nic h

The Gardens at HCP

Prospect Lake

Prospect Lake Golf Course

d

Saywar

R d.

a va B rdo Co

ton ar

Brookleig h

W. Saanich Old

Sp

Bear Hill Park

17A

Maltby Lake

.

Go

Oldfield Rd.

Willis Point Rd.

Mount Work Regional Park

Island View

Rd

Victoria Butterfly Gardens Rd. West Saa nich

Rd. ace all W

Commonwealth Nature Park

ich

Keating Cross Rd.

14

. e Rd D u r r anc

an

an

nv e

Sa

ar

Finlayson Arm

17A

17

ed

Be

E.

C

Tod Inlet

Ho bb s

way

Mt. Newton Cross Rd.

Quality Inn

Be

High

y wa gh Hi ay aB

a anad

LOCHSIDE BICYCLE TRAIL

11

ad R

-C Trans

John Dean Park

17A

INFORMATION CENTRES

17

Coles Bay

BAMBERTON

ADVERTISER LOCATOR

Bay Rd .

SAANICH INLET

#

SIDNEY Loc hsi de

Ardmore Golf Course

Canora Rd.

MILL BAY

Beacon Ave.

Cadb oro

Birch

d Rd. Landsen

West Saanich Rd.

Deep Cove

SIDNEY M A P

&

BA YS T.

DOWNTOWN VICTORIA M A P 17

LD ST.

HERA

E IDG

.

RD ST

BR CE

STORE ST.

SW

Fan Tan Alley

McPherson Playhouse

T ST. ORAN CORM

Centennial Square City Hall

PANDORA AVE. Harris Green Park

E

DG

y wa

W alk

Capital 6 Theatres

Pu bli c

KIMTA RD.

COOK ST.

YATES ST.

VANCOUVER ST.

KIMTA RD .

QUADRA ST.

N

JOH

JOHNSON ST. BLANSHARD ST.

BRI

DOUGLAS ST.

.

RD

ST.

N SO

BROAD ST.

T

ESQ UIM AL

GOVERNMENT ST.

Victoria West Park

FISGA

.

RD

RD. EE TY

PO IN TE

LLI

HA

UR O RB

CATHERINE ST.

China Town

.

T IFT S

Trounce Alley

SON

.

G HEES R D

Bastion Square

VIEW ST. LANGLEY ST.

FORT ST. BROAD ST.

.

WHARF ST

Fort Victoria 1843

N

BROUGHTON ST. BROUGHTON ST.

GORDON ST.

Map Not To Scale

Harbour Centre

Library

Strathcona Hotel

8

COURTNEY ST.

WHAR

F ST.

6

ROCKLAND AVE.

COURTNEY ST. Windsor Court

BLANSHARD ST.

Victoria Bug Zoo

Royal Theatre

HUMB O

LDT ST.

Prince of Whales

© 2015 Certified Folder Display Service Canada, Inc.

Pa

Liq u

or

Sto

re

rk

MICHIGAN ST.

SOU THG ATE

ST.

COOK ST.

SUPERIOR ST.

ACA DEM Y

ER ST.

Helmcken House

VANCOUV

Thunderbird Park

Archives Parliament Buildings

ST.

ES cD T. P on NI AG ark ald AR A ST .

ST.

ST

.

RD.

Bus Depot

.

ST

FAIRFIELD

17

BELLEVILLE ST.

IG

AN

T.

Victoria Conference Centre

Beacon Hill Park

ZIES

CO

BEC

RS

SIM Ma

QUE

.

O

ST TR EA L

rk

RIO

ST

T.

CH

M

O

N

ST .

MI

N

TS

ST.

PE

McCLURE ST.

BO

LD

Empress Hotel

.

BURDETT ST

M

AD RA

SU

.

LA W

RE

N

TO

HU

QU

GS

1

DOUGLAS ST.

Walk to Downtown

Pa

7

KIN

5

Huntingdon Manor & Gatsby Mansion

GOVERNMENT ST.

Cruise Ship Berth

RD. LAS DAL

Helijet (to Vancouver)

Black Ball Ferry Line

MEN

Fis W herm ha an rf P ’s ark

CE

N

2

17

Gray Line Inner Sightseeing 3 Harbour

EG

RO

Orca Spirit Adventures

SW

HU

9

O

Eagle Wing Tours

Minia ture Worl d

Court House

TORONTO ST. James Bay Inn

4

VICTORIA & VANCOUVER ISLAND VISITORS’ GUIDE

I

11

TRAVEL

The

I

EXPLORE

I

DISCOVER

Essential VICTORIA

Part of the Victoria experience is discovery. While visitors often find their own attractions that top their personal lists of must-see spots, most begin by visiting the headliners. Three of the top attractions immediately surround the Inner Harbour, which is the city’s heart and soul.

The venerable and historic

The Royal British Columbia

Empress Hotel (today a

Museum, also on the Inner

Fairmont property) greets

Harbour, can easily occupy the

visitors who arrive at the Inner

greater part of a day. It houses

Harbour by ferry or seaplane.

one of the most significant

Whether staying at The

collections of First Nations

Empress or not, many visitors

artifacts in Canada, has natural

enjoy exploring the elegant

and modern history exhibits,

1908 chateau-style structure

and is home to an IMAX

with its ivy-clad façade, and

Theatre. The museum is

taking traditional Afternoon Tea

located at 675 Belleville Street.

in its tea room. The Fairmont Empress is located at 721 Government Street.

On the Inner Harbour’s south side, the British Columbia Parliament Building is a late19th-century neo-baroque architectural gem topped with 33 domes. Visitors can take a free guided tour to learn about the history of the building and the workings of the British Columbia parliamentary government. The B.C. Parliament Building is located at 501 Belleville Street; for tour information, call 250-387-3046.

I

Hop On, Hop Off! City Tour

sightseeingvictoria.com 250.385.6553

Look for our Butchart Gardens Xpress Shuttle!

Kiosk in front of the Empress Hotel

3

MAP

11

4

MAP

11

PAGE

Other main Victoria attractions include historic Craigdarroch Castle, a Victorian-era mansion open for tours at 1050 Joan Crescent, and the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, the city’s public art museum at 1040 Moss Street.

MORE INFO Fairmont.com leg.bc.ca RoyalBCMuseum.bc.ca TheCastle.ca aggv.ca

Explore more at visitortips.com/can/bc/victoria

12

Vintage Double Decker

VICTORIA & VANCOUVER ISLAND VISITORS’ GUIDE

PAGE

TOP

6 TOURS

An excellent way to experience Victoria, whether exploring the city or its natural surroundings, is on a guided tour.

Tour operators offer several options.

Victoria city tours typically take in city sights on a double-decker bus with an open second tier for best viewing. Narrators know the city well and, by the time the tour is over, guests will too. There are several operators. Two of the most popular are: Gray Line Sightseeing and CVS Tours.

Visitors have a variety of twowheel tour options with Cycle BC. This tour company rents motorcycles, scooters and bicycles and will help you decide where to explore.

A guided walking tour is a healthy and informative way to learn about Victoria. Discover the Past offers four walking tours including Chinatown Walks. In the evening, Ghostly Walks inspires chills as visitors hear tales of Victoria’s more sordid past and visit many of the city’s allegedly haunted places. To reserve a tour, visit DiscoverThePast.com.

Saanich Peninsula and Cowichan Valley (just outside of Victoria) are wine regions

dotted with vineyards and several wineries. Luxury Wine Tours operates tours out of Victoria to wineries in both regions, including a gourmet picnic lunch.

Victoria Harbour Ferry & Water Taxi operates narrated tours on the Inner Harbour and The Gorge, Victoria’s inland waterway. One of their most popular tours is the Pickle Pub Crawl, which visits watering holes surrounding the Inner Harbour.

No visit to Victoria is complete without a whale watching tour.

Visitors can venture out onto the Strait of Juan de Fuca to spot whales with any of several professional operators, such as Eagle Wing Tours, Orca Spirit, or Prince of Whales.

MORE INFO SightseeingVictoria.com CVSTours.com Victoria.CycleBC.ca DiscoverThePast.com LuxuryWineTours.ca VictoriaHarbourFerry.com EagleWingTours.com OrcaSpirit.com PrinceofWhales.com

5

MAP PAGE

11

Explore more at visitortips.com/can/bc/victoria VICTORIA & VANCOUVER ISLAND VISITORS’ GUIDE

I

13

TRAVEL

I

EXPLORE

I

DISCOVER

TOP 5 REASONS to GET OUTDOORS Victoria prides itself on its parks, gardens and recreational trails. A perfect way many visitors appreciate the city is to add an outdoor activity to the itinerary. The opportunities range from a quiet stroll in a scenic section of the city to adrenalinecharged thrills on a zip line.

Beacon Hill Park offers enough

city, visitors can take a short

acreage for some serious walk-

drive from downtown Victoria

ing. This graceful park stretches

and hit the trails at Goldstream

from the edge of downtown to

Provincial Park, the traditional

the Strait of Juan de Fuca for

fishing grounds of First Nations

spectacular views across to

people. There, old growth

Washington State.

forests and natural wild

Those who prefer to see the world from sea level enjoy kayaking in Victoria’s water-

habitats flank hiking trails through two distinct

For people who prefer to soar,

located at Fisherman’s Wharf,

Adrena LINE Zipline

1 Dallas Road provides guided

Adventure Tours provides the

kayaking and hiking tours.

perfect canopy zipline experi-

Galloping Goose Trail (or shorter portions of it), which

* 5 $ LY N O r fo ria Explore Greater Victo DayPASS t with your BC Transi

vegetation zones.

ways. Kelp Reef Adventures,

Cyclists enjoy the 37-mile

s n io t a in t s e D S S A P y Da

BC TRANSIT

ence in the forests of Sooke near Victoria. Adrena LINE is located at 5128C Sooke Rd.

runs from Victoria to Sooke through urban, rural and wilderness settings.

MORE INFO Visit www.bctransit.com for trip planner and schedule information

GallopingGooseTrail.com

seems a world away from the

AdrenalineZip.com

Explore more at visitortips.com/can/bc/victoria

14

I

VICTORIA & VANCOUVER ISLAND VISITORS’ GUIDE

5109_2

BeaconHillPark.ca

For a wilder experience that

www.bctransit.com 250∙382∙6161 *Subject *Subject to to change change

Victoria Regional Transit Commission

VICTORIA

VICTORIA SHOPPING & GALLERIES Shopping (or simply window shopping) in Victoria is rich with boutiques, antiques and galleries. Several shopping districts, most centrally located, add variety to the experience.

Downtown’s Government Street runs north from the Inner Harbour, and is home to several retailers that are Victoria mainstays. Murchie’s Fine Tea and Roger’s Chocolates are shops many visitors never miss.

Between Government Street and the waterfront, historic Bastion Square is the site of the original Fort Victoria. Today, shoppers there converge to browse goods made by local artisans during the spring and summer at the Public Market on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and on Sunday in summer for the Sunday Market.

Immediately to the east of Government Street, at 606 View Street, Madrona Gallery is one of Victoria’s best art galleries. Another downtown gallery worth visiting is Winchester Modern at 758 Humbolt Street.

Also downtown, The Bay Centre at 1150 Douglas Street is an indoor galleria-style mall

with a variety of shops and restaurants geared for a full day of serious retail therapy.

Market Square at 560 Johnson Street, Antique Row along Fort Street, Chinatown and Fan Tan Alley (Canada’s smallest street) are also filled with local shops.

East of downtown, the community of Oak Bay is like a separate village with a retail core filled with browsable boutiques and galleries. There, visitors will find The Avenue Gallery at 2184 Oak Bay Avenue, Red Art Gallery at 2249 Oak Bay Avenue and Winchester Galleries at 2280 Oak Bay Avenue.

The Amazing World of Insects, Arachnids, and their many-legged friends!

victoriabugzoo.ca 250.384.2487 6

MAP PAGE

11

choose a Manor or a Mansion

MORE INFO Murchies.com RogersChocolates.com BastionSquare.ca MadronaGallery.com WinchesterGalleriesLtd.com TheBayCentre.ca TheAvenueGallery.com RedArtGallery.ca

Explore more at visitortips.com/can/bc/victoria

Ideally located in the heart of Downtown Victoria overlooking the Inner Harbour. huntingdonmanor.com

7

MAP PAGE

VICTORIA & VANCOUVER ISLAND VISITORS’ GUIDE

I

11

15

TRAVEL

I

EXPLORE

I

DISCOVER

VICTORIA DINING & NIGHTLIFE The “locavore” movement is alive and well in Victoria’s restaurants as chefs embrace what’s fresh and in season.

Island-grown foods easily find their way to Victoria’s tables and, in the city’s dining establishments, diners can savor the true flavor of the island. Where do chefs excel at crafting original dishes from this bounty?

At OLO, a casual, modern restaurant, simple grains, MAP

8

vegetables, seafood and meat

PAGE

11

are artfully transformed into delicious fare.

Catalano Restaurant & Cicchetti Bar crafts hearty Mediterranean-inspired dishes and small plates from the local bounty.

Harbour, is a favorite of locals and visitors.

Stage serves tapas-style small plates featuring house-made charcuterie and local ingredients to accompany their wellcurated wine list.

Visitors in search of an acclaimed cocktail bar should look no further than Clive’s Classic Lounge, recognized A

TR

O N NE

U

RB

RA

CA

cocktails on the planet.

celebrates local ingredients by

CA

for serving some of the best The popular Cafe Brio

end results.

MORE INFO OloRestaurant.com

For elevated pub fare and hand-craft beers, Spinnaker’s Brewpub, overlooking the Inner

CatalanoRestaurant.com StageWineBar.com Cafe-Brio.com Spinnakers.com ClivesClassicLounge.com

9

VIC

MAP PAGE

11

R F RY ER

TOR

Easy Book Online!

IA’S BE CHING S T W H A L E & W I L D L I F E WAT

250 984 8177

www.EAGLEWINGTOURS.ca Explore more at visitortips.com/can/bc/victoria

16

I

VICTORIA & VANCOUVER ISLAND VISITORS’ GUIDE

KE THE TA

HABOU

artful presentation for delicious

TO U S!

combining fine preparation and

Get away without going far.

Explore the

SAANICH PENINSULA Saanich Peninsula is an ideal destination for a day trip from Victoria. Stretching north approximately 30 miles from the city, it is home to farms, wineries, cideries and some of the island’s most visited attractions.

The renowned Butchart Gardens are located at 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay. The gardens occupy a former family estate and abandoned limestone quarry and include a sunken garden, rose garden, concert lawn, Japanese garden, Mediterranean garden and Italian garden. Butchart Gardens has a Seed and Gift Store and several dining options, including fine dining in the former family residence. Visiting the gardens and staying for Afternoon Tea (in spring or summer) or High Tea (in fall and winter) is a lovely way to experience Butchart Gardens.

At Victoria Butterfly Gardens (near Butchart Gardens), visitors walk among more than 3,000 butterflies and several species of tropical birds in an environment of tropical vegetation. The butterfly gardens are located at 1461 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay.

Shuttles, tours and public transportation run from Victoria to both Butchart Gardens and Victoria Butterfly Gardens.

Gray Line Sightseeing and CVS Tours both operate tours to the gardens.

Another reason to visit Saanich Peninsula is to sample the ciders and spirits that are handcrafted there. Visitors find award-winning ciders at the Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse tasting room, located at 2487 Mt. St. Michael Rd., Saanichton. At Victoria Spirits, visitors experience what made this distillery famous: gin made with wild-gathered, organic botanicals. Victoria Spirits is located at 6170 Old West Saanich Road, Victoria.

MORE INFO

Ask about our Vancouver Island and Metro Vancouver packages including ferry travel, accommodation, tours and activities.

Three easy ways to book: · bcferries.com/vacations · 1-888-BC FERRY Ext. 3 · Visit us at 1010 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC

10

MAP PAGE

10

BC Reg. 48839.

11

MAP PAGE

10

SPEND SOME QUALITY TIME Make yourself at home in our warm and inviting, English Tudor-style hotel, conveniently located off Highway 17 just north of Victoria.

Free wireless internet.

ButchartGardens.com ButterflyGardens.com SightseeingVictoria.com CVSTours.com SeaCider.ca VictoriaSpirits.com

WADDLING DOG R E S E R V A T I O N S

Explore more at visitortips.com/can/bc/sidney

1-800-567-8466

www.qualityinnvictoria.com VICTORIA & VANCOUVER ISLAND VISITORS’ GUIDE

I

17

A Lovell

Bowerbank

British Columbia Aviation Museum

Vintage Military, Commercial & Civilian Aircraft on Display

Calvin

Rd.

18

lia A

ve.

Amhe

. rst Ave

view

Ave.

S 5th

t.

St.

Ave. ford Brad

May 1 – Sept 30: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Mala

nt Pleasa

St.

Open 7 days a week Oct 1 – April 30: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

SIDNEY t.

3rd S

PAGE

Ame

ssa Meli

12

MAP

ve.

Ave.

Rd. Mills Rd. Mills t.

5th S

Jame

n Ocea

.

A ve .

Tulista Park

. n Ave Ocea o Epc

Ca n

D r.

Brethour Park

ve.

ve ard A Orch

Iroquois Park

Canso Rd.

d. or a R

r Weile

ay rk W ourpa Breth

Ave.

13

MAP PAGE

an

17

18

Peter Grant Park

a nor Ca

Rotary Park

Loch side

em Nors

12

Dr.

e. e r Av Weil

B.C. Aviation Museum

Rd.

Willingdon

R d.

S aa nich

Rd.

N

A Vibrant Seaside Town

d. vish R McTa

distinctlysidney.ca 18

I

info@distinctlysidney.ca

VICTORIA & VANCOUVER ISLAND VISITORS’ GUIDE

L EGEN D #

ADVERTISER LOCATOR INFORMATION CENTRES PARKS

© 2015 Certified Folder Display Service Canada, Inc.

.

Dr

Sidney offers the perfect get-away for a day, a week or longer. Enjoy delicious culinary offerings, unique accommodations, outdoor recreation, and a diverse shopping district with over 300 shops and services. As the gateway to Vancouver Island, Sidney is located only five minutes from the Victoria International Airport and the Washington State and BC Ferry terminals. With something for everyone, Sidney is the ideal vacation destination!

Map Not To Scale

de hsi Loc

Only 5 Minutes from Victoria International Airport

13

t.

1st S

ille A Oakv

St.

t.

7th S

Victoria Int’l Airport

2nd

Ave.

t.

6th S

S t er

g Way

d.

Sidney Whale Watching

ve. on A

Bevan

l in

ite Blv

t.

3rd S

Beac

s Wh

Ave.

t.

5th S

Coords: 48°38’ 26” N 123°25’ 13” W

Our Gift Shop has great gifts for aviation enthusiasts of all ages!

Ave.

(Next to Victoria Int’l Airport)

(250) 655-3300 • www.bcam.net

r Bake

Dr.

t.

7th S

on Beac

1910 Norseman Road, Sidney, B.C. V8L 5V5

Ave. d. ran R Gala

Henry

Ave.

aven Resth

Henry

S An i d ney , BC ac o rte s, W A

14

Visit

MAP PAGE

10

Beautiful SIDNEY

Sidney-by-the-Sea is a charming town near the north end of Saanich Peninsula, about 26 miles from Victoria. The ferry to and from Anacortes, Washington, arrives in Sidney, making it the first destination many Americans see when visiting Vancouver Island.

With whale watching and AA NN CC

O O UU

some visitors make it no farther

VV

four key attractions to enjoy,

VV

SIDNEY

EE

than Sidney. Sidney’s harbour

R II SS

VICTORIA

also offer sea kayak tours

in Beacon Park and continues

and rentals.

along the seawall with the scenery of Mount Baker and the Salish Sea as a backdrop.

concentration of bookstores.

Sidney is also home to the

For literary visitors and book

British Columbia Aviation

collectors, this is a main

Museum, located at 1910

attraction.

Norseman Road, next to the

is billed as the “Aquarium of the Salish Sea,” bringing visitors face to face with more than 150 species that live in the local waters. The centre is located at 9811 Seaport Place.

The Sidney Seaside Sculpture Walk is a perfect place for a scenic stroll where visitors can appreciate its outdoor sculptures. The walk begins

10

DD

Sidney Whale Watching. They

Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre

PAGE

N AN

whale watching adventure with

in downtown Sidney with a

MAP

LL A

is the place to depart for a

Sidney Booktown is a district

15

Victoria International Airport.

Museum visitors will find on display several historic aircraft and replicas, a variety of aircraft engines and a collection of aviation artifacts.

MORE INFO SidneyWhalewatching.com SidneyBooktown.ca OceanDiscovery.ca DistinctlySidney.ca BCAM.net

Our full-service hotel features 100 luxuriously furnished guest rooms and suites offering superb amenities such as queen beds, soaker tubs, microwaves, fridges, and coffeemakers in all rooms.

Heated seasonal outdoor pool, indoor hot tub, on-site restaurant, WA State Ferries, and Victoria International Airport.

FOR RESERVATIONS CALL 1.866.300.4656 HOWARD JOHNSON HOTEL & SUITES VICTORIA 4670 Elk Lake Drive, Victoria, BC V8Z 5M2

Explore more at visitortips.com/can/bc/sidney

250.704.4656 • www.hojovictoria.ca

16

MAP PAGE

VICTORIA & VANCOUVER ISLAND VISITORS’ GUIDE

10 I

19

DISCOVER

FREE MAPS

Explore the

Section on Pages 4-8

17

MAP PAGE

11

Kayaking in British Columbia

visitortips.com/tig/victoriavancouverisland