Victoria - British Columbia

Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, and is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island off Canada's Pacific coast. Victoria is juxtaposed in a triangular formation between Vancouver and Seattle with ferry services running between each – but our recommendation will be flights for city hopping.

Victoria has a very British feel, and is changing to a much more cosmopolitan atmosphere as it casts aside its “newly wed or nearly dead” tag. Victoria is famous for a few, unique experiences to fill the traveller’s agenda. Only in Victoria can you experience killer whale watching, one of the world’s most sublime gardens and the world’s best afternoon tea; all in the same day.

That’s right, from May to October the magnificent Orcas glide through the channel separating Vancouver Island and the Canadian mainland in streamlined pods, slicing the air with their majestic dorsal fins. The zodiacs that will take you out past seals and porpoises and bald eagles are elaborate affairs seating 12- 16 people decked out in the spray ponchos and safety jackets. Many of our clients relate great experiences of close encounters with these majestic mammals, and besides the wildlife, the coastline is just breathtaking. Not feeling adventurous enough for a zodiac? They run a cruiser out at the same time – very civilised!

Victoria was named after Queen Victoria and this place has its own unique charm which is only enhanced by a veritable institution - High Tea at the Empress. My recommendation? If you’re going to have High Tea in Canada, this is the place. Don’t let a crisp or cool day dissuade you, they’ll bring out a blanket for you! High Tea at the Empress is expensive but well worth it. Don’t have lunch – and you probably won’t fit in dinner – and you’re well in front. The delicacy of the china setting, the personalised tea blends and the heavenly cakes and sandwiches will transport you to the grand travel days of yesteryear.

No visit to Victoria is complete without a visit to Butchart Gardens. I have to be honest here. I love gardening, but walking around a public garden does nothing for me. But Butchart Gardens ...knocked my socks off. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen anything remotely like it. Go there. It’s ...spectacular! Butchart Gardens was originally a limestone quarry, until it was transformed by Jenny Butchart, starting in 1904. Now it’s a serene and comely landscape consisting of 55 acres that erupts into fountains, cascading flowers, towering trees and totem poles. If you’re there in summer, stick around, as they often have evening fireworks on set days. Make sure that you take time to see all of the gardens and keep your camera handy – the magnificent floral displays make even the worst cameraman look like a photographic genius.

By the 1920’s, this extraordinary garden paradise was already ticking over more than 50,000 visits a year. Now the ticker is up to nearly a million visits a year – although you won’t tell as you’re wandering through the garden’s secluded and private escapes. When you’re finished in the gardens, head into the very friendly staff that man the cafe for a coffee and a chocolate Nanaimo bar (a wonderful local treat).

For more on Victoria call the friendly staff at Imagine Travel on 02 4296 9822