Victoria [1]’s compact downtown core makes for an unhurried weekend of sightseeing. If you’re arriving by air, book your flight right to Victoria. If you’re traveling over to Victoria from Washington state, leave your vehicle at home.
Spend your first evening walking around the Inner Harbour [2], wandering through the Fairmont Empress [3] and strolling along the busy promenade. Make sure to choose a restaurant with water views for dinner (the Barn’s Place [4] is a personal favorite).
Start your day learning about the region’s natural history at the Royal BC Museum [5]. It’s possible to spend a full day at this wonderful facility, but time is limited, so plan on two hours, then walk along the harborfront to the historical streets of Old Town [6]. Choose a Bastion Square restaurant for lunch. Spend a full afternoon at colorful Butchart Gardens [7].
Catch a cab to Government House [8]. Admire the surrounding native gardens and then wind your way on foot back down to the harbor via imposing Craigdarroch Castle [8] and the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria [8]. Enjoy afternoon tea at one of the city’s many tearooms before flying home.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/vancouver-victoria/vancouver-island/victoria
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/vancouver-victoria/vancouver-island/victoria/inner-harbour-sights
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/vancouver-victoria/vancouver-island/victoria/inner-harbour-sights/fairmont-empress
[4] http://www.moon.com/destinations/vancouver-victoria/vancouver-island/victoria/food/seafood
[5] http://www.moon.com/destinations/vancouver-victoria/vancouver-island/victoria/inner-harbour-sights/royal-british-columbia-museum
[6] http://www.moon.com/destinations/vancouver-victoria/vancouver-island/victoria/old-town
[7] http://www.moon.com/destinations/vancouver-victoria/vancouver-island/victoria/saanich-peninsula/butchart-gardens
[8] http://www.moon.com/destinations/vancouver-victoria/vancouver-island/victoria/rockland