British Columbia’s capital city, Victoria is a picturesque, small city in the southern end of Vancouver Island. There is a flavour of jolly old England with double-decker tour buses, many splendid places to have afternoon tea, and even a few real English-style pubs that serve the locally made brews and English specialties.
In addition to the sights available in the city and environs, there is easy access to the wilderness areas along the Galloping Goose trail, a 70 km stretch of park that goes from Victoria to Sooke. From Victoria, too, one can explore Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands via the Island Highway and BC Ferries.
Victoria is an excellent side trip for those visiting the Southern Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island. The Royal British Columbia Museum, the Maritime Museum, the Legislature Buildings (spectacular when lit up at night), Craigdarroch Castle and other historic houses are among the many places to see. Just a short distance away is famous Butchart Gardens, a “must” for those who enjoy visiting gardens.
