September 01, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Victoria, Sightseeing Tours
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I was born and raised on Salt Spring Island. I spent 19 of my years there before I moved away. Last weekend I visited a friend of mine in Victoria. We were trying to decide what to do -- and I say, "Can we go downtown? I'd love to see the waterfront." Her: "You have never seen the waterfront? You're from Salt Spring Island." She was immediately confused. It's funny that people often don't enjoy their own backyard -- no matter how beautiful it is.
After 27 years on this planet and inside-and-out a BC resident, my first time in downtown Victoria was a week ago. It was a gorgeous day on the island and the streets were lively. Tourists roamed from store to store, while each patio was packed with laughter.
I wasn't surprised by what I saw... the islands are home for me. I felt at peace being surrounded by water, sunshine and the hearty smell of the ocean air. We walked around in the inner harbour, checking out the Parliament buildings and fancy hotels. There were buskers and food vendors in the streets. Children perched by the waters edge waiting for seals to swim by.
My friend asked if I wanted to walk out to the point. I exclaimed: "Sure!" The walk felt like it was forever. Dallas Road runs alongside the water, so it was an enjoyable walk. We eventually reached a sign stating "Odgen Point."
At first glance, I was rather confused. Tourists were leaving the point on scooters and there were vehicles everywhere. But just around the bend was why we had come. A beautiful pier led out into the water and to the Odgen Point Lighthouse.
I have been away from the ocean for a bit and I was honestly completely overwhelmed. To be so close to the ocean with a breathtaking view of the mountains was absolutely pristine. People were fishing off the pier, the sunshine was gleaming off the water and silence filled the air.
Some 'tourists' may arrive at Odgen Point Pier and be disgusted by seaweed in the water. I loved every part of Odgen Point. There were beautiful views of the beach, the endless ocean and of island life.
Odgen Point was absolutely stunning. Downtown Victoria is picturesque. Both are sights to be seen.
April 27, 2011 | Field Reports >
Victoria, Sightseeing Tours
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Explore Victoria, British Columbia, with Tourism BC Field Reporter
Chris Wheeler. Learn about trip ideas and things to do in Victoria,
including the Inner Harbour, Royal BC Museum, shopping, afternoon tea
at The Empress, Fan Tan Alley in Chinatown, brewpubs and more.
For more BC Trip Ideas visit
http://www.hellobc.com/tripideas
November 28, 2010 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Sightseeing Tours
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I had the pleasure of meeting driver and car collector Dale Mackie and checking out his very cool vintage cadillac while roaming around picturesque Royal Roads University. Turns out, in addition to weddings, he offers guided tours of Victoria through Classic Car Tours. Hop in the back seat, roll down the window and be swept back in time while exploring Victoria's beaches, the Fisherman's market, or heritage and historic sites, like Emily Carr House and Point Ellice House. We ended up parking at Equimalt Lagoon, which was a perfect way to end a relaxing Sunday drive.
February 16, 2010 | Field Reports >
Victoria, Sightseeing Tours
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Wow! What great energy and Olympic spirit! Check out some of the sights and sounds of Victoria, BC.
Tourism BC Field Reporter Michael Fountain explores the city and celebrates the 2010 Olympic opening ceremonies with the*slightly damp* but super enthusiastic crowd at the livingcolours 2010 Spirt Spectacular Celebration. I love this city...Go Canada go!!!
May 07, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Victoria, Sightseeing Tours
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Tessa Cheri explores Victoria's hidden gems. Whether you're travelling to Victoria or a current resident, you need to see this!
March 26, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Sightseeing Tours
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Feel like sitting down with a warm bowl of veggie chili and a hot cup of coffee (or a cold beer) after a long walk in the fresh air? This is the place for you! I recently moved to Victoria but I have already discovered one of my new favourite hang-outs. Odgen Point Cafe & Dive Centre. It's off Dallas Road and next to the cruise ship terminal.
The cafe is a cozy, neighbourhood kind of place with warm smiles and local papers being passed around, as well as the pastries and quiche. I could sit here for hours, and every second I would get a different view.
The cafe is located at the start of the Ogden Point breakwater, and sits on top of the dive shop. There is a rocky beach close by, a seawall walkway leading to Clover Point, and a small marina within view. Between the divers hitting the water (one of the best dive sites in Victoria), the joggers jogging, the kids skipping rocks, the dogs walking their owners, and the tugboats and cruise ships going to and fro, the view is ever changing. (You can often see the dog from the owner of the dive shop hitting the water too!) People watching at its best - especially if you get a coveted seat on the patio.
I recommend wearing a jacket on the breakwater as the wind can get a bit intimate - especially if you make it to marker #5. But then, what a good excuse to head into the cafe to warm up!
November 14, 2008 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Sightseeing Tours
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My significant other and I felt we should do some research on making your Victoria vacation a memorable one…we thought we’d share a few of our findings.
#5 Mount Douglas Park – Drive or hike to the top and share a view of Victoria – go at sunset and watch the snow-capped Olympic Mountains turn pink – are you melting yet?
#4 Sipping martinis at Vista 18 – Every seat in this rooftop restaurant in the Chateau Victoria Hotel offers unforgettable views - cityscape, the Inner Harbour, ocean, mountains – I know a few people who have asked a very important question here…
#3 Westsong Way – From the west side of the harbour, you’ll get the best views of the Victoria skyline including the Empress Hotel and Parliament Buildings. Pretend you are tired and snuggle up together in one of the Victoria Harbour Ferries on your way back into the city. Oh yes I did.
#2 Dallas Road – Walk along the waterfront from Ogden Point to Clover Point; there are plenty of places off the pathway to take in the scenery – several sets of stairs along the walk lead to quiet pocket beaches. Views of Juan de Fuca Strait and the Olympic Mountains.
And the #1 place to set off some sparks…
Willows Beach – pack a picnic and blanket; watching the moon rise over the ocean on this strip of sand in Oak Bay is a smooth move. Let’s just say you won’t need hot chocolate. 15 minute drive from downtown Victoria and transit buses drop off/pick up here.
I like research…
June 19, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Victoria, Sightseeing Tours
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Since I'm currently working in Seattle (though live in Sacramento, CA) it made perfect sense to spend a few days in Victoria and then take the Ferry over to Whistler. It had been quite a few years since we'd been to either area and it was definitely time to revisit. The weather was beautiful the whole time. The scenery was the Northwest best as it is in summer. Food, sightseeing, the ferry ride and activities -- including the ziptrek in Whistler-- made it a great week!
David and Linda
March 05, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Victoria, Sightseeing Tours
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Last summer 6 of us visited Victoria. We had the best time taking photos with the bears. What a great idea having these bears located throught the city with each designed with a different theme. We visit Victoria each year and look forward to see what unique things are happening.
February 20, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Victoria, Sightseeing Tours
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This picture was taken on Vancouver Island after a day we spent in Victoria