A Story of Victoria
by Paul H. Green
The story of Victoria, British Columbia in Canada begins with a boast of the mildest climate of any Canadian city. Along with the mild temperatures come visitors to the capital of British Columbia where gardens top the list of favorites along with golf. Sophisticated, historical, and vibrant, Victoria is a city that's never far from the natural world that surrounds it. Carved from the wilds of Canada this is a city that grins at youth while firmly acknowledging the historical significance that brought it to a place of modern urban life.
Victoria rests on the southern tip of Vancouver Island with a population of approximately 300,000. Known as the “city of gardens,” Victoria encompasses a bustling inner harbor, a restored downtown, and a number of heritage homes that nod to the past. Nature keeps a close watch over the city from the Pacific Ocean to mountains that stand regal in the distance. With so much natural beauty surrounding the city outdoor sports reign supreme. The Pacific Ocean and the Inner Harbor of Victoria offer up such activities as kayaking, canoeing, diving, whale watching, sailing, and boating. Pull on a pair of hiking boots and hike the trails of the surrounding area that tell a story of nature.
The Inner Harbor of Victoria is a flurry of activity. The impressive Parliament buildings of British Columbia hold a place of authority facing the harbor. At night the building lights lend a majestic and magical look to the harbor and an amazing light spectacle from a cruising boat. Walk the Inner Harbor from Johnson Street Bridge to Bellville Street and get a clear vision of what Victoria is really all about. As you saunter you'll be entertained by street artists, musicians, and jugglers who add color and lend a carnival like atmosphere to the area. Stop at any of a myriad of pubs, bistros, cafes, and restaurants that offer everything from casual to sophisticated fare. Walk the paved path that winds beside the coast past homes, gardens, and ponds. When you reach Fisherman's Wharf stop for fish and chips and sit idly watching boats and the whirl of activity. If you're in Victoria on a Sunday morning head for the Inner Harbor and find a spot in front of the Parliament buildings for a watery dance by water taxis called Victoria Harbor ferries to the music of Strauss's “Blue Danube.”
The turn-of-the-century Fairmont Empress Hotel faces the harbor with elegance and grace befitting a posh hotel. Make reservations to have afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress in the lobby. Besides a “secret” tea you'll be served small finger sandwiches, traditional English raisin scones with clotted cream, and a bevy of desserts that include the tea-time favorite shortbread cookies. The hotel lights up at night adding elegance to Inner Harbor nights.
Museums and galleries abound in the capital. The Royal British Columbia Museum is divided into three galleries: First Peoples Gallery keeps the stories, art, and artifacts of the original people alive. Before European explorer, Captain James Cook discovered this part of the world the region was home to the Coast Salish peoples. The other two galleries are the Modern History Gallery and the Natural History Gallery.
Gardens are everywhere in and around Victoria. Imagine yourself walking along a tropical paradise with beautiful flashing colors that just might light on your shoulder. The Victoria Butterfly Garden brings flying jewels of the world to its indoor gardens. Here you'll find butterflies and moths flitting about in their tropical world of plants. To the north of Victoria about fourteen miles the Butchart Gardens await your arrival. Get lost in the beauty of four gardens within fifty-five acres. A sunken garden, an Italian garden, a Japanese garden and a rose garden are brimming with flowers and foliage for every season. Don't miss one of the most popular tourist draws in British Columbia.
Back in the city of Victoria it's time to shop. You'll find everything your heart desires and then some. Begin downtown near Government Street to spend an afternoon shopping for distinctive west coast native art in galleries. British imports abound along with Scottish tartans, and Irish woolens. Fort Street harbors antique shops for those hoping to own something from years gone by and Johnson Street offers specialty stores of all kinds. Shopping in a storied city adds to the experience.
The city of Victoria in British Columbia continues writing its story. New attractions, festivals, and ways to celebrate the heritage of the city continue. Chug a few pints at a beer festival or let the music of the Victoria symphony wash over you at “Symphony Splash.” No matter what your pleasure is you'll find that Victoria's ever-changing cityscape presents a tablet for writing your own Victoria story. Rich in history, proud of its native heritage, and embracing all the seasons to come, it's a city not to be missed. From outdoor sporting activities to afternoon tea the capital pulses with diversity and a resonating energy. The story of Victoria in British Columbia is just beginning.
More Information
www.victoria.ca/common/index.shtml
www.fairmont.com/empress/
www.butchartgardens.com/