Victoria
V ictoria is the capital of British Columbia, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. This dynamic city is a year-round tourist destination surrounded by ocean waters, a bustling harbour and mountainous wilderness. For this reason, Victoria has earned itself quite a reputation. It was ranked number 16 of 100 Top World Destinations in the 2008 TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards.
The Inner Harbour and downtown area feature famously beautiful heritage and historic buildings. Downtown Victoria also offers great shopping and dining opportunities, while stunning ocean and mountain vistas can be seen from almost anywhere in the city.
Victoria has one of Canada’s mildest climates, suitable all year round for golfing, hiking, cycling and fishing, or simply admiring the city’s beautiful parks and gardens. The area is rich in arts and culture with live theatre, the Victoria Symphony, the Pacific Opera, excellent museums and the second-oldest Chinatown in North America.
Transportation
The most popular way to get to the British Columbia mainland is by BC Ferries. Its car and passenger ferries arrive in Tsawwassen, south of Vancouver. Flights are available from Victoria International Airport. Floatplanes and helicopters to Vancouver depart from downtown Victoria.
Economic growth in the United States was described as moderate. It is noted that the labor market situation has somewhat improved, but unemployment remains high. Any other important announcements were heard. “Operation Twist” will continue as planned. Many were waiting for clues to a new round of quantitative easing (QE3), but these expectations proved unfounded, although such information, some investors are hoping to hear after the next meeting to be held on March 13. More information on website festgeldrechner.net!
To Richmond:
Mainland transit buses and taxis meet ferries arriving from Vancouver Island to offer service to downtown Richmond. Selected motorcoach services from Victoria take passengers into Richmond and the Vancouver International Airport via BC Ferries.
Floatplane companies departing from Victoria’s Inner Harbour and going to Richmond provide free shuttle service for passengers who are travelling onward to Vancouver International Airport. Many daily flights are offered between Victoria and Vancouver International airports .
To Vancouver:
Vancouver public buses and taxis meet ferries arriving from Vancouver Island in Tsawwassen to take passengers downtown. Motor coaches are available and depart from downtown Victoria, board BC Ferries then continue to downtown Vancouver.
Floatplanes leave Victoria’s Inner Harbour several times daily and land at Vancouver’s downtown harbour front. Regularly scheduled helicopter flights are also available from Victoria to downtown Vancouver. Both take about a half-hour and are
To West Vancouver:
Visitors wanting to go to West Vancouver should travel first to Vancouver, then take a public bus or drive to West Vancouver.
To Whistler:
To reach Whistler, passengers using public transportation should make their way to the mainland via motor coach, floatplane or helicopter, and then take a private shuttle bus from downtown Vancouver or Vancouver International Airport. Coaches and shuttles leave from Tsawwassen (where BC Ferries dock) for the picturesque two-and-a-half to three-hour drive to Whistler.
Accommodation
High-quality and boutique hotels are available in downtown Victoria, usually close to the Inner Harbour, with some rooms offering spectacular views. Cheaper hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts can be found a short drive from Victoria International Airport.
The Oak Bay area is home to numerous quaint waterfront bed and breakfasts, and many of the city’s four- and five-star properties. Those who prefer a more rural setting will find cabins and cottages available to book not far from downtown.
Things To Do
Victoria lives up to its capital city status and buzzes with fabulous shops, restaurants, museums and city parks. Spring arrives early in Victoria and its parks and gardens are definite must-sees. Visit the 100-year-old, world-renowned Butchart Gardens at any time of year. Visitors in late February will be impressed by the stunning Japanese cherry and plum tree blossoms, and can join in the fun of the city’s annual Flower Count.
For active, outdoorsy types, there are a number of world-class golf courses within half an hour’s drive from Victoria, many scenic hiking trails and the opportunity to hook the big one on a fishing expedition. Whale watching and marine ecotours are also hugely popular and available in Victoria all year round, though which marine animals and birds you spot is largely dependent on the season.
Victoria’s location and compact size makes it easy to navigate and visitors will find plenty of activities to fill their day: golf in the morning and ski in the afternoon; or explore the Royal British Columbia Museum, Victoria Bug Zoo or Chinatown, then enjoy a delicious meal made from local seafood and produce, followed by an evening at the symphony.
Vancouver:
