The Downtown streets are lined with quaint restaurants and a selection of arts and crafts shops. The focal point of downtown Victoria is the Inner Harbour. A brief drive from Victoria, the Butchart Gardens blankets 50 acres of an deserted quarry which was transfigured by the Butchart family into a floral prominence .

The Empress Hotel is the heart of the Inner Harbour. The Victorian-era Parliament Buildings, overlooking the Inner Harbour, link a colourful past with the present. At night this legendary building lights the city with thousands of sparkling lights. A walk along Wharf Street in the heart of Old Town provides a look at many examples of Victorian architecture.

Stroll the famous Inner Harbour and visit the Victoria Marine Adventure Centre where you can access a wide variety of marine adventure services. Float planes charters, as well as, regular scheduled flights depart from the same area.

With Victoria's mild climate outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and golf are year round activities. The game of cricket has been played in Victoria since 1858, with over 90 teams active in the area.

There are countless parks in the city with Beacon Hill Park being the most popular. With more than 184 acres, Beacon Hill supplies magnificent views of the ocean.

Another more than interesting spot is Craigdarroch Castle. Constructed from 1887-90, by the Coal Baron Robert Dunsmuir. The castle is lavished with period furnishings and breathtaking stained glass works. Crystal Gardens, across from the Victoria Conference Centre on Douglas Street has a wide variety of tropical birds and plant life indoors. A tropical paradise under glass.

Below is the scenic drive I took , of course stopping along the way at the different parks. Specular views. Also driving very slowly to try to get a glimpse of some very stately waterside homes.You can get info of this scenic drive and other scenic drives at the visitors centre.

One of the nicest scenic drives in Victoria is from the Waterfront to the Oak Island Marina.

A popular pastime while visiting the Island is to take an ocean cruise, and there are many possibilities for your enjoyment. You can take a leisurely morning, afternoon or evening dinner cruise, or to one of the many Gulf Islands just off-shore, or you can charter for a days fishing or whale watching .

The waters surrounding Southern Vancouver Island are home to three pods of killer whales. Known as the Southern residents, they total over 100 individuals. I recommend Able II Charters for whale watching. They have 44 LOA boats whcih are comfortable , safe and wheelchair accessible. Heated washrooms and on board naturalist. Also a really neat thing is a onboard hdyro phones so you can listen to the whales under the water.

Whale watching is a must when you visit Victoria!!

Victoria a place of the past yet in touch with the future. A place of magnificent beauty and yet simple pleasures, a place to find a activity and yet serenity as well. A place of beauty of scenery but also beauty of the heart. Certainly a place to visit and enjoy this treasure, called Victoria