Victoria Tours

"Victoria is a much smaller city than Vancouver, with small-town values, a lovely waterfront, wonderful restaurants, the excellent Royal British Columbia Museum, and a decidedly English atmosphere."

"DISTANCE: 4.5 kilometres" (2.8 miles)
5 HOUR TIME FRAMEWORK (not including wandering around Beacon Hill Park)
START: 812 Wharf Street, Visitor Center
FINAL STOP: Beacon Hill Park
NOTES: Because this route passes via two cathedrals, Sunday is probably not the ideal day to visit unless you wish to attend a service. Otherwise, consult their websites to determine the best times to visit and the likelihood of a choir practice or organ recital. The Maritime Museum will be closed on Mondays between early September and early May, and tours will only be offered on Saturdays at 1 pm. To enter the Legislative Assembly, you must pass through security and provide a valid photo ID (a passport is ideal). Self-guided tours are available.

"You'll see the maritime museum, two spectacular cathedral buildings, and the charming streets of the city's most interesting retail district on this tour." The path then returns to the Inner Harbour and beyond, stopping to see some beautiful art, the opulent, domed Legislative Assembly building, the magnificent provincial museum, and Beacon Hill Park . Whether you want to explore the city as a tourist or follow the residents, check out (Globalduniya) a wonderful resource for your vacation.

"BRITISH COLUMBIA MARITIME MUSEUM"

Cross at the lights as if heading up Government Street, then swivel right and cross to Humboldt Street, starting at the Tourist Information Center on the corner of Government and Wharf streets. Follow Humboldt all the way to the conclusion, where "

"The Maritime Museum of British Columbia 1 [map] (634 Humboldt Street; tel: 250-385-4222; www.mmbc.bc.ca; every day 10 am–5 pm, closed Mon early Sep–mid-May) is where you'll discover it." Maritime exploration and trade have played a significant role in the city's history, and this excellent museum houses a fantastic collection of over 35,000 pieces dating back to 1775, as well as extensive collections of maps, pictures, ship blueprints, and other items. Three historic vessels, the Dorothy, the Tilikum, and the Trekka, the smallest sailboat ever to sail around the world, have been added to the mix."

"THE CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST CHURCH"

Turn left onto Douglas Street for one block from the Maritime Museum, then right onto Courtney Street. To go to Christ Church Cathedral 2 [map] (tel: 250-383-2714; www. christ" continue forward, cross Blanchard Street and then Quadra Street through the pedestrian crossing.

This cathedral is relatively new in terms of cathedrals. The first half was consecrated in 1929, and the most recent extension was completed in the 1990s, although the design is Gothic, giving it a grandeur befitting its rank as the Bishop of the Diocese of British Columbia's episcopal seat. There are three organs, various characteristics from religious structures in England, and some beautiful stained glass on the inside. Classical, chamber, choral, and organ music are performed at the cathedral.
The Blue Fox Café is close by if you're hungry or thirsty. Take Quadra Street north past Pioneer Square and the second right onto Fort Street.

CATHEDRAL OF ST ANDREW

Retrace your steps back to the front gate of Christ Church Cathedral, down Courtney Street to Blanchard Street, and then turn right. Cross Broughton Street and continue along Blanchard Street, which is lined with stores and restaurants, then cross Fort Street and look for St Andrew's Cathedral at the next crossroads (View Street).(740 View Street; tel: 250-388-5571;" "This is Victoria's Roman Catholic cathedral, a lovely High Victorian structure elegantly elaborated both inside and out, with an exquisite, soaring tower 53 metres (175 feet) tall. The magnificent altar and carved lectern, both constructed by Indigenous artists – Charles Elliot and Roy Henry Vickers, respectively – date back to 1892.

SQUARE OF BASTION

Turn right out of the front door of St Andrew's and right again to walk along the side of the cathedral, down View Street, with the CIBC building visible ahead on the right. Keep straight ahead between the Bay Centre and McDonald's after passing CIBC and crossing Douglas Street. Follow View Street all the way to Government Street. The entrance to Bastion Square 4 [map] is marked by an archway. The square is essentially a short pedestrian-only lane lined with vendors offering art, crafts, toys, and plants of all types. It's a fun way to get back down to Wharf Street and the harbour.

"Butchart Gardens"

"Butchart Gardens" is a place in Butchart, British Columbia

Trek out to the renowned Butchart Gardens, located 23 kilometres (14 miles) north of Victoria on a sheltered peninsula on the Saanich Inlet. Jennie Butchart, the wife of a mine owner and a pioneer of Portland Cement in Canada and the United States, began the gardens in 1904 with the intention of landscaping one of her husband's quarries. There are currently Japanese and Italian gardens, as well as numerous beautiful cameos, in the garden. A half-million tourists per year stroll among the foliage, which has about a million plants and 700 distinct types. The gardens are known for their spectacular fireworks displays, which take place every Saturday.

"From late June through early September, open-air concerts are frequently held in the evenings. Visit www.butchartgardens.com for more information.
There are plenty more shopping streets to explore from here, including tiny Trounce Alley (left after exiting back through the Bastion Square Arch, then a little further on the right) which has some high-end boutiques, art galleries, and places for refreshment, including The Tapa Bar. The Churchill is another good option – and even better if you come back after dark for drinks at the bar.
If you want to extend your stroll, continue along Government Street until you reach Fishguard Street, turn right to reach Douglas Street, and then turn left on Douglas. Local produce can be found at the Victoria Public Market on the Hudson. where you’ll find local produce, is in a big white building on the right.

INNER HARBOUR

Walk south on Government Street, past your starting location, toward Victoria's heart and soul, the Inner HarbourOnlookers watch as pleasure boats bob on the water, seaplanes take off, buskers amuse, and people watch as the scene unfolds. The massive and towering buildings complete the set-piece[...]"At the head of the bay lies a hotel, and on the southern side is the Legislative Assembly building. The Fairmont Empress Hotel is a National Historic Site of Canada, and it's worth making an appointment for one of their traditional (pricey) English-style afternoon teas, or just going in to see the beautiful lobby.

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

The Legislative Assembly (tel: 250-387-3046; www.leg.bc.ca; Mon–Fri 9 am–5 pm mid-May–early Sep, daily 8.30 am–4.30 pm early Sep–mid-May, tel: 250-387-3046; www.leg.bc.ca; Mon–Fri 9 am–5 pm early Sep–early Sep, daily 8.30 am–4.30 pm early Sep–mid-May, daily 8.30 am A statue of Queen Victoria, who gave the city its name, stands on the lawns in front. Captain George Vancouver is shown on the dome's top (for more information, click here).

Islands in the Gulf of Mexico's South

Several hundred little islands, most no more than lumps of rock, are strewn between Vancouver Island and the mainland, with a handful large enough to support permanent inhabitants and necessitate regular ferry service. The Southern Gulf Islands and the San Juan Islands are both parts of the same archipelago, with the exception that the San Juan group is in the[...]" bald eagles, herons, cormorants). Get a copy of the Gulf Islander, which is provided at island visitor centres and ferry ports, to learn more about what's going on on the islands.

The building of the Parliamentary Assembly

The interior of the structure is just as impressive, with stained-glass windows, gilding, murals, and other artwork, and the tour takes you through several lavishly adorned rooms. The Parliamentary Players, a dramatic group of students who bring to life famous figures from BC history, enrich the experience throughout the summer and on rare off-season days. It is also possible to observe the government at work. Return after dark to see the entire structure illuminated.

THUNDERBIRD PARK AND THE ROYAL BC MUSEUM

To go to the Royal BC Museum, cross-Government Street. The Royal BC Museum 7 [map] (675 Belleville Street; tel: 250-356-7226; www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca; Mon, Tue, & Thu–Sun 10 am–6 pm) was founded in 1886 and has grown in content and popularity since then. stature to necessitate new premises, which were built in the 1960s and 70s. Highlights of the collection include a wonderful array of Indigenous art and other displays detailing some 10,000 years of their history and culture.

"Little Thunderbird Parklocated behind the museum on the southwest corner of Belleville and Douglas streets, was built to house a number of the museum's totem poles. These were then brought within the museum building to prevent deterioration, and duplicates were made for the park, with additional poles added by Chief Mungo Martin, a Kwakwaka'wakw master carver. In the park, he also erected the traditional-style Mungo Martin House, which his grandson now owns and uses for First Nations activities. Its organization and contents provide an excellent introduction to Kwakwaka'wakw culture and tradition. Before continuing on, stop at the museum's Sequoia Coastal Coffee for a cup of coffee and a baked treat, or check out the food trucks

CARR HOUSE: CENTRE FOR CREATIVE COMMUNITY

Take Government Street south until you reach the intersection of Merrifield Avenue and Simcoe Street. Carr House: Centre for Creative Community(207 Government Street; tel: 250-383-5843; https://carrhouse.ca; daily 11am–4pm; tel: 250-383-5843; https://carrhouse.ca) is located here. It was the family home of Emily Carr (1871–1945), the[...]It was the family home of Emily Carr (1871–1945), the[...]

” BEACON HILL PARK

From here, take Simcoe Street around the corner and continue to Douglas Street. The Terry Fox Statue and the Mile Zero Monument are across the street in Beacon Hill Park, but first, turn right on Douglas Street and go down to see them. It has some cachet being the starting place of the 8,000km (5,000-mile) marathon.

In addition, there is the Trans-Canada Highway. Continue around the circular road with the river on your right until you reach the world's tallest free-standing totem pole, the 'Spirit of Lekwammen,' carved by Mungo Martin and standing at 38.9 metres (128ft).
Tree-lined lawns, as well as a few playgrounds and recreational facilities, such as tennis courts, a baseball diamond, and – a rarity in Canada – a cricket pitch (a tribute to Victoria's Britishness) — entice roaming in the park. From June to September, the Cameron Bandshell (tel: 250-361-0246 for information) hosts free concerts, lunchtime shows for kids, and social dances.

"THE GREATER VICTORIA ART GALLERY"

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria 1 [map] (1040 Moss Street; www.aggv.ca; Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 10 am–5 pm, Thu 1–9 pm, Sun noon–5 pm)" originally occupied the historic Spencer Mansion next door when it opened in 1951 in a leafy suburb of the city, but by 1955 more space was needed, and by 1978 its current seven galleries had been built. The gallery shop and offices are now located at the Spencer Mansion.

Inside the Greater Victoria Art Gallery

The collection of artifacts and paintings by famed local artist Emily Carr, whose old house in Victoria is open to the public, is one of the highlights (for more information, click here). Her strong Post-Impressionist style is unmistakably informed by her engrossing fascination with First Nations art and culture. in which she immersed herself for extended periods of time, and in the nature that surrounded her on Vancouver Island. The gallery also has an excellent collection of Asian art and artifacts, including fine carvings, complemented by a delightful Asian garden where you’ll find North America’s only authentic Japanese Shinto shrine. The gallery also hosts special exhibitions and events, including workshops and Family Sundays.

“CRAIGDARROCH CASTLE

"CRAIGDARROCH CASTLE" is the name of a castle in Craigdarroch, Scotland.

Follow the green signs north on Moss Street and right on Fort Street from the gallery. Then take the first right on Joan Crescent. On the right, you'll see the castle.

Craigdarroch Castle 2 [map] is a National Historic Site of Canada. The Castle (1050 Joan Crescent; www.thecastle.ca; shortened hours Fri, Sat, and Sun 10.30 am–4 pm) is a massive Gothic home erected in the late 1880s for Scottish businessmen, politicians, and all-around sharp-practitioner Robert Dunsmuir for the princely sum of $200,000. Some could say he got his comeuppance by dying before his 'castle' was done, as he was not the most attentive or safety-conscious employer. Later, it was repurposed into a war veterans' hospital and a McGill University outpost in Montréal. Now it's your turn.“ Now it’s in the hands of the Castle Society, a registered charity, that maintains the building and its extravagant decor. Concerts, theatrical performances, and classic movie screenings are also hosted here.

GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Continue south on Joan Crescent to reach Rockland Avenue from Craigdarroch Castle. As you stand at the end of Joan Crescent, there are three routes into the grounds: one to the right (this is the car entry) and two to the left (a little further along Rockland Avenue).
Government House (1401 Rockland Avenue; www.ltgov.bc.ca), the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, also accommodates visiting British royalty and has beautiful grounds and gardens that the public can explore at their leisure, including a hiking trail through the Garry Oak Woodlands behind the house. The 7.3-metre (24-foot) Hosaqami totem pole and a bronze statue of Sir James Douglas (the "Father of British Agriculture") are two non-horticultural points of interest in the gardens. Carey Castle Mews, on the grounds, is where the stables and carriage house used to be, along with the jail and various domestic buildings. It includes Butterworth Cottage and the lovely Rudi’s Tea Room,

“ABKHAZI GARDEN

"ABKHAZIA GARDEN" is an abbreviation for "ABKHAZIA GAR
Turn right off the Government House grounds onto Rockland Avenue, then right onto Gonzales Avenue. Turn right at the end where it meets Foul Bay Road, then left on Fairfield Road. On the left, you'll find the garden.
Lieutenant Governor's Office
The British queen, who is represented in Canada by a Governor-General and a Queen's Privy Council for Canada, is the head of state under the Canadian Constitution. Their responsibilities include appointing a Lieutenant Governor to represent the Queen in each of Canada's provinces. Officiating at ceremonial occasions, hosting significant official visitors, and different behind-the-scenes and advising responsibilities are all part of the job description. The Honourable The Honourable The Honourable The Honourable The Honourable The Honourable The Honour Janet Austin, a former CEO of the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority

, "Abkhazi Garden (1964 Fairfield Road; www.abkhaziteahouse.com; every day 11 am–5 pm) is a 0.4-hectare (1-acre) teahouse tucked away in a residential area." April–September, Wednesday–Sun 11 a.m.–4 p.m., October–March) is well worth visiting. Garden lovers will adore the design, romantics will be enthralled by the tale of its creation, and everyone will enjoy the excellent afternoon teas served in the Teahouse. The tale of the garden begins in 1946 when Prince and Princess Abkhazi moved in. They received their fairytale ending here, finally reunited after several years of terrible and lonely separation before and throughout World War II; they truly did live happily ever after. They worked together to establish the garden on the rocky slope, devoting their lives to each other and sustaining what they had produced.

“GONZALES PARK

"GONZALES PARK" is a park in Gonzales

Gonzales Park is about a six-minute walk from Abkhazi Garden. After leaving the garden, take Fairfield Road east and then right onto Fairfield Place. Turn right at the Denison Road junction.
In an otherwise ordinary residential neighbourhood, this small park will likely be a pleasant surprise. There are no beautifully maintained lawns and flower gardens here; instead, it's a wild and rocky terrain with a spectacular view of the Juan de Fuca Strait, particularly from the ancient Observatory's signature white building at the summit of the hill. A sandy beach on a semicircular bay is visible below and is reachable if you have the stamina.
When it's time to leave, go back to Fairfield Road and catch bus 7.
For a free,no-obligation,consultation simply emails us your details and requirements to info@globalduniya.ca and we will get straight back to you with some ideas and suggestions.

If you like my ideas for a tour we can comeup with a more detailed plan, by email or phone at +17788821450,before you decide.