Victoria, B.C.

Just a short trip from Seattle and Vancouver is a perfect weekend get away by ferry. Victoria, British Columbia highlights Victorian architecture and features a number of traditional British tones. It has a walkable downtown with great restaurants, unique shops and nearby parks.

Duration: 1 full day plus leisurely travel days

Budget: $800

Getting (there and around):

Victoria is on Vancouver Island, so a boat or ferry is the typical transportation and makes planning a trip there a little less flexible. The popular method from Seattle is the Victoria Clipper. It is an express passenger only ferry that isn't cheap. For around $150-$175 per person, you can get from Seattle to Victoria in a little more than 2.5 hours. The advantage is that you will arrive right in the inner harbor and can walk to most hotels. The downsides (besides cost) are that there can be additional complications getting to the Seattle terminal and parking, you may need to go at a very early time to not waste the day, and you end up sitting on the ferry for a long time while all luggage is slowly loaded off. But if you are already in Seattle's downtown and want to travel light it can be a great option.

An alternative ferry ride is to take the Washington State ferry from about an hour drive north of Seattle. It has somewhat difficult timetables, but it will save you money and allow you to drive your car on so that you have it with you for getting around to sights. It is a great option for more than one person because you are not buying individual tickets like the Clipper. There is also a ferry from Vancouver, B.C. (though I have not experienced it).

The other option is by airplane. The fun and stylish choice is to take a seaplane from Seattle's Lake Union and land right in the Inner Harbor. There are regular flights offered through Kenmore Air. Victoria also has a small, but nice airport a bit out of town and flights are available from nearby cities like Seattle. Travel by airplane will be your more expensive option but can also save considerable travel time.

Staying:

There are a number of nice and reasonable hotels right at the Inner Harbor and downtown. Reasonable is a relative term. They might seem a bit high, especially during peak tourist season and within walking distance, but there are clearly multiple options to meet each traveler's tastes. Better deals can often be found in booking as part of a package with the Victoria Clipper rather than separate.

The famous hotel is the Empress, which is managed by the Fairmont brand. The hotel is beautiful and historic, but that can also be code for rooms being small and older. That said, if it is a special occasion or memorable trip, it can be a nice personal luxury. The service is excellent, the harbor is just a few steps away and is at the center of activity. It can be considered overpriced if just a routine trip and not a reason to create a memory.

Another consideration is the Bear Mountain Resort and Spa. Just a short drive (20 minutes or so) from downtown Victoria, this is a more relaxing way to visit the area. The property has a large, modern hotel managed by Westin, golf courses, activities, spa and high end dining- all in a beautiful mountain setting. If you want to see downtown and explore for a day, but really want to relax and get away, this is the choice for you. It is my favorite hotel in the area.

Doing:

Butchart Gardens (pictured) is famous and something to experience when in Victoria. Once an old limestone quarry, it is now an immaculate garden of flowers and trees over 55 acres. It is a good activity for a couple hours at most to walk around the paths and experience multiple zones dedicated to roses, Italian, Japanese and Mediterranean themes. It is not cheap at $25 CAN per person, plus it is about 30 minutes outside of downtown. There are tour buses that you can easily get from downtown to take you there, but it is also a consideration to having a car.

If you don't want to go all the way to the Butchart Gardens or spend the money, there is a nice public park a strong walk (or short bicycle taxi) away from the Inner Harbor. Beacon Hill Park also has a nice rose garden and local varieties of trees and plants.

At the Inner Harbor, the Empress Hotel has a very famous afternoon tea. The expansive tea room in the lobby level becomes the daily popular scene where people enjoy this English tradition and ritual. Enjoy tea and other beverages and bites with a strict dress code, though it is pricy and reservations are likely needed.

Victoria's downtown is flat and manageable to walk around. It has an older European feel in places and shopping and dining in Victoria is what makes it feel like a special and unique getaway.

Additionally, the British Columbia Parliament Building is pretty stunning lit up at night and has public access to experience during the day. It is well worth taking a short self-guided walk through and a tour can also be arranged. There is also a local curling club where you can rent ice time and try it out.

Eating:

There are a number of great spots along the Inner Harbor, and probably best to walk around and find what fits your liking for food and beverage. A few places I have liked on the north side of the harbor along Warf Street are "The Local" for lunch (outdoor seating in the pedestrian walkway/ square that sometimes has live music to the public- also great food), and "The Flying Pig" for an upscale casual dinner. Nautical Nellies is a bit of a tourist trap restaurant with high prices and average quality food.

There are some nice high end restaurants on the southwestern side (by the Clipper and ferry docks). "Aura" has both wonderful food and views of the harbor.

Day Planning:

Day 1: Arrive in the late afternoon or early evening and check in to your hotel. Walk to a local restaurant downtown.

Day 2: Spend the morning going to Butchart Gardens. Head back for afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel, then explore downtown shops and restaurants.

Day 3: Tour the parliament buildings and Beacon Hill Park before heading back.