The capital of British Columbia, Victoria has its origins as a Hudson's Bay Company Fort established by James Douglas. Since then, Victoria has become a gentle city of British tradition with 75,000 lucky residents. Double decker buses, carefully tended gardens and unhurried afternoon tea are indications of Victoria's relationship with its past. Blue waters, beautiful gardens and mild climate make Victoria an ideal location for outdoor adventures and sightseeing. Be sure to visit the world famous Butchart Gardens and to take tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel on the waterfront. The Royal British Columbia Museum has some outstanding exhibits depicting the human and natural history of British Columbia. Victoria is the land of gardens, tea and tranquility.

You might even see Caddy, a legendary sea monster with a long, greenish-brown body and a camel-like head, swimming in the bay, or even a sixteen-inch footprint from a Sasquatch that roams nearby forests. Sea creatures and mythical beasts are attracted to Victoria for the same reasons travelers from around the world relish this old-world city—its beauty, charm and fragrance are enchantingly alluring. Beauty in the way this capital city cast wondrous reflections onto the Inner Harbour. Charm from its restored 19th-century architecture and enduring British traditions, and fragrance from the nearly 2 billion flowers around the city (yes they count the flowers each year, and yes that's billions!).
In short, it's a city that begs to be walked, explored, photographed and utterly enjoyed. Always in season, Victoria is the perfect foreign destination that's just a ferry-ride away from Seattle. SnoHeatTravel.com always has Victoria in mind for those seeking an international adventure without wanting to travel clear across the globe. They know that in Victoria you get it all: the provincial city set amongst the wild splendor of the Pacific coast with mountains highlighting every vista and the welcoming ocean teaming with pods of photogenic killer whales. While the waters around Victoria don't have as many whales as those around Tofino, three pods of orcas populate the area, along with minke, grays and humpbacks. Tours typically last around three hours and morning trips are usually smoother as the waters are less choppy. Zodiacs -- high-speed, inflatable aluminum boats -- are faster but bumpy, so if you're with young children it's best to stick to the more comfortable hull cruisers contact The Victoria Zodiac Whale Watching Tours.
Victoria's picturesque Inner Harbour is where most are drawn, whether to simply enjoy the seaside scenery or to take part in the myriad of marine adventures. Many explore this downtown area on foot, for popular attractions like Olde Towne, Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf and Beacon Hill Park, along with the beautiful residential areas of James Bay, Fairfield and Rockland, are all within walking distance of the Inner Harbour. However, bicycles, double-decker buses and horse-drawn carriages are also on hand for exploring this "Garden City." Hotels to stay while in Victoria include Brentwood Bay Resort, Gatsby Mansion and Queen Victoria Hotel to name a few.
Traditions are important in Victoria, where the people embrace the celebrated British tradition of afternoon tea. Tearooms around Victoria—from fancy hotels to quaint one-room establishments—allow visitors and residents alike to savor afternoon tea while enjoying the most picturesque views in the city. Tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel includes fresh berries and plump scones with homemade strawberry preserves and thick cream, served with a delightful blend of China black, Ceylon and Darjeeling teas to the sounds of Chopin's Waltz in A Minor.
Good tea, good company and relaxing times remain constant in Victoria. That's why SnoHeatTravel.com has been sending their clients here for years, especially multi-generational families with varied interests. Whether you're looking for day trips to the scenic Gulf Islands or an adventurous overnight excursion amidst the snowcapped mountains and lush forests that traverse Vancouver Island, SnoHeatTravel.com know how to get the best out of your vacation to Victoria.
Let your next vacation bloom in Victoria, British Columbia—it's always in season! Contact SnoHeatTravel.com and start planning your Canadian escape today!