An odd title for a travel blog but it just happens to be my home town. I have been to many countries and visited wonderful cities. Victoria is right up there with the best of them.

Inner Harbour Victoria

Taking the ferry over from Vancouver is a treat in itself and much nicer than the Vancouver – Naniamo run. You come incredibly close to some beautiful Gulf Islands and the funky houses that dot the landscape. Sailboats and fishermen share the waterways while orcas and porpoises can sometimes be seen.

If you are low on time or feel like splurging I would recommend taking a seaplane into Victoria and a ferry back. They go from downtown Vancouver to downtown Victoria in just enough time to take in the spectacular scenery and exciting touchdown. I will be trying to get a good deal for our card holders real soon so be on the look out.

The Ferry to Victoria

Once in Victoria there are many great places to stay. If you are on a budget and dig hanging with the international hipster crowd then check into Ocean Island Backpackers. They have an ab fab unbiased travel guide and a groovy bar to knock back a couple pints.

Taking a step up in lodging could get you a room at the Strathcona Hotel. I feel an absolute must in Victoria, is to head up to their rooftop bar and grill. I was a DJ for a few years up there so I should know how fun it can be. See if you can get in on a beach volleyball game (they have 2 sandy courts) and get there early on a Sunday night as it is a hot one.

You will find yourself down at the Inner Harbour (that’s how us Canadians spell harbor) at least once. She is a grand old lady with plenty of amusing things going on at different times. Check into the Tourism Victoria office at one end of the harbour for the low down on area attractions. They can also set you up with tours which help fuel their non profit organization.

Fan Tan Alley

Wandering around “old town” is a delight. You will probably end up in our wee China Town and hopefully either enter or leave via Fan Tan Alley. Extending your walk through the neat neighborhoods of James Bay and Fairfield is delightful and should bring you to Beacon Hill Park and the beaches of Dallas Road. The spectacular Olympic Mountains are brought to you by our buddies to the south. One strange fact – Victorians get USA roaming charges on the beach of Dallas Road, even though we are in Canada!

Being a big University town. There is a bumping array of funky bars and clubs to hit up. The streets roll up fairly early but ask around and you’ll find a good night out almost always. Fancy some chow? Victoria has got it covered and then some. Just about every ethnic flavour is there for the chomping.

Ok, so you walked the walk. Orcas are everywhere around here. No offense to our Navy but they are our secret weapon and can be summoned in a time of need. You, however, can sit back and almost always get up close and personal with these majestic mammals in these parts. Whale Watching is very popular in Victoria. I can’t say one company is better than another but I can say you will get a great deal here.

Another great way to get on the water is via Kayak. Paddling close to town, on a day trip or off on a few day adventure, there are so many options and taking it all in will be a trip highlight.  Here are a few very good options to get the adventure juices flowing.

I am a two wheel nut. Victoria is an awesome place to rent a bike. It’s an even better place to rent a scooter! If you do rent a scooter I would get out of town a little bit. Consider taking some back roads in the country through Metchosin and Sooke. A sweet day out would be to take a scooter on Old West Saanich Road out to the ferry terminal. Hop on a Saltspring 20 minute ferry and wizz around this charming little Island. If it is sunny and hot, stop off for a dip at Durance Lake on the way.

Quaint Neighborhood of Fairfield

We are fortunate to have a top notch museum in Victoria. Inside is probably the best Native American collection of goodies around. The totem poles are incredible and there is always an ongoing collection of local history combined with amazing featured shows. Missing out on our fine museum would be a mistake, even if museums are not your idea of a good time.

There are a great many things to do in and around Victoria. The best way to discover the charms of the city might be to engage in a conversation with one our friendly locals at one of the many coffee shops. My guess is they will point you in the right direction and you’ll end up having a blast.