Car Hire Victoria - Mini guide to Victoria
The largest city on the stunning island of Vancouver, the harbour town of Victoria awes visitors with its gorgeous natural scenery, magnificent architectural heritage, mild weather and quaint traditional atmosphere, making it one of Canada’s most popular tourist destinations.
The best location from which to observe the entire town and environs is the scenic Beacon Hill. From its lookouts are magnificent views of the harbour and waterfront area, the picturesque Juan de Fuca Strait, and the distant Olympic Mountains of the US’s Washington State. Spend a glorious morning or afternoon exploring the vast expanses of greenery in the surrounding Beacon Hill Park, and relax with a cool drink by one of the many ponds. Indeed, Victoria is renowned for its parks, and around the city you will find both the well-kept kind and the wild, untamed type, such as the Crystal Gardens and Butchart Gardens.
In the city are plenty of quaint, quiet streets where you can soak up the traditional atmosphere and take in the architecture splendor of the old parliament buildings, Helmcken House, St Anne’s Pioneer Schoolhouse, and the ornate Empress Hotel. Out of town are the magnificent Craigdarroch Castle, stately Point Ellice House and Gardens and interesting Craigflower Manor and Farmhouse. For some edutainment, visit the acclaimed Royal British Columbia Museum, one of North America’s best.
The city has ample quality accommodation, and the waterfront area in particular has several first-class restaurants, as well as charming cafes, atmospheric bars and exciting pubs and clubs.
Popular excursions from Victoria are whale-watching trips in the straits, while further away are the spectacular vistas of the Pacific Rim National Park and the white sandy beaches of Parksville and Qualicum.
Vancouver International Airport serves direct flights from most US and Asian cities, while European visitors can transit via Toronto or Montreal. Transportation options from Vancouver to Victoria are numerous and reliable.
