Gaye’s guidebook

Gaye
Gaye’s guidebook

Sightseeing

A beautiful nature sanctuary right across the road from our home. Guests can take a walk around the lake, visit the nature house, see many birds and other wild life.
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary
3873 Swan Lake Road
A beautiful nature sanctuary right across the road from our home. Guests can take a walk around the lake, visit the nature house, see many birds and other wild life.
A short drive will take you to the top of Mt. Tolmie, where you can get a 180 degree view of Victoria and take a short walk.
65 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mount Tolmie
65 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
A short drive will take you to the top of Mt. Tolmie, where you can get a 180 degree view of Victoria and take a short walk.
A beautiful park in the centre of Victoria, Beacon Hill park has gardens, playing fields, a petting zoo, peacocks in the trees, a dog park along the ocean and much more. Located near lovely Cook Street Village.
503 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Beacon Hill Park
100 Cook St
503 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
A beautiful park in the centre of Victoria, Beacon Hill park has gardens, playing fields, a petting zoo, peacocks in the trees, a dog park along the ocean and much more. Located near lovely Cook Street Village.
Gorgeous botanical gardens with an excellent restaurant, Butchart Gardens is located about 20 minutes drive up the Patricia Bay Highway from Victoria.
388 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Jardines Butchart
800 Benvenuto Ave
388 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gorgeous botanical gardens with an excellent restaurant, Butchart Gardens is located about 20 minutes drive up the Patricia Bay Highway from Victoria.
For a nice little day trip, visit this charming little seaside town. Located about 45 minutes out of Victoria, Cowichan Bay welcomes sailors as well as tourists. Good food, fun pub, small and accessible!
109 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cowichan Bay
109 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
For a nice little day trip, visit this charming little seaside town. Located about 45 minutes out of Victoria, Cowichan Bay welcomes sailors as well as tourists. Good food, fun pub, small and accessible!
Another fun day trip is to the Old Country Market in Coombs. Known for the fact that they have goats on the grass roof during the summer. The complex is quite large and includes restaurant, ice cream store and a large market with food products from all over the world. It's located at 2326 Alberni Hwy, Coombs, about an hour and a half drive from Victoria. A warning that is very popular and often crowded.
152 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Old Country Market - Goats on Roof
2326 Alberni Hwy
152 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Another fun day trip is to the Old Country Market in Coombs. Known for the fact that they have goats on the grass roof during the summer. The complex is quite large and includes restaurant, ice cream store and a large market with food products from all over the world. It's located at 2326 Alberni Hwy, Coombs, about an hour and a half drive from Victoria. A warning that is very popular and often crowded.
Take a little sea bus trip from Victoria's downtown inner harbour to tiny Fisherman's Wharf. It is also an easy walk from the inner harbour. Have a delicious lunch and one of the many food vendors there and marvel at the charming houseboats.
255 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Fisherman's Wharf
12 Erie St
255 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Take a little sea bus trip from Victoria's downtown inner harbour to tiny Fisherman's Wharf. It is also an easy walk from the inner harbour. Have a delicious lunch and one of the many food vendors there and marvel at the charming houseboats.
A fun place to go for a swim or just to walk around! Sooke Potholes are located about a half hour drive from Victoria.
222 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sooke Potholes Provincial Park
Sooke River Road
222 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
A fun place to go for a swim or just to walk around! Sooke Potholes are located about a half hour drive from Victoria.
Located 20 minutes from Victoria, this is a lovely place to spend a couple of hours. Thousands of tropical butterflies (up to 70 species) in all phases of development from chrysalis to mature, poison dart frogs, tortoises, large iguanas, flamingos, tropical ducks, free flying tropical birds and more. Lush gardens including tropical flowers, carnivorous plants and fruits of the world.and a new exhibit, the Insectarium with impressive insects & invertebrates from around the world.
137 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Jardín de Mariposas Victoria
1461 Benvenuto Ave
137 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Located 20 minutes from Victoria, this is a lovely place to spend a couple of hours. Thousands of tropical butterflies (up to 70 species) in all phases of development from chrysalis to mature, poison dart frogs, tortoises, large iguanas, flamingos, tropical ducks, free flying tropical birds and more. Lush gardens including tropical flowers, carnivorous plants and fruits of the world.and a new exhibit, the Insectarium with impressive insects & invertebrates from around the world.
A hub for sightseeing and entertainment, the Inner Harbour in downtown Victoria is a must see. Take a water taxi to Fishermans Wharf for a walk and a quick meal. Shop local crafts at the weekend market. Take a boat trip around the harbour or visit one of the many festivals that happen over the summer months. Abundant restaurants and eateries in the surrounding area make this a tourist must-see!
70 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Inner Harbour Centre
950 Wharf St
70 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
A hub for sightseeing and entertainment, the Inner Harbour in downtown Victoria is a must see. Take a water taxi to Fishermans Wharf for a walk and a quick meal. Shop local crafts at the weekend market. Take a boat trip around the harbour or visit one of the many festivals that happen over the summer months. Abundant restaurants and eateries in the surrounding area make this a tourist must-see!
Another fun day trip from Victoria is the tiny town of Chemainus. Known for their many murals, it's a pleasant place to walk around, have a meal, do a bit of tourist shopping. Located south of Nanaimo, about an hour and a half's drive from Victoria.
67 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Chemainus
67 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Another fun day trip from Victoria is the tiny town of Chemainus. Known for their many murals, it's a pleasant place to walk around, have a meal, do a bit of tourist shopping. Located south of Nanaimo, about an hour and a half's drive from Victoria.

Walking/hiking

For those who enjoy walking or hiking, a visit to Mt. Douglas Park is a must. Beautiful trails and views of the ocean. Take a picnic lunch.
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mt. Douglas Park
4550 Cordova Bay Rd
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
For those who enjoy walking or hiking, a visit to Mt. Douglas Park is a must. Beautiful trails and views of the ocean. Take a picnic lunch.
The Galloping Goose Trail is a multi use trail that runs from north of Sooke all the way into the centre of Victoria. The 55 km trail runs along an old railway right of way through scenic rural and urban areas. For a pleasant walk or bicycle ride that can take you to Uptown Mall nearby or all the way into Esquimalt and the downtown core, the Galloping Goose Trail intersects with the Lochside Trail that runs across Saanich Road a couple of blocks from our house. https://www.crd.bc.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks-trails/find-park-trail/galloping-goose
61 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Galloping Goose Trail
Galloping Goose Trail
61 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Galloping Goose Trail is a multi use trail that runs from north of Sooke all the way into the centre of Victoria. The 55 km trail runs along an old railway right of way through scenic rural and urban areas. For a pleasant walk or bicycle ride that can take you to Uptown Mall nearby or all the way into Esquimalt and the downtown core, the Galloping Goose Trail intersects with the Lochside Trail that runs across Saanich Road a couple of blocks from our house. https://www.crd.bc.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks-trails/find-park-trail/galloping-goose
This scenic regional biking/walking trail runs along an old railway right of way from Schwartz Bay to Victoria. It crosses the street a few blocks from our home and intersects with the Galloping Goose trail. https://www.crd.bc.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks-trails/find-park-trail/lochside
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lochside Regional Trail
Lochside Regional Trail
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This scenic regional biking/walking trail runs along an old railway right of way from Schwartz Bay to Victoria. It crosses the street a few blocks from our home and intersects with the Galloping Goose trail. https://www.crd.bc.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks-trails/find-park-trail/lochside

Food scene

A grand old hotel from the Railway Hotel era, the Fairmont Empress is a landmark in downtown Victoria. Enjoy High Tea here before going for a horse drawn carriage ride around historic James Bay.
194 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hotel Fairmont Empress
721 Government St
194 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
A grand old hotel from the Railway Hotel era, the Fairmont Empress is a landmark in downtown Victoria. Enjoy High Tea here before going for a horse drawn carriage ride around historic James Bay.
Delicious Japanese food with a modern twist. Located downtown near the inner harbour. One of our favorite restaurants!
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gozen Sushi Bar Izakaya
1005 Langley St
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Delicious Japanese food with a modern twist. Located downtown near the inner harbour. One of our favorite restaurants!
This pub in James Bay is a fun place to go to kick back. Sited in an 1880's house (rumored to be haunted), it also has an outdoor garden. Popular with the 30-something set, it has excellent food and and serves craft brews.
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Bent Mast
512 Simcoe St
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This pub in James Bay is a fun place to go to kick back. Sited in an 1880's house (rumored to be haunted), it also has an outdoor garden. Popular with the 30-something set, it has excellent food and and serves craft brews.
A great place for a good meal or just to hang out for a few drinks. Located at 308 Catherines Street in west Victoria, it's outdoor patio looks out over the water toward Washington.
148 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub & GuestHouses
308 Catherine St
148 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
A great place for a good meal or just to hang out for a few drinks. Located at 308 Catherines Street in west Victoria, it's outdoor patio looks out over the water toward Washington.
Located in historical James Bay, this restaurant is a local favorite. Fabulous Brunches, dinners, etc. Located a short way from the inner harbour, it is a lovely neighborhood for a stroll as well.
36 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Heron Rock Bistro
435 Simcoe St
36 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Located in historical James Bay, this restaurant is a local favorite. Fabulous Brunches, dinners, etc. Located a short way from the inner harbour, it is a lovely neighborhood for a stroll as well.
Prima Strada takes pizza to a whole new level with their interesting ingredients and freshness. Warning, this restaurant is very popular so you may want to arrive early!
145 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pizzeria Prima Strada
230 Cook St
145 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Prima Strada takes pizza to a whole new level with their interesting ingredients and freshness. Warning, this restaurant is very popular so you may want to arrive early!
Located a few blocks away at the corner of Quadra and McKenzie, Sarpinos is our favorite local pizza place. Try the 3 topping deal!
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sarpino's Pizzeria
7143 W Saanich Rd
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Located a few blocks away at the corner of Quadra and McKenzie, Sarpinos is our favorite local pizza place. Try the 3 topping deal!
Located a few blocks away at the corner of Quadra and McKenzie, Royal Tandoor has excellent and authentic Indian food.
The Royal Tandoor
4011 Quadra Street
Located a few blocks away at the corner of Quadra and McKenzie, Royal Tandoor has excellent and authentic Indian food.
Gorgeous view and excellent food. Located in the Delta hotel in Victoria West. They have a lovely patio overlooking the inner harbour.
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
LURE Restaurant & Bar
100 Harbour Rd
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gorgeous view and excellent food. Located in the Delta hotel in Victoria West. They have a lovely patio overlooking the inner harbour.
Excellent food and service and a beautiful patio overlooking the water. One of my very favorite places to eat!
89 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Glo Restaurant + Lounge
2940 Jutland Rd
89 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Excellent food and service and a beautiful patio overlooking the water. One of my very favorite places to eat!
Small and very popular, this Taco restaurant downtown, originally from Tofino, has delicious food.
78 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tacofino
760 Pandora Ave
78 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Small and very popular, this Taco restaurant downtown, originally from Tofino, has delicious food.
Located a few blocks from our house at Quadra and Reynolds, this restaurant makes excellent south Indian food.
Southern Flavours
3945 Quadra Street
Located a few blocks from our house at Quadra and Reynolds, this restaurant makes excellent south Indian food.

Museums and Galleries

One of my favorite places to visit in Victoria is the Royal BC Museum. It has many exhibits, but my favorite is a replica of Captain Vancouver's ship and a mock up of early Vancouver. There is also an Imax theatre with great films.
534 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo Real de BC
675 Belleville St
534 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
One of my favorite places to visit in Victoria is the Royal BC Museum. It has many exhibits, but my favorite is a replica of Captain Vancouver's ship and a mock up of early Vancouver. There is also an Imax theatre with great films.

Neighbourhoods

Near the Schwartz Bay ferry terminal is a small community that calls itself Sidney by the Sea. It's a charming little town with shopping, eateries, a small aquarium and, in the summer, a street market on Thursday nights and a farmer's market on Sundays.
86 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sidney
86 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Near the Schwartz Bay ferry terminal is a small community that calls itself Sidney by the Sea. It's a charming little town with shopping, eateries, a small aquarium and, in the summer, a street market on Thursday nights and a farmer's market on Sundays.
Charming neighborhood with restaurants, cafes, shopping. Close to the Oak Bay marina.
34 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Oak Bay
34 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Charming neighborhood with restaurants, cafes, shopping. Close to the Oak Bay marina.
Close to Beacon Hill Park, a local favorite with cafes and restaurants, bakeries and shopping.
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cook Street
Cook Street
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Close to Beacon Hill Park, a local favorite with cafes and restaurants, bakeries and shopping.