subject: Affordable Lodging Options Flora And Fauna Boutique Hotels Dream Vacation Temperate Climes Ocean Vie [print this page] Victoria Hotels Near Downtown Victoria Hotels Near Downtown
Downtown Victoria is the best place to experience the Garden Citys sights and sounds. Youll find some of the best shopping destinations in downtown Victoria: Antique Row on Fort Street, the charming little shops in Market Square, and the dainty gift shops that line Government Street. Victoria hotels in downtown will put you close to the major attractions of the city: the majestic Legislative Buildings, ivy-covered Empress Hotel, and the entertainments of Inner Harbour. Experience the unique feel of Inner Harbour by walking along the causeway while enjoying the ambience of local musicians, jugglers, and artists; or go high-speed whale-watching aboard a zodiac; or maybe take a luxurious dinner cruise on a yacht. The Undersea Gardens, Royal London Wax Museum, Crystal Gardens, and Miniature World are great destinations if you plan on taking your family with you. Victoria also features great museums, including the world-renowned Royal British Columbia Museum, plus historic sites such as Fort Rodd Hill in Esquimalt and Craigdarroch Castle.
Historic Attractions and Victoria Hotels
Victoria is Western Canada's oldest city, and as expected, it is filled with historic attractions with enriching experiences for you. Venture into Victorias past with the home of Emily Carr, one of Canada's foremost artists. Located in historic James Bay, the Emily Carr House is a few minutes away from downtown. Next, visit Craigdarroch Castle built by coal baron Robert Dunsmuirv and be surrounded by exquisite stained glass, woodwork and plush Victorian-era interiors. Head out to Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard lighthouse, both classified as National Historic Sites of Canada. For a taste of the arts, visit the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria located in the historic neighborhood of Rockland and home to British Columbias largest public art collection. Have your fill of Victorian-era houses with the Point Ellice House and Helmcken House, the oldest house in British Columbia still on its original site. Other great historic attractions include the Maritime Museum of British Columbia, Royal British Columbia Museum, and St. Anns Academy National Historic Site. Victoria hotels thatll help you relax after a tiring day of touring historic sites are Abigails Hotel, Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort & Spa, Swans Suite Hotel, and The Hotel Rialto.
Golf Getaways and Victoria Hotels
Why head out to Victoria for a great round of golf?The city has been selected by Cond Nast Traveler Magazine readers as the #2 Top City in the Americas, for one. Another reason is the Arbutus Ridge Golf Club, voted the 2006 Best Destination Golf Course in British Columbia by Golf Nerve Magazine readers. The course features three of the most demanding finishing holes on Vancouver Island. Also consider Bear Mountain Resort Mountain Course, a golf course co-designed by Jack and Steve Nicklaus. Opening its gates in the summer of 2003, Bear Mountain Resort was immediately rated the number 1 new course in Western Canada. Theres also Bear Mountain Resort Mountain Course, co-designed by Jack and Steve Nicklaus. Opened in the summer of 2003, the course was then immediately rated the number 1 new course in Western Canada and just two years later, the foremost golf course in all of Canada. The sister course, Bear Mountain Valley Course, is equally impressive while featuring unique amenities such as the world-renowned Sant Spa, great dining options, the state-of-the-art Mountainside Athletic Club, and a Nicklaus Golf Academy. Other golf courses you should consider are the Highland Pacific Golf and the Olympic View Golf Club. Its large natural grass driving areas, realistic target greens, and short-game practice areas are great for helping you hone your skills.
Gardens, Parks and Nearby Victoria Hotels
Victoria is aptly called the Garden City, and the citys beautiful gardens are made possible by the fact that it enjoys the mildest climate in Canada and the most annual sunshine in British Columbia. Your garden adventures should start with the Abkhazi Garden. Created by Prince and Princess Nicholas Abkhazi in the middle of the last century, this one-acre property is also lovingly called "the garden that love built" and features quiet woodland, rocky slopes, spectacular scenery, and a restaurant serving lunch and afternoon tea alongside a charming gift shop. Beacon Hill Park should also be in your itinerary with its alpine gardens, wildflower meadows, rose gardens, lakes, Mayor's Grove of Trees, and native Garry Oak forest. Dont miss out on Government Houses 8. 9 hectares of a rare Garry Oak ecosystem and 5. 7 hectares of formal gardens: the Bruce Pavilion, Rotary Garden of International Friendship, Victorian and Sunken Rose Gardens, Winter, Iris, Perennial, Alpine, Heather, Herb, Cut Flower, Cottage and English Country Gardens. Hatley Park is a sprawling Edwardian estate that features a Scottish-inspired castle, formal gardens, lush old growth forests and ocean vistas. Dont miss out on world-renowned Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site of Canada featuring 55 acres of superb gardens.
