subject: Historic Attractions Winter Escapes Winter Fun Relaxing Spas And Hotels Hop Aboard Clear Blue Waters [print this page] Victoria Hotels for Garden and Park Tours
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. The Abkhazi Garden is one of the world's best and unique small gardens. 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. Next, head off to Beacon Hill Park 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. Another must-visit is Hatley Park, an Edwardian estate that features a sprawling Scottish inspired castle, a series of beautiful formal gardens, lush old growth forests and views of the ocean. Dont miss out on world-renowned Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site of Canada featuring 55 acres of superb gardens.
Luxurious Victoria Hotels
Victoria, British Columbia has an excellent range of top-rated hotels for that luxurious vacation youve always wanted. Top-rated Victoria hotels include grand, historic structures as well as modern properties that are at the forefront of architecture and interior design. Swans Suite Hotel is recognized as Victoria's Art Hotel and is nestled in the heart of Old Town. There are just 29 suites in this hotel, all providing spectacular views of the Inner Harbour. The Swans also features a famous brewpub that serves award winning beers, a bistro with nightly live music, and one of British Columbias finest collections of original local & aboriginal art. You might also want to consider Abigails Hotel, located just three blocks from downtown Victoria and popular attractions such as Inner Harbour, parks, and museums. The Swans serves a three course gourmet breakfast, personally presented by the Executive Chef, and evening hors d'oeuvres to start off your night of fine dining. Other luxurious lodging options include Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa (Victoria's only five star oceanfront resort), Coast Victoria Harbourside Hotel & Marina, and the Vancouver Island Prancing Horse Retreat Bed & Breakfast.
Scenic Attractions and Victoria Hotels
Western Canada's oldest city, Victoria was founded in 1843 as a Hudson Bay Company trading post, named in honor of Queen Victoria. Victorias charms are helped along by its moderate climate and British heritage proudly on display in its elegant homes, neighborhoods, and stunning architectural gems such as the famous Empress Hotel and the Parliament Buildings. Stay in Victoria hotels that put you within yards of these architectural gems or stay in one of them for the experience. The Empress Hotel is one of the world's truly grand hotels, it has undergone a $45 million restoration, and you can experience the grandeur and elegance of a bygone age with the contemporary feel of its 4-diamond hotel service. Other scenic attractions that you should include in your itinerary are Beacon Hill Park, a beloved expanse of green with its formal rose gardens, a band shell for outdoor summer concerts, and a petting zoo; Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site of Canada covering 55 acres of breathtaking floral showcases. Theres also the spectacular City Hall, designed in 1875 and conceived in the "Second Empire" style.
Culture Tours and Victoria Hotels
Victoria is pulsing with arts and entertainment attractions that travelers will definitely enjoy. The calendar is packed with cultural events, live theater, art exhibits, music concerts, festivals and films showcasing local talent. Proud home of the world-renowned Pacific Opera Victoria, the city of Victoria is also home to a host of art galleries, exhibits and studios. Victoria keeps its traditional, indigenous art alive with paintings, prints, sculpture, glass, wood and pottery on display all over the city. You will find creative centers in Salt Spring Island and the Gulf Islands, all worth exploring. The Victoria Symphony has a hectic performance calendar, with the Bayview Residences Victoria Symphony Splash as its highlight event (a by-donation concert performed from a barge in the Inner Harbor). Plan your vacation around these events and pick the right Victoria hotels to stay in. The Inn at Laurel Point is an excellent option; this waterfront property gives you easy access to downtown attractions as well. Other great Victoria hotels that place you near all the action include Embassy Inn, Chateau Victoria Hotel and Suites, Helms Inn, James Bay Inn, and Victoria Regent Hotel.
