What to do in Victoria?

[John Turpin]

The missus and I will be spending three days in Victoria next week sightseeing, relaxing and over-eating. What is there to do/see that's of interest to amateur boatbuilders? I know about the Maritime Museum and look forward to seeing Tilikum and Trekka. What else is there to see/do that I shouldn't miss? Any restaurants that you can recommend?

[Thorne]

Use the search function - all sorts of good advice was given to someone else on this exact topic a few months ago. The Gardens are a MUST see!

[pcford]

Use the search function - all sorts of good advice was given to someone else on this exact topic a few months ago. The Gardens are a MUST see!

Many 15 years ago or so, my significant other took the Washington State ferry to Vancouver Island and then proceeded to Victoria by bus. It was a very pleasant and cheap international trip with a cruise through the San Juans thrown in for free.

If you do a bit of reasearch you will be able to spend a quite enjoyable time in Victoria, we did!

The Canadians are a likeable sort, though a little funny looking if you get a mess of them in a room at the same time.

[dmede]

http://www.woodenboat-ubb.com/vbulletin/upload/showthread.php?t=49274&highlight=vancouver

I think this thread had some Victoria info in it.

[Don Kurylko]

The Provincial Museum right downtown is definitely worth an afternoon. As is a stroll around the main waterfront by the Legislative buildings. Tea and Scones at the Empress hotel. James Bay area if you like looking at restored Victorian era houses – not far from the city centre. And check out Roger’s Chocolates, up the main drag a few blocks – YUM! Ask the locals how to get there. They are friendly.

Have fun! It’s a beautiful little city.:)

[JimD]

Fisgard Lighthouse and Fort Rodd Hill, an old military instalation from the late 1800s is worth a couple hours:

http://www.vancouverisland.com/attractions/?id=64

http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/bc/fortroddhill/index_e.asp

[JimD]

Tourism Victoria website might have something of interest:

http://www.tourismvictoria.com/

[gert]

Buchard gardens

http://www.kir.net/Canada/pages/Buchard%20Gardens,%20Victoria.htm

[John Turpin]

Excellent suggestions. Now where do we eat? We'll be leaning toward regional PNW seafood. Thanks everyone.

[pcford]

Excellent suggestions. Now where do we eat? We'll be leaning toward regional PNW seafood. Thanks everyone.
http://www.sookeharbourhouse.com/reception.html

Haven't been there myself, but I doubt if you will be disappointed. Very highly regarded. Should slake some of that Oklahoma dust.

[Tom Robb]

Try the harbor water taxi. It's a riot.

[Lew Barrett]

Try Camille's for a superb fine dining event. Just across the street from the museum You won't be disappointed, I promise. And, I have eaten there; numerous times.
http://www.camillesrestaurant.com/core.htm
Lew

[Jay Greer]

Point Ellice House is an interesting bit of Victoriana. The house was occupied by one family for a hundred years or so and they never threw anything out! It is best seen by approaching from the water as the frontage road is adjacent to a scrap yard. The harbor water taxies go there. Take advantage of tea on the lawn by the water.
JG

[B. Burnside]

Another wonderful place to eat is Dock 503 on Harbour Road in Sidney. It's in the heart of boatbuilding land surrounded by marinas without locked gates. It is expensive but amazing. Lunch is not so expensive and still amazing.

Dock 503 (http://dock503.vanislemarina.com/operation.html)

Sidney is well worth exploring if you're a boat person. There are charter companies on Harbour Road as well as in other marinas in the Sidney area. I believe the ferry to Sidney Island should be running now.

Sidney Island Ferry (http://www.vancouverisland.com/transport/details.asp?id=26)

It's a small ferry that takes you out to Sidney Island (Provincial Park, wonderful long sand spit for walking) and tours around the other marinas and seal rocks, etc., along the waterfront. Eagles abound, usually a treat for Murkans. If you have sharp eyes and a friendly ferry operator you might be able to spot an eagle's nest (Shell Island). Of course there are sea birds too, and mammals.

Have a great visit!

Barbara

[Alan D. Hyde]

I heard a while back that one of the world's leading breeders of English mastiffs is located nearby.

Might be worth a visit, if you're interested in the breed.

Alan

[John Turpin]

These are all great tips. I'm printing this off and taking it with me. Thanks again everyone.

[capt jake]

Back the PNW gain? You must like it out here! :) ;)

Have a great trip! :)

[Lew Barrett]

If you're going to Sidney, permit me to name specific places you'd probably take interest in:

Van Isle Marina and Tsehum Harbor. You'll find boats there.

http://bcmarina.com/Places/Tsehum_Boatyard/Websize/thumbnails.html

edited to add: Note the troller "San Mateo" in the Teshum Harbor link. That's Bent Jesperson's converted Fishing boat.

If I'd personally spend the time to go to Sidney and thus abandon Victoria's charms remains a question, but if you do decide to head in that direction it could be a nice couple of hours. If I were renting a car, I'd be just as happy to drive around to Cowichan or Maple Bay, but whatever you decide to do, you'll enjoy the vistas and people.

Victoria is somewhat self-explanatory, meaning you won't want for tourist stuff to explore. They have the drill down and are very good at catering to visitors. Don't miss a walk along the Inner Harbour at night when the government buildings are alight.

Lew

[John Turpin]

Hi John,

Yep. I just keep coming back. I'll wave in your direction when we get there!

[westinghouse]

If you're in Victoria on a Thursday night a gig worth checking out is the the Vista 18 at the Chateau Victoria. On Thursdays from 7 - 9 a couple of guys called the Cold Cut Combo play and they are amazing (jazz on guitar with a little banjo and accordian thrown in). No cover, the venue is classy and for the cost of a Mellow Monk you get an intimate show with two of the most talented musicians I've ever seen - with an 18th floor view of the Parliament Buildings and the inner harbour. Also, if you do the harbour ferries (and it's a great time watching the planes come and go) get off at Spinnakers for the finest IPA in the PNW.

For regional delights, I suggest Ferris' Oyster Bar - they have a sample platter for 20 bucks and it's deee-luxe.

And if you want to hit Sidney and feel like a little pampering, the Miraloma is good value. Not cheap, but a short walk to Van Isle Marina, the Jespersen Yard, the Tsehum government wharf - and pretty much every room has a water view. Again, dee-luxe. I paid 130 a night about a month ago - it's saying something that I live here and I'll put out for it when I need a mini vacation. If you're in Sidney on the weekend, stop by All Bay Marine Supply and do some shopping - I'll give you the forumite discount.

Eli

[Tom Robb]

If it'd be ok w/ them (It would't hurt to ask first),I'd try to stop by the Gartside/Burnside shop and say, "Hi!" Good people.

[Lew Barrett]

There's a forumite discount? Do tell:D

Ferris is a good call, and so's Jesperson's.

Lew



If you're in Sidney on the weekend, stop by All Bay Marine Supply and do some shopping - I'll give you the forumite discount.

Eli

[tossedman]

Try John's Place for lunch or brunch. Good food - as you know by the queue on weekends.

http://www.johnsplace.ca/

Todd

[westinghouse]

The store gives a discount for yacht club memberships and power squandron memberships - I extend it to WBF memberships. If you're there and I'm not, just say I offered to give you the 'B' discount and badabing. I'm done at the end of the month, but I'm not the only one there with this approach.
Eli

[Ed Strong]

I second the motion. These gardens are almost unbelievable. A must see if in Victoria. Ed

[Robert Mc Bride]

Last time I went to Victoria. I rented a car in Seattle and drove up to Anacortes, Washington and boarded a ferry to Victoria. It was about a two hour trip and the San Juan Islands were beautiful. Stayed at the Magnolia Hotel in Victoria. Had a good time

[S/V Laura Ellen]

The stops I make are the family cottage on Shanwigan Lake and the East Sooke Regional Park "Aylard Farm".