Victoria Day Trip

Victoria is a very different city from Vancouver, and its contrasting nature and easy accessibility offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to explore more of British Columbia’s magnificent west coast. Located on the southeastern tip of Vancouver Island, a 90-minute ferry ride from Vancouver, the capital of British Columbia is quieter and quainter than Vancouver, but it offers all the amenities you need for a great day trip or a longer holiday. BC Ferries (www.bcferries.com) offers several daily car-ferry departures from Tsawwassen, about a half-hour drive from Vancouver, to Swartz Bay, the closest ferry terminal toVictoria. A day trip to Victoria is easier if you have a car, but reserve a place in advance if you’re going to be traveling on a weekend in July or August. The ferry ride itself is a scenic experience. Once you’re on Vancouver Island, head directly to the Butchart Gardens (www.butchartgardens.com), Vancouver Island’s primary tourist attraction and one of the great gardens of the Pacific Northwest. After you’ve enjoyed the garden, drive to Victoria for a stroll along the capital’s picturesque harbor and waterfront and enjoy a sumptuous high tea at the venerable Fairmont Empress Hotel (www.fairmont.com/empress-victoria), a Victoria landmark on the waterfront. If you have time, pay a visit to the Royal BC Museum (www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca) to have a look at their impressive collection of totem poles and First Nations art from the Pacific Northwest. One travel option to consider: instead of returning to Vancouver, you can take the Coho ferry (www.cohoferry.com) from downtown Victoria to Port Angeles, Washington, gateway to Olympic National Park.