With its spectacular setting, great shopping, and wonderful food and drinks, Victoria is made for the weekend. By seaplane, from harbour to harbour, the historic city is less than 30 minutes away from Vancouver. Upon arrival, there is much to discover, and one doesn’t need a car to discover Victoria’s secrets. One of the best ways to discover the provincial capital is by foot. From culinary hotspots to historic landmarks, some of the city’s pre-eminent jewels are a leisurely stroll away. So decked with a good pair of walking shoes I ventured out for a wonderful weekend of exploring.
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Since 1908, the Fairmont Empress hotel has been Vancouver Island’s most celebrated resort and a central landmark in the capital city.
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Fisherman’s Wharf, just around the corner from Victoria’s Inner Harbour, is a hidden treasure offering food kiosks, unique shops, and eco-tour adventures.
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Victoria’s Fisherman’s Wharf is home to 33 floathouses and is just minutes from downtown.
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More than 150,000 visitors stop by the Victoria float home village each year to admire its charm and character.
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Victoria’s colourful Dragon Boat Festival is one of the many spectacular celebrations that take place in the Inner Harbour.
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Characterized by colourful heritage buildings, Lower Johnson Street (or Lo Jo to those in the know) is full of stylish retail outlets.
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Named one of the country’s top new restaurants in 2011, Ulla Restaurant, located in Canada’s oldest Chinatown, continues to serve up exceptional modern West Coast fare in a chic, warm space.
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Ulla Restaurant beet salad, raspberry, goat cheese, sunflower seeds, basil, beet and raspberry sorbet.
