Victoria
Located on the southern tip on the island of Vancouver in British Columbia, the city of Victoria is probably best known for its mild climate and active outdoor lifestyle. (In fact, the city has been named the "fittest city" in Canada more than once.) As the capital of British Columbia, the city is very tourist-friendly. Among the many attractions are world-famous gardens, its 150 years of British history, gourmet dining and fantastic shopping.
Attractions
Visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens or the lush and exotic Butterfly Gardens and see how Victoria earned the nickname "The City of Gardens."
Activities
- Explore Victoria's history on a Grand City Drive. Visit the awe-inspiring Craigdarroch Castle with its 39 rooms and five stories of stained glass and end the day with high tea at the world-famous Fairmont Empress Hotel.
- Tour a few of the local pubs and microbreweries along the Victoria Ale Trail or maybe some wine tasting at one of the area's award-winning vineyards.
- Enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing on a tour of exclusive residential districts, historic Chinatown, and Antique Row, one of the many shopping districts.
Adventures
For a sporting adventure and wildlife experience, play a round of golf at the Olympic View Gold Club. Be forewarned, you may find it difficult to concentrate on your game - the course has two magnificent waterfalls, an amazing view of the Olympic Mountains and is lined with forests where black-tailed deer are often spotted.
Food
Victoria is a great culinary hotspot. In addition to the abundance of fresh seafood, its mild climate lends itself to a variety of locally grown produce. For a complete culinary experience, be sure to try a glass of wine from one of Victoria's award-winning wineries.
Currency
In Canada, the Canadian dollar (CAD) is the official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted and often offer a good exchange rate. In all of Canada, a 7% Goods & Services Tax (GST) must be paid on all transportation, accommodation, restaurant meals, and just about anything else you purchase, right down to a pack of gum.
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