Victoria BC Tourism

Lesson 3: Attractions

Discover the points of interest, museums and historical places. Most of the historial sites are on the south shore where the Island was first founded. Victoria is known as the "City of Gardens" and there are several to choose from.

Victoria

Please open the map of Downtown Victoria and the Victoria District Map. You should keep this map open as I go through all the cities and districts.

Empress Hotel - Photo by Howard Deutch of Garden Adventures
Inner Harbour
Wharf and Government Streets
Located at the water's edge, this area is always buzzing with activity. Street side entertainers keep the crowds amused while visiting many of the heritage buildings and attractions nearby. The Provincial Legislative Buildings, designed by Francis Rattenbury, are over now 100 years old. Free tours are conducted all year round. The Empress Hotel (also designed by Francis Rattenbury) is located across the street and High Tea in the afternoon is a solid tradition. Both of these buildings are adorned with fine woodwork, marble and stained glass. The harbour stroll is a favourite pastime for those who want to stretch their legs and breathe in the sea air.

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Crystal Garden Conservation Centre
713 Douglas Street
Located downtown behind the Empress Hotel, this indoor garden is a rainforest under glass. The pathways weave through tropical plants and koi ponds. Here you will see the world's smallest monkeys at an unbelievable size of 4 inches as adults. There are 65 species of endangered mammals and tropical birds. Butterflies freely flutter around the plants. Don't be surprised to see wedding parties having pictures taken.

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The Abkhazi Garden
1964 Fairfield Road near Foul Bay Rd
Prince and Princess Abkhazi started this garden in 1946 when they purchased the property. This one acre plot of land is populated by oak trees, maples, and conifers. The rock outcropping has been decorated with alpine plants. One of the more significant features of this garden is the rhododendrons. The Abkhazis developed their own hybrid and it is named after them. This garden has been featured in several national magazines. Volunteers maintain the garden through public and private support.

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Pacific Undersea Gardens
490 Belleville Street
Situated in the heart of downtown at the Inner Harbour, this is home to one of the largest underwater gardens. Marine life such as salmon, eels, octopus, kelp, anemones and much more are viewable through observation windows below the tide line. The Live Dive Show in the Undersea Theatre is continuous. Scuba divers show the audience all the treasures of the deep. There are also special effects during the show.

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Royal British Columbia Museum
675 Belleville Street
Centrally located downtown near the Empress Hotel and the Parliament Buildings, this museum is considered to be one of the finest in North America. Visitors can learn about the history and culture of British Columbia through artifacts, displays and numerous large exhibits. The replica of a Haida Indian Village in the First People's Gallery is something that cannot be missed. Beside the museum is Thunderbird Park, which features a long house and several totem poles of several First Nations people. Quite often there are carvers at work.

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National Geographic Imax Theatre
675 Belleville Street
Located in the Royal British Columbia Museum, this theatre upholds the traditions of the IMAX experience. The large screen and the digital surround sound bring the images to life. It's the next best thing to being there. All shows are every hour on the hour with an extra evening show during the summer months.

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Royal London Wax Museum
470 Belleville Street
In the heart of downtown, across from the Parliament Buildings, this museum contains over 300 life-size wax figures plus replicas of costumes and personal effects of British royalty. This is the first exhibition in North America to feature the wax figures of the famous Tussaud Gallery in London England. Visitors can relive history through the exhibits featuring figurines, multimedia and literature.

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Maritime Museum of British Columbia
28 Bastion Square
Situated downtown, this museum is dedicated to the maritime heritage of British Columbia. It covers everything from early exploration, naval history and passenger lines and commercial fleets. Visitors can enjoy the interactive exhibits and performing arts programs. The building has its own history. It was once the Provincial Law Courts Building constructed in 1889 and many of the interior features of that period have been preserved.

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Victoria Police Museum
850 Caledonia Ave.
Displays feature the 143-year history of the Victoria Police Department, which is the oldest police force west of the Great Lakes. There is an extensive collection of photographs and records. The museum has acquired two vintage police vehicles and will continue to build their collection. There is a souvenir shop and a trading area for police uniform patches.

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Craigdarroch Castle
1050 Joan Crescent
Located off Fort Street in the downtown area, this 39-room Victorian mansion was built by coal baron Robert Dunsmuir in the 1890s. The floor space of this mansion is around 20,000 square feet and this is not including the surrounding gardens. Artisans have restored it to the lavish decor of this era. The tours are self-guided but there are several hosts on site. The view from the tower is breathtaking.

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Emily Carr House
207 Government Street
Situated a few blocks from the Inner Harbour, this was the home of Canada's best-known artist and writer. The architecture and furnishing are reflective of the Victorian era in the last half of the 1800's. Visitors will learn about the life of Emily Carr and see some of her works. One room known as the People's Gallery features the work of Canadian artists. The gift shop sells items produced by local artisans.

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Helmcken House
675 Belleville Street
Dr John Sebastian Helmcken who was a doctor with the Hudson's Bay Company built this house. It is the oldest house in British Columbia still standing on its original site. This residence started as a three-room log house but additions were built as his family grew and as he became wealthier. One of the popular exhibits is the doctor's original medical kit from the 19th century.

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Government House
1401 Rockland Avenue
This is the residence of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia who is Queen Elizabeth II representative to the BC Government. Although, Canada gained independence from Britain in 1867, there are still close ties and traditions in existence. The house is not open to the public but the gardens are a must-see. There are 36 acres beautiful garden and parkland which is maintained by volunteers and funded by donation.

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St. Ann's Academy
835 Humboldt Street
Constructed as a schoolhouse in 1871 by the Sisters of St Ann. In 1886, the east wing and the chapel were built and the west wing was added on in 1910. Throughout the years, this school was used as a Catholic girl's school and a convent plus the administration office for the Order's operation in British Columbia, Alaska and the Yukon. The Academy was closed in 1973. A massive restoration is in process and the chapel is open for public viewing. The grounds, chapel and auditorium are used for special events such as weddings, concerts and theatrical presentations.

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Miniature World
649 Humboldt Street
Situated in the Empress Hotel at the Inner Harbour, visitors will find over 80 attractions ranging from castles, dollhouses, trains, circuses, western towns and old England. The special effects and lighting make the exhibits even more exciting. This is a very unique display of workmanship in miniatures.

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Victoria Bug Zoo
631 Courtney Street
This is home to live creatures such as spiders, scorpions, ants, grasshoppers, centipedes and many other creatures from all over the world. Visitors under the careful eye of a tour guide can hold some of the bugs. The gift shop has an unusual array of bug-related products.

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Victoria has been used as the starting point. First we will head up north through the Saanich Peninsula and ending up at Sidney. Second, back to Victoria as a starting point and go west through Esquimalt and end at Sooke.

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