British Columbia's other gem

Nestled in the S.E. corner of Vancouver Island is a veritable jewel. Founded by Sir James Douglas, it is western Canada's oldest city, established in 1843. A namesake of an English Queen, London rail station and well known waterfall. Once called Comosack, and a regional outpost of The Hudsons Bay Company. It is now far better known as Victoria.

Very much a waterside location, with Saanich Inlet and Tsehum Harbour at its north end and Esquimalt and Victoria harbours at its south. As a result, its prime position allows visitors to embark on boat tours to spy on the resident pods of killer whales and view the abundant sea life including sea lions, seals, porpoises and the occaisional minky whale. (www.orcaspirit.com) (www.greatpacificadventures.com) (www.seaquestadventures.com). Anyone feeling that the chances of actually SEEING a killer whale are as remote as an Indian summer in December, can rest assured that all the whale watch companies use spotters to make certain a whale sighting happens on nearly every trip. They operate from May to September.

Back on more firm surroundings, the city offers an abundance of attractions, many of which are centred around the horseshoe shaped inner harbour. What was once the Canadian Steamship terminal is now the Royal London Wax Museum, established in 1961 (www.waxmuseum.bc.ca). The numerous exhibits therein, all imaginatively displayed to leave a lasting impression on countless visitors - and yes, photography is allowed! Not far away, just across Belleville Street, is the impressive Parliament Buildings. These were built in 1898 at a cost of nearly $1 million. The building's architect, Francis Rattenbury, had only just arrived in British Columbia, when he won the design project in a competition. At night, the entire legislature is illuminated with around 3,333 lightbulbs.

Francis Rattenbury was also the designer of the equally magnificent Empress Hotel, that faces onto Government Street. Built in 1908, the building retains its "Englishness" by inviting guests to traditional tea in the main lobby. The hotel is also home to Miniature World, named the "greatest little show on earth", and rated a "gem attraction" by the AAA. it is a memorable experience in sound , light and animation. The "Englishness" extends to the streets outside with red Routemaster London buses often seen around the city.

To view the Pacific Northwest's ocean wonders (without the obligatory diving mask or flippers!), visit the Pacific Undersea Gardens. Don't forget your camera as "fish feeding" time is an amazing visual performance! The Royal British Columbia museum and Imax theatre (www.imaxvictoria.com) is host to countless breathtaking exhibitions and performances. When we visited in 2007, it was home to the, then, vast Titanic exhibition, amongst others, equally impressive. Being located in the inner harbour area it is easily reached from the surrounding attractions and is fantastic value for your entrance fee.

As the museum is virtually next door to Thunderbird Park, it is only a short hop to have a lingering peak at the impressive and intricately carved totem poles on display.

Whether on a long haul or short visit, it is somewhat imperative to have a place to stay! To that end my personal recommendation (sorry all the others!), is the Chateau Victoria on Burdett Avenue (www.chateauvictoria.com). Granted that our room was on the 12th floor (and the restaurant, Vista 18, even higher!) the views from both balcony and restaurant proved amazing. The accomodation superb. The hotel's position, central and easy walking distance for all the mentioned tourist spots. A major feather in its cap is the courtesy collect-and-return complimentary mini bus running from the inner harbour direct to the forecourt.

Transport around the city is plentiful. BC Transit (www.bctransit.com) runs 365 days a year, is convenient, safe and clean. A daypass is literally valid all day long from Sooke to Sidney. Another unique way to see the city sights is with Big Bus which operates a hop-on/hop-off service. The tour lasts for 90 minutes and covers over 20 stops, including Chinatown, Craigdarroch Castle, Rockland, Oak Bay Village Beach Drive and the inner harbour (www.bigbus.ca). Or if your preference is for a little more "wind in your hair", give Cycles BC on Wharf Street a try. You can rent by day, week or longer and they claim the largest selection of rental motorcycles, scooters and bicycles in Canada (www.cyclebc.ca). For more comprehensive information go to (www.getawaybc.com) or (visitortips.com).

Naturally enough, the pangs of hunger will no doubt appear at some stage and the city certainly isn't short of gastronomic delights. If Greek food is your preference, try Periklis on Yates Street. They specialize in steak, Greek food, lamb, ribs and fresh seafood. They also feature Greek dancers and bellydancers. Millos, on Burdett Avenue, is right next door to the Chateau Victoria - convenient or what! They open 7 days a week. The portions HUGE. The service and ambiance first class. You can enjoy Greek ribs, pasta (slacken your belt!), steak and savoury rack of lamb to name but a few. Japanese Village on Broughton Street is THE place to visit to try Teppan Grill or the Art of Sushi. Voted best of the city since 1995 and Restaurant of the Year 2002 (www.japanesevillage.bc.ca). Alternatively, if Chinese food tickles your pallette, try Mings on Quadra at Johnstone, in downtown Victoria. Walk through the Moongate and visit a world of vegetarian, superb Cantonese and Szechuan. Again it is open 7 days a week but reservations are appreciated. There is a takeaway service, however. If traditional food is more your taste, Smitty's on Government Street serves up a hearty breakfast with excellant service and very friendly, courteous staff.

Back on the tourist trail, if you fancy journeying a little further afield, the Butchart Gardens is a MUST SEE! Open daily, this 20 hectare garden not only affords a kaleidoscope of dramatic colour but also includes a summer fireworks display on Saturday evenings. If you visit in December, the whole area is transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of Christmas lights, decorations as well as entertainment and an outdoor ice rink. The gardens have bloomed for nearly 100 years and are one of Canada's National Historic Sites (www.butchartgardens.com/cf). Five minutes away from the Gardens and open from March to October, is Victoria's Butterfly Gardens. Here you can feast your eyes on koi, tropical birds, butterflies, exotic flowering plants, orchids and plenty more. Keep your camera primed and guided tours are available (www.butterflygardens.com).

You can't really visit a new city without browsing for souvenirs or indulging in more serious shopping. In Victoria, simply pick a direction and go for it! You'll not be spoiled for choice. Speciality stores are just a short hop from the inner harbour area. Government Street has an abundance of shops, galleries, jewellers and food stores. Some hidden away on side streets. It would be so easy to spend the entire day here! Visit Munro's Books and explore a comprehensive selection of American, British and Canadian authors. The store has been described as "the most magnificent bookstore in Canada". If you venture further along Government Street, you'll find The Original Christmas Village - a famous store indulging in year round Christmas. This is one attraction you might find hard to leave!

All in all, Victoria offers plenty to keep the tourist happy and keep them returning. In putting this overview together, I've endeavoured to merely whet your appetite. I'm aware there are vacant spaces remaining and areas left out. Try the websites I've included for more detailed information. If you've been there already, indulge in some happy memories. If you've still to visit, enjoy the experience and Bon Voyage!