VICTORIAN AGE

Sarah Pollok harbours no doubts about this Canadian capital

Despite the adage, newer isn’t always better. Take, for example, fine wine, denim jeans, close friendships, or the Canadian city of Victoria. While Vancouver boasts of bright lights and metropolitan hustle, the unassuming capital of British Columbia is a more than worthy spot to visit.

Getting there

Around 100km and a fair bit of water lie between Vancouver and Victoria, with options to bus, ferry or fly the distance.

Walk here

Don comfortable shoes and spend the morning strolling through Victoria’s downtown. Whereas many harbours can disappoint, Inner Harbour here is a pleasant exception. Make your way along Johnston St for the best of the historic architecture.

See this

Judged one of the world’s top gardens by National

Geographic, CNN and USA Today, the Butchart Gardens are proof you don’t need to be green-fingered to enjoy a well-kept landscape. Planted by Jennie Butchart in 1904, the 22ha estate has 900 plant varieties, from rose gardens to Japanese gardens, Italian-inspired to Mediterranean-themed.

Try this

Whether you’re young in age or spirit, Miniature World is a whimsical attraction certain to entertain. The museum is packed with dozens of worlds reduced to toothpick size. From circus big tops to space stations and busy villages, the intricacy will leave any visitor feeling like a giant.

Shop here

If you’re looking for a little spot to do a quick shop, the Bay Centre is the place to go. Found in Victoria’s downtown shopping and business district, the block of 90 stores has everything from artisan chocolate and jewellery to eco beauty products and sportswear.

Drink here

Legend has it Victoria isn’t just the British Columbian capital, but the pub capital too. When almost every street corner is adorned with a lively pub, it can be hard to choose where to grab a drink. So, here are a few of the tried and true: The Churchill has 50 craft beers on tap, and The Drake is your go-to for locally brewed West Coast beer. Irish Times holds the title as North America’s best Irish pub, and Bartholomew’s Pub is known as the favourite for locals.

Eat here

If you want a side of nostalgia with your dinner, it’s probably time to head to Inner Harbour for some classic fish ‘n’ chips by the ocean. Run out of a refurbished shipping container, Red Fish Blue Fish is a little pop-up with a big reputation. Although the hour-long lines can dissuade many, make sure to visit outside rush hour before taking your pick of sustainably sourced fish to be whipped into a taco, sandwich or salad.