The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Victoria, B.C.
The capital city of British Columbia enjoys a mild climate, making it a top destination for outdoor fun and adventure. The town’s Inner Harbour is one of the world’s most picturesque, and the shoreline is the hub for summer festivals, concerts and shows.
BUDGET
Stay
The Best Western Plus Carlton Plaza Hotel is a short walk to Market Square with more than 35 shops, restaurants and clubs in the town square. Craigdarroch Castle, a Scottish baronial mansion, is located about a mile from the hotel. Rates from $85 include complimentary Wi-Fi and loaner bikes. 642 Johnson St., Victoria. 250-388-5513, www.bestwestern.com.
Eat
Stop into Red Fish, Blue Fish, a restaurant created on a wooden wharf pier from a cargo container. Choose from an array of fresh fish, or tacones --hand-rolled flour tortillas with fish, coleslaw, pea shoots, sauce and lemon-pickled onions (from $4 for one; $7.50 for two); tempura-battered fish and chips (from $7.50), sandwiches, or grilled fish, $10-$12. 1006 Wharf St., Victoria. 250-298-6877, www.redfish-bluefish.com.
Experience
Bike Tours Victoria is led by an award-winning tour guide who shares unique city stories and history highlights on the 3-3.5-hour tour (7.5 miles). Enjoy Olympic Peninsula vistas along the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the downtown core into historic Chinatown on the fun ride. The “Highlight Tour” from $52; $33 with your own bike. www.biketoursvictoria.com.
MODERATE
Stay
The boutique Oswego Hotel is located steps away from the Inner Harbour and the Royal British Columbia Museum. Features of the open concept studio suites include a kitchenette, dining table, soaker tubs, and plush robes, from $137. Suites with a separate bedroom from $160. 500 Oswego St., Victoria. 250-294-7500, www.oswegohotelvictoria.com.
Eat
A husband-and-wife cooking team from Guangdong, China, prepare comfort food, Cantonese-style at the Cozy Place. Watch the team prepare authentic and artistic dishes at the open kitchen. Menu prices to $15. 1692 Douglas St., Victoria. 250-382-3123.
Experience
Five Star is Victoria’s longest-running familyowned and -operated whale watching company (since 1985). Get on board the Supercat for a thrilling experience from April 15-Oct. 15. The doublehulled catamaran accommodates 45 passengers and features a washroom, covered seating and elevated viewing platforms, $80 adult; $52 child. 645 Humboldt St., Victoria. 250-388-7223, www.5starwhales.com.
SPLURGE
Stay
Recently refreshed guest rooms at the AAA 4-Diamond Magnolia Hotel & Spa feature large floorto-ceiling windows, poster beds, and marble bathrooms. Through April 30, the two-night “Bikes, Beans & Blooms” package includes use of bikes, helmets and a curated map for a self-guided tour, from $152 per night to April 30, and from $197 per night May 1-June 30. 623 Courtney St., Victoria. 250-3810999, magnoliahotel.com.
Eat
You’ll be inclined to Instagram your dinner presentation at Restaurant Matisse, “Where Food is Art.” A three-course prix fixe menu is $36 ($59 with wines). Other classic entrees from lake duck breast, local fresh fish to steaks and foie gras, $22-$29. 512 Yates St., Victoria. 250-480-0883, www.restaurantmatisse.com.
Experience
Spend a full day on the Cowichan Wine Tour. While wine is the focus of this adults-only tour, the day also features cheese, charcuterie, balsamic vinegar, jams, a seaside village visit with a sommelier and photo stops. The picturesque Cowichan Valley, 40 minutes from Victoria, offers a scenic route through a temperate rain forest, mountain vistas and farmlands. $110 per adult with Victoria hotel door-to-door service. 250-477-3322, www.islandtimetours.com.