Things to do in Victoria BC
 

For my Canadian friends,

My girl and I are planning on a trip to Vancouver at the end of August. I've never been before and have been assigned (assigned because I'm terrible at planning) to find 3 fun activities to do there that would function as the core activities of our day there. We are an active couple looking for adventure so if any of you familiar with the area could provide your recommendations please do so below!

FYI- visiting Butchart Gardens is already on our list!

Also, as a bonus if you could advise whether we should stay in Nanaimo or Downtown Victoria and the reason that would be helpful as well. Also, is visiting the Pacific Rim National Park worth the hassle?

Thank you in advance!
-AJ

Nanaimo is a bit far from Victoria (it's a different ferry to go there). It's also not as nice, a bit rougher town (but only Canadian standards of 'rough') The Empress hotel looks impressive and is right in the middle of downtown Victoria, if it's in your budget. There are also apparently a lot of nice B&Bs, but it's high season.

Personally I wasn't too impressed with Butchart Gardens, as it's pretty much just an expensive park. I think they are doing concerts now, though so it may be better. Stanley Park in Vancouver is more impressive, in my not terribly humble opinion. Vancouver also has stuff like Grouse Mountain and the suspension bridges in North Vancouver (Capilano is a tourist trap, Lynn Canyon is free).

What else? Get annoyed by all the tourists from overseas, pay ridiculous prices for ice cream. Maybe whale watching?

Victoria makes an ok day trip but I don't like spending too much time there. If you want to do both you could take a seaplane from downtown Vancouver to Victoria. That could be unique.

I'm going over to the Island tomorrow, but to go learn to sail. Small town, though.

Victoria is the provicial capitol, so what's fun to do in Sacremento? Erm...

Vic vs. Nanaimo. Sort of like comparing Santa Monica to Longbeach but on a very much smaller scale.
The Native Museum in Vic is worth the time.
The Sooke Harbor Inn has made some of the major food shows $$$
You can rent kayaks or boats in the harbor and poke around the coastline.

We have decided to do a day trip to Victoria. I'm learning that there just isn't a whole lot to do or see there. The Gardens is having a fireworks show at the end of the month while we are there so that is on the agenda as well.
@Dimman - yes definitely heading to Lynn Canyon instead of Capilano bridge . Any good restaurants we should try to hit up???

@ Bcj- thanks for the infos! I cracked up @ the samo/LGB comparison. Cuz it's true.

1. smoke pot

2. go to jail

not necesseraly in that order



can't think of anything else

Just don't do this

Attachment 46050

High Tea at the Empress Hotel in Vic will cost a bit, but make points with the gf.
They're famous for it in the Pacific Basin.

If you guys are active people and what to enjoy the outdoors go do the Cheif or the Grind or the Capilano bridge or the Capilano zip lines or the Whilster Zip lines or Whistler lol

oh go watch the fireworks too if you are coming some time soon.

How'd this go? Can it be done in a day?

We'll be there end of August. I hear the Gardens are hosting fireworks at night! Also we heard Capilano is a tourist trap so we're going to check out Lynn Canyon instead..

Last time I've been to Victoria was on a school trip to the parliaments lol... Looked like a small town... Should come down to metro Vancouver!... That's where everything's at!

Victoria harbour is nice at night. The. Grouse mtn. Grind
The trip to the pacific rim is nice, twisty roads. Can walk the beach on the pacific. Couple hour drive thou.


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My Dad's boat. It's in Cowichan Bay which is closer to Nanaimo than Victoria.

I don't know about organized lessons, though. They definitely have them, but I don't know the prices, and it would probably eat up most of the day.

I didn't actually get to go out on it, though. Spent more time helping my sister packing and moving.

Here are some pics from the marina's pub balcony..

http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/...psc17c6ae3.jpg

http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/...psa5d48f82.jpg

Buchart Gardens was built in an ex-limestone quarry used for cement around the whole area.
The owners wife had the garden installed when it shut down.
It's interesting to look for traces of the old quarry while wandering around.

Interesting! Will definitely be doing this.

Can anyone steer me towards some tasty breweries in Vancouver? I'm sure there are many options to be had..

Yelp helps.

Looks like Granville Island under the bridge is well represented.
Cool place to poke around and there's a path around False Creek too.
Gastown and Stanley Park should keep you occupied for a while as well.

I think that Capilano is a trap too but everyone I know that isn't around here always wants to see it so I suggested lol

Hope you enjoy yourselves tho. We might not have lots of cool places to see but we got a shit ton of food to try. :drool:

Canoe brewpub at 450 Swift street is my fav place to eat at in Victoria. Awesome craft beers and some seasonal offerings. Great food menu too.

Also check out One fish Two Fish which is at the harbour. Best seafood on the island--and it is basically a food truck without wheels. Be prepared to wait in line for an hour though. But oh....is it ever worth it!

I love Victoria. One of my favourite cities in Canada. I have lived and gone to school all over this country. You will love it there too.

Nanaimo is also nice but...I don't recall there being a lot to do when I was there two summers ago. Small downtown area, and it seemed like the median age was over 50. Lol. Maybe ppl go there to retire? Lots of gorgeous homes though.

Ps. Visit Royal Roads University which is just outside of Victoria. Gorgeous campus...my profile pic is from there. The castle has been used in the First X Men movie, Smallville--as Lex Luthors mansion, and currently serves as Oliver Queen's mansion on the tv show Arrow. There is a tiny history museum below the castle that I found interesting, and a gift shop.

Drink.