The hotel
stands facing the Harbour, while the provinces parliament buildings
lie just across the street. Just next door to both of them you'll
find the IMAX Theatre and the Royal British Columbia Museum. All
in all a whole lot to explore.
Victoria is
rapidly gaining a reputation for its gastronomy, which more and
more includes local ingredients gathered from the islands shores
and rain forests. On the island healthy food doesn't take a back
seat to delicious food, rather they go hand in hand. The west coast
style of cooking is gaining a broad audience and the chefs of Victoria
are acquiring well deserved reputations. The cities brew pubs are
also well worth seeking out for locally brewed pint in some splendid
settings.
Victoria is
well known for it's attractions but it our minds one of most interesting
aspects of the city are the large number of rather curious shops
you'll find. Many of these serve niche markets with unique offerings
and are well worth exploring. China town is another interesting
area for people looking for something a little more unusual.
Most visitors
make their way to the island on one of the regions ferries (flights
from the lower mainland and Washington State and further afield
are also available), which is an adventure unto itself, particularly
for the kids. If you're bound for Victoria from the mainland catch
the ferry to Schwarz Bay from Tsawwassen just south of Vancouver.
The Victoria
area has a lot to offer adventurers and nature lovers. Kayakers
can paddle the Gorge Waterway or launch into the waters of the Gulf
Islands National Park. Campers can pitch there tents in Goldstream
Provincial Park just a short distance by car from the city centre.
Goldstream also has some wonderful hiking trails, our favourite
being Mount Finleyson, which provides an excellent view of the surrounding
region. Beach walks surround the city but if you're willing to go
a little bit out of your way, head over to Sooke Regional Park,
where you'll find the wild, rugged and extremely scenic Coast Trail.
Cyclists can take advantage of the cities cycling paths and shared
access routes or head out of the city on the wonderful Galloping
Goose Trail. Scuba enthusiasts can secure a charter out to Race
Rocks for some exceptional diving, but be forewarned this is an
area only for those with expert skills. There are other sites in
the surrounding area for those with less experience. To the west
of the city surfers can catch some waves in the Jorden River area
(wet suites are a must). You'll also find the younger brother of
the West Coast Trail in the area, the 47km Juan de Fuca. Not as
difficult as it's sibling and with far easier access, it's none
the less a spectacular hike, requiring stamina and well honed outdoor
skills to complete.
Heritage Canadian
has recently set aside a patchwork of land with beaches, hiking
trails and campsites, on a group of islands, which now make up the
Gulf Islands National Park Reserve in the Straight of Georgia. The
park is accessible by private boat, ferry This newly designate park
protects one of the more delicate balances between natural and human
requirements in Canada. You'll also find a number of beautiful Provincial
Parks with both front country and walk-in campsites, the most notable
of which is Salt Spring’s seaside Ruckle Park. In addition
there are regional parks on many of the islands, which rival their
better know brethren when it comes to natural beauty, making them
well worth a visit.
Out-There
- www.out-there.com - Home
Outdoor
Adventure
|
