Port of Call: Victoria, British Columbia

The capital of British Columbia is filled with blooming gardens, heritage architecture and historic charm. The heart of Victoria is its scenic harbor and Old Town, compact areas that are made for strolling and easily explored on foot.

The One Thing You Don’t Want to Miss

Visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens or the lush and exotic Butterfly Gardens and see how Victoria earned the nickname “The City of Gardens.”

A view of the sunken garden at Butchart Gardens, Central Saanich, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Other Fun Things to Do

  • Explore Victoria’s history on a Grand City Drive. Visit the awe-inspiring Craigdarroch Castle with its 39 rooms and five stories of stained glass and end the day with high tea at the world-famous Fairmont Empress Hotel.
  • Enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing on a tour of exclusive residential districts, historic Chinatown, and Antique Row, one of the many shopping districts.

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Get a Taste of Local Flavor

Victoria is a great culinary hotspot. In addition to the abundance of fresh seafood, its mild climate lends itself to a variety of locally grown produce. For a complete culinary experience, be sure to try a glass of wine from one of Victoria’s award-winning wineries.

Local Currency

In Canada, the Canadian dollar (CAD) is the official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted and often offer a good exchange rate. In all of Canada, a 5% Goods & Services Tax (GST) must be paid on all transportation, accommodation, restaurant meals, and just about anything else you purchase, right down to a pack of gum.