Travel Guide to the City of Victoria, Canada

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General

Victoria is a cosmopolitan city with a small-town atmosphere. It is the capital city of British Columbia and the seat of government. Known by its nickname "Garden City", Victoria is a friendly, clean, and safe city, abounding with gardens and parks (it has 48 well-maintained gardens and parks), with one of its symbols being the colorful flower baskets hanging from every light pole and every balcony.

 

 

Thanks to its mild climate, considered the most comfortable and sunniest weather in all of Canada, and thanks to the magical and special atmosphere prevailing in the city, which combines old with new, history with nature and scenery, vacation with sports, over 3.5 million tourists arrive in the city every year. The city combines British heritage and history with the culture of its first settlers, the Native Americans, a fact expressed in Victorian-style buildings alongside a park abounding with totem poles.

There is no other city in the world where you can go out for whale watching in the morning hours and manage to return in time after lunch for a typical English afternoon tea in one of its many tea rooms.

Victoria is proud of its British roots and preserves them successfully. Indeed, much of the city's charm stems from the British atmosphere characterized by English flags waving everywhere, red double-decker buses, and rose gardens. Even today, most of the city's residents are of British descent, but the many immigrants have made the city abound with marinas, promenades, fashionable shopping centers, galleries, museums, and cultural events.

 

 

Victoria is the oldest city in Western Canada. Its first residents were Native Americans belonging to several tribes, with the largest tribe of all being the Salish tribe. The city started as a fur trading post of the HUDSON BAY COMPANY when James Douglas established FORT VICTORIA in 1843. The fort was named after the British Queen Victoria. He chose the city because of the protected and quiet bay where it is located. The city grew rapidly during the gold rush in 1858 when it served as the main port of the British crown colonies in the area. When the crown colonies united, Victoria became their capital, and when they joined Canada in 1871, the city became the capital of British Columbia. Victoria was the largest city in British Columbia until the end of the 19th century and was considered an important trading city until the construction of the transcontinental railway made Vancouver the largest city in the province.

 

 

Victoria is located at the southeastern tip of Vancouver Island (not to be confused with the city of Vancouver, which is not located on the island but on the mainland!), which is the largest island among the 6,500 islands of British Columbia and is even considered the largest on the west coast of North America. The island is located between the western coast of British Columbia and the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, USA. It is separated from the city of Vancouver by the Strait of Georgia (the distance between the two cities is about 90 km) and from Washington State by the Straits of Juan de Fuca. In fact, the island is closer to the USA than to Canada. The area of the island is about the size of the entire country of the Netherlands. The western part of the island is almost uninhabited, whereas the eastern part of the island, protected from the open ocean, is inhabited and prosperous. In Greater Victoria (Victoria and its suburbs), which is the largest city on the island, about 350,000 residents live, and it is considered one of the fastest-growing population cities in Canada. Many pensioners have come to the city in recent years to settle. Is it due to the relaxed atmosphere and high quality of life, or perhaps due to the residents' favorite motto: "ALWAYS FREE"?

Nowadays, the main source of income for the city's residents is government and tourism. In recent years, tourism revenues have reached over a billion dollars annually!

Although Victoria is located on an island, it is very easy to get there, but once you are there, you feel as if you are millions of kilometers away from the mainland.

The best way to tour the city is on foot because the city center and its main attractions are spread over a relatively small area. The main tourist center of the city is the picturesque INNER HARBOUR, surrounded by important historical buildings, such as the impressive Parliament Building and the EMPRESS hotel. By day, the harbor is bustling with activity and full of people: seaplanes, ferries, yachts, kayaks alongside street performers, and at night the entire harbor glows thanks to the thousands of lamps illuminating the Parliament Building. The Old Town, Chinatown, the Fisherman's Wharf,

♦  Recommended tours in Victoria - for purchase from Viator:

 

Fisherman's Wharf:

 

Floating houses at Fisherman's Wharf:

 

Beacon Hill Park and many well-maintained neighborhoods are all within walking distance of the Inner Harbour. Other excellent ways to tour the city are by bicycle, on the typical English double-decker bus, and in a horse-drawn carriage.

There are very few buildings in the city whose height exceeds 7 floors, which highlights the view of the ocean and mountains visible from many places in the city.

Victoria is also a vibrant university city, an important base for the Canadian Navy, and has a large fleet of fishing boats.

 

 

The Victoria Visitor Centre is located in the Inner Harbour, at 812 Wharf Street.  The center is open every day of the week and provides a wealth of information on the various attractions in the city and on accommodation options in the city and its surroundings.

The city also has a large port where many cruise ships arrive with thousands of passengers on each ship.

 

Guided tours in Victoria

From GetYourGuide:

 

Recommended food tour in Victoria

A particularly successful food tour in Victoria's Chinatown, considered the oldest in Canada and the second in all of North America. The tour by the company Off The Eaten Track is called:

 MODERN CHINATOWN FOOD & HISTORY TOUR because it turns out there are also Mexican, French, and Italian restaurants and even breweries in Chinatown and its immediate surroundings. The tour starts at the Victoria Public Market and includes seven different dishes, each in a different place: soup at a restaurant specializing in soups and coffee, arancini at an Italian restaurant inside the market, a sweet Chinese bun stuffed with goodness in the heart of Chinatown, Mexican tacos at a restaurant known for the tortillas it makes on-site, French macarons at a charming French café, dumplings stuffed with chicken in a Thai style and flavor, and beer of two kinds at a local brewery.

 

 

Between the tastings—which were all wonderful—we heard a lot of information about the quarter and its history, how it has changed over the years, about Victoria which is growing and developing a lot, the culture, the food, and the impact of the corona pandemic on businesses.
A two-and-a-half-hour tour—tasty and pleasant with a wonderful and knowledgeable guide.
The company also offers an authentic Canadian food tour, a heart-of-downtown tour, and a gourmet evening tour.

Weather:

The weather in Victoria is among the most comfortable and pleasant in all of Canada. Victoria is considered one of the driest cities in Canada with an average annual precipitation of 67 cm (compared to 120 cm in New York). The rainier months are January to March, when the monthly precipitation is about 5 cm, much less than in neighboring Vancouver and Washington State. Snow is rare in winter. The summer months are relatively dry (less than 2.5 cm per month) and sunny. Summer is warm and pleasant with an average temperature of 22 degrees. Humidity is relatively low and there is almost always a pleasant breeze from the sea. Consequently, it can be cool on summer evenings, so it is recommended to bring a light jacket or sweater. September is usually warm and sunny, and autumn arrives only at the very end.

The coldest month is January with an average temperature of 6 degrees Celsius.

Neighborhoods in the city:

The INNER HARBOUR is the heart of Victoria's tourist area and abounds with important historical buildings such as the Parliament Buildings, the Royal BC Museum, and the EMPRESS hotel, which opened back in 1908 and has been considered a prestigious and successful hotel and an important landmark in the city ever since. There are two promenades in the area: one begins at the end of BELLEVILLE Street and continues close to the water until Fisherman's Wharf, and the second begins at the JOHNSON STREET BRIDGE and continues to WEST BAY MARINA. Along the way, you can spot seals, sea lions, and other marine mammals. It is especially recommended to tour the Inner Harbour in the evening to see the many street performers appearing there and to watch the beautiful sunset. The harbor borders well-maintained parks.

The OLD TOWN located behind the Inner Harbour was Victoria's bustling center starting from the fur trading days of the Hudson's Bay Company which established itself there. Today it is a tourist area with small streets full of souvenir stalls and goods from England, Scotland, and Ireland, abounding with fine buildings and historical squares such as BASTION SQUARE where Fort Victoria once stood, the courthouse, the jail, and the gallows—the square has been renovated and is considered one of the tourist areas in the city—and MARKET SQUARE which has been restored and is now a vibrant complex of small shops, cafes, and restaurants. The main streets in the Old Town are GOVERNMENT and DOUGLAS. North of Market Square is the tiny CHINA TOWN of the city, which was once a dubious area with drug dens, brothels, and pubs, but today is a quiet and pleasant neighborhood with colorful shops and restaurants. At the entrance to the quarter is a typical Chinese gate called the GATE OF HARMONIOUS INTEREST. Victoria's Chinatown is the oldest Chinese quarter in all of Canada!

 

 

 ROCKLAND is a prestigious neighborhood located east of downtown between the streets: FORT and FAIRFIELD. The neighborhood features beautiful old houses and many impressive public buildings such as: Government House, CRAIGDARROCH CASTLE (detailed below), and the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria building.

Other beautiful residential neighborhoods where it is pleasant to stroll and admire their houses and architectural style:

JAMES BAY, located on the southern shore of the Inner Harbour, featuring tree-lined streets with beautiful old Victorian-style houses.

In the prestigious ROSS BAY and OAK BAY neighborhoods, the architectural style is more modern and Western. The houses, located on hills, overlook the sea and are surrounded by well-kept gardens. The area abounds with marinas featuring impressive and well-kept boats, as well as golf courses and sports clubs.

Main attractions in Victoria:

PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS:

Located at the southern end of the Inner Harbour. They were designed by architect Francis RATTENBURY and are considered an architectural gem. The buildings are decorated with mosaic floors, marble, wood, and glass work. Their construction was completed in 1898. Atop the main dome stands the statue of Captain George Vancouver, after whom the island is named. The buildings are surrounded by lawns, gardens, fountains, and statues. After dark, the buildings are illuminated by more than 3,000 lights.

 

 

Admission is free every month of the year (in winter open Monday–Friday only) between 9 AM and 5 PM. Closed on holidays. From mid-May to early September, free guided tours are held on-site departing every 20 minutes between 9 AM–12 PM and 1 PM–5 PM. The tour lasts about 40 minutes. On the tours, you will learn about the history of British Columbia, the architecture of the buildings, and the parliamentary governance system in the country. Address: 501 BELLEVILLE ST.

FAIRMONT EMPRESS HOTEL

Considered one of the largest and most impressive hotels in the world. It was also designed by architect Francis Rattenbury. The historic hotel is located in the heart of the city, in the bustling Inner Harbour area. It was built in 1908 when tourism began to flourish in the city and is considered one of the must-see sites in the city. One of the attractions at the hotel is traditional afternoon tea. Every year, over 100,000 people drink high-quality (and expensive...) tea in an elegant lobby with gleaming wood flooring and an abundance of artworks. Another historical attraction at the hotel is the BENGAL LOUNGE, which has large windows overlooking the nearby garden and plenty of decorative ornaments, including a giant tiger skin rug spread across one of the walls, donated to the hotel by the King of Siam.

 

 

The hotel was a favorite of Hollywood stars who used to stay there, including: Roger Moore, Shirley Temple, Katharine Hepburn, Bob Hope, and many others.

In the 1960s, there were thoughts of demolishing the old hotel and building a modern skyscraper in its place, but public protest led to the idea of renovating the existing structure at a cost of $4 million. The royal renovation lasted until 1989 and its cost eventually amounted to $45 million! Today, the hotel retains its old-world charm and original antique furniture combined with luxurious modern amenities. Address: 721 GOVERNMENT ST.

MINIATURE WORLD

A display of over 80 miniature models including two of the largest dollhouses in the world. One of them, built in 1880, contains more than fifty fully furnished rooms. Other pleasant attractions are the circus world, the valley of enchanted castles containing models of castles from Europe, the world of Charles Dickens, the world of fantasy, the Wild West, and a scaled-down model of the Canadian transcontinental railway considered the longest model railway in the world. Special effects such as lightning, sounds, and animation add to the atmosphere. Located inside the Empress Hotel.  Open every day of the year except Christmas. Opening hours vary according to the seasons.

PACIFIC UNDERSEA GARDENS

Are an attraction particularly popular with children. This is essentially an underwater observatory with glass walls through which you can view many sea animals including: eels, giant octopuses, seals, sharks, salmon, starfish, and many other creatures living in the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Among the marine animals swim divers who feed them and play around them. The site also has a tank where you can touch and feel small sea animals. Open every day of the year, opening hours vary depending on the season. The gardens are located in the Inner Harbour near the ferry dock. Address: 490 BELLEVILLE ST.

CRAIGDARROCH CASTLE

Built in 1890 by the wealthiest man in British Columbia, Robert Dunsmuir by name, who was a simple worker and grew rich from the coal business. In order to show off his great wealth, he built himself an impressive castle. 4 stories tall and 39 rooms, built of marble and granite with luxury furniture, Persian carpets, and an abundance of priceless works of art. Today the place serves as a museum and looks exactly as it did about a hundred years ago. The tour of the castle provides an opportunity to travel back in time to the heyday of the new rich in the area. Visitors receive a detailed map with explanations about the place and conduct an independent tour of the building. The recommended duration for a visit to the place: about an hour. The building is open daily to visitors (except Christmas and New Year's Day) between 10 AM and 4:30 PM. In summer, opening hours are longer: from 9 AM to 7 PM. Various cultural events are held at the place throughout the year. The castle is located in the prestigious Rockland neighborhood near the Art Gallery of Victoria. Address: 1050 JOAN CRESCENT.

EMILY CARR HOUSE

Is the house where Emily Carr, one of Canada's most famous and revered painters, was born and raised. Her paintings can be seen in the Art Gallery of Victoria and in art museums all over Canada. Most of her paintings depict the lives of Native Americans and the surrounding landscapes. Carr also wrote books describing her life. The Victorian house built in 1864

is furnished with period-typical furniture and displays some of Carr's early works. The house is located near the harbor, address: 207 Government St., and is open to visitors daily from 10 AM to 5 PM from mid-May to mid-October. 

HELMCKEN HOUSE

Is the oldest residential home on Vancouver Island. The house was built in 1852 by Dr. John Helmcken, who was the doctor of Fort Victoria. The house is well-preserved and is furnished with original furniture and art objects from the early Victoria period. During the Christmas and winter holiday season, actors dressed in period costumes play the roles of the Helmcken family members and provide a glimpse into their lifestyle. The house is located at ELIOT SQUARE near the Royal British Columbia Museum. Open daily from late May to mid-October between 10 AM and 5 PM, and between 12 PM and 4 PM during the rest of the year.

GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Rebuilt in 1959 after the previous building was completely burned down in 1903. This is the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. The house, built of blue and pink granite stones, is not open to visitors, but you can tour the impressive gardens surrounding it which include English gardens, rose gardens, lawns, and ponds. An excellent view of the building and its gardens is from the nearby PEARKE'S PEAK. The house is located near the Royal British Columbia Museum, address: 1401 Rockland Ave.

Gardens and Parks:

BUTCHART GARDENS

Considered Victoria's most famous attraction.

 

To book a day trip to Butchart Gardens (including transportation, admission ticket, and an independent tour of the gardens) from the reliable Viator website: Butchart Gardens Tour from Victoria

 

 

The gardens were named after Jennie Butchart, who founded them about a hundred years ago to cover up an ugly "scar" left by a large quarry that belonged to her husband, who was a mine owner and one of the founders of PORTLAND CEMENT. The SUNKEN GARDENS she planted opened to visitors in 1904. Over the years, the gardens expanded and today there are three more areas in the place: the Rose Gardens, the Italian Gardens, and the Japanese Gardens.

 The gardens are beautiful and blooming throughout all months of the year; in each season they take on a different look: from the beginning of March, jasmine flowers begin to bloom followed by Japanese cherry trees, in April bulb plants bloom such as daffodils and tulips in a variety of colors, in summer the rose bloom is at its peak, in September it's the turn of bougainvilleas and dahlias to bloom, and autumn brings amazing fall foliage colors to the many maple trees in the garden. From mid-June to mid-September, the gardens are illuminated every evening with thousands of tiny lights, a breathtaking sight not to be missed.

 

 

 From late June to late August, an impressive fireworks show takes place every Saturday after dark. During this period, cultural and entertainment shows are held in the gardens almost every evening. In winter, starting in early December, in honor of Christmas, the gardens are illuminated again and events and festivals are held for the holiday and New Year. The gardens are open daily starting at 9 AM. Closing hours vary according to the months of the year. In the summer months (from mid-June to late August) the gardens are open until 10:30 PM, during the winter holiday period (from mid-December to early January) the gardens are open until 10:00 PM, and in the rest of the months of the year they close earlier.

 

 

You can tour the gardens up to an hour after the gates close. Admission fees also vary depending on the months of the year and tourist seasons and range between $11 and $21 for an adult (the expensive price is in the summer months). There are discounts for children and youth. In the summer months, the gardens are extremely busy and it is recommended to visit them after 3:00 PM. This way you can also see them in daylight, manage to enjoy one of the shows taking place on-site, and also see them illuminated after dark. On Saturdays when fireworks shows take place, the visitor crowd is especially large and you should expect long lines at the park entrance.

 

 

You can leave the park and return to it later that day except on Saturdays in the summer months.

Inside the gardens is a luxury restaurant named THE DINING ROOM, located in the Butchart family's original dining room, a pleasant café, and a family restaurant named THE BLUE POPPY.

The gardens are located 21 km north of Victoria and 20 km south of the ferry dock in SWARTZ BAY. Address: 800 BENVENUTO AVE., BRENTWOOD BAY. 

 

 Victoria Butterfly Gardens

 VICTORIA BUTTERFLY GARDENS: About two thousand butterflies of all colors and species (over 35 different varieties) brought from all over the world fly freely inside a large greenhouse simulating a tropical rainforest habitat including waterfalls and streams. There is a good chance some of them will land to rest on your hair or hands. The place also has several species of birds. This is a true paradise for any photography enthusiast and a favorite spot especially for children of all ages. The place also has an exhibit demonstrating the butterfly's life cycle and habits. Open March–October between 9 AM and 4:30 PM (in summer until 5:30 PM). Closed in the winter months. The gardens are located near Butchart Gardens, address: 1461 Brentwood Bay.

CRYSTAL GARDENS

Established in 1925 as an entertainment and amusement venue for the city's elite. The largely glass building, reminiscent in shape of the CRYSTAL PALACE in London, was designed by architect Francis RATTENBURY, and its main attraction was a large saltwater swimming pool. Over the years, the saltwater ate away at the iron beams supporting the roof and led to the closure of the place. After serious renovation work, the gardens reopened in their current format: tropical gardens abounding with interesting plants and about 65 animal species ranging from butterflies and birds to small mammals like the smallest monkey in the world and bats. The building also houses a popular shopping center. Open daily starting at 9 AM. Closing hours vary according to the seasons. In summer (mid-June to mid-September) open until 9 PM.  Address: 713 Douglas St.

 

 

BEACON HILL PARK

Is the refuge of city residents and tourists from the city's hustle and bustle. This sprawling park is the dream of every nature and photography enthusiast. The park, planned and designed in 1888 by Scottish landscape architect JOHN BLAIR, includes two lakes, manicured lawns, flower gardens, and numerous walking trails inside a natural forest with ancient trees (some over 400 years old). The park has many sports and recreation facilities including: a cricket pitch, mini-golf, a bowling club, playgrounds, a wading pool, and a small zoo called CHILDRENS FARM where children can feed goats and sheep, pet rabbits, and ride ponies. The park offers beautiful views of the island and straits, and when visibility is good, you can even spot the Olympic Mountains in Washington State. The park marks the zero point of Highway 1 which crosses Canada from coast to coast. In the months of May–September, many free shows are held in the park including music, dance, and theater in an open-air outdoor amphitheater called CAMERON BANDSHELL. The park is located near the Royal British Columbia Museum and borders DOUGLAS Street, admission is free.

THUNDERBIRD PARK

Is a small and compact park located near the Royal British Columbia Museum. The park features a collection of giant totem poles, some painted and some not. In the summer months, a totem pole carving workshop takes place in the park, where you can witness Native Americans at various stages of work and creation.

Museums in the city:

 Royal British Columbia Museum

 ROYAL BRITISH COLUMBIA MUSEUM is considered one of the best museums in Canada. The museum features particularly impressive displays that tell the story of British Columbia through the history of nature, geology, the first residents, their culture, and lifestyle using special effects (including sounds and smells) and dioramas that give visitors the feeling of being in other eras and distant places. The main and most interesting exhibitions are shown on the second and third floors, including: on the second floor, the NATURAL HISTORY GALLERY describing the various living environments of animals and plants in the area, and the OPEN OCEAN GALLERY featuring a spectacular display of deep ocean life. A particularly successful guided tour is held in this gallery. On the third floor is the FIRST PEOPLE GALLERY describing the lives of Native Americans in the area before and after the arrival of European settlers. This gallery features a reconstruction of old streets in Victoria and many sites in the city (such as Chinatown, factories, an old cinema) and displays many authentic artifacts such as ceremonial masks, pottery, and artworks by the first settlers. Short and interesting films are continuously screened in the galleries. Even someone who is not a sworn museum enthusiast will leave mesmerized by this successful museum.

The museum has an IMAX cinema where rotating 3D films are shown on a giant screen. In order to experience everything the museum has to offer, you need to dedicate at least 3–4 hours to the place.

The museum is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM (closed on Christmas and New Year's Day). IMAX films are shown daily from 9 AM to 8 PM.  Address: 675 BELLEVILLE ST.

Maritime Museum of British Columbia

 MARITIME MUSEUM OF BRITISH COLUMBIA is located in the former building of the British Columbia Provincial Court House built in 1889, which features one of the oldest elevators in North America that is still operating. The museum displays the rich maritime heritage of the country from the days of the first explorers who arrived in the area, through fur traders and whalers, to the days of naval battles and warship fleets. The museum features an impressive display of ship models, uniforms, weapons, and maritime equipment. Open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (closed on Christmas). There are discounts for seniors and students. Address: 28 Bastion Square,   .

Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

 ART GALLERY OF GREATER VICTORIA is housed in an impressive Victorian home east of the city center near Craigdarroch Castle. In the wood-paneled house with its high ceiling, you can view a series of exhibitions featuring a selection of Chinese and Japanese artworks. Of course, works by Canadian artists are also displayed in the gallery, with an emphasis on the works of local-born Emily Carr. The gallery is open daily (except Christmas and November 11) between 10 AM and 5 PM. On Thursdays open until 9 PM.  There is a discount for students and seniors. Address: 1040 MOSS ST.

Royal London Wax Museum

 ROYAL LONDON WAX MUSEUM includes about 300 wax figures featuring a respectable representation of the British Royal Family (the name obligates...), American presidents, Canadian prime ministers, famous scientists and intellectuals (for example: Albert Einstein and Mother Teresa), and a selection of Hollywood stars. Not recommended for those who have already visited Madame Tussauds in London. Admission fee: 9 Canadian dollars for an adult. There are discounts for children, students, and seniors. Open daily (except Christmas) between 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM. In the summer months, opening hours are longer (until 7:30 PM). The museum is located opposite the Parliament Buildings in the Inner Harbour, address: 470 BELLEVUE.

British Columbia Aviation Museum

 BRITISH COLUMBIA AVIATION MUSEUM is located near the Victoria Airport inside a large hangar containing many airplanes, some original and some models. The museum also has many photographs and aircraft engines. You will find here a collection including aviation craft ranging from the first Canadian airplanes, through World War I and II airplanes, to modern airplanes including contemporary seaplanes and helicopters. The museum is open every day of the year except Christmas and New Year's Day. Opening hours: 11 AM–3 PM in the winter months and 10 AM–4 PM in the summer months. Address: 1910 NORSEMAN RD., SIDNEY.

WHALE WATCHING

Victoria and Vancouver Island are an excellent starting point for whale watching cruises. This is an unparalleled experience to witness these giant creatures emerging from the water within about a hundred meters of your boat. The most common whales in southern Vancouver Island, near Victoria, are the ORCA whales, known by their nicknames "KILLER WHALE". These are black whales with large white spots. The average length of a male whale is about 9 meters and its weight up to 11 tons. Females weigh up to 8 tons "only". These whales swim in large groups of 30-40 whales each. They tend to spout jets of water 3-4 meters high and make loud noises while doing so. Often they jump high out of the water. The best time to witness them in the Victoria area is between May and November, which is their feeding period. In the northern part of the island, you can see huge pods of GRAY WHALES, especially in the Pacific Rim National Park area. The best time to witness gray whales is between February and October. Many companies in the area organize whale watching tours. All of them strictly adhere to severe environmental regulations designed to protect whales from extinction such as maintaining a minimum distance from the whales, sailing at low speed near whales, prohibiting swimming near whales or feeding them, etc. It is likely that you will get to see other marine animals during the cruise that are abundant in the area's waters, such as: seals, sea lions, dolphins, and salmon. The duration of the tours is about 3-5 hours (depending on the organizing company, the number of whales, and the boat). The variety of boats is very large ranging from small boats to luxury yachts. Some of the boats are covered and some are open.

 

Special observation tower north of Victoria

A unique observation tower 45 minutes north of Victoria, named: Malahat Skywalk.

 

 

This is a spiral tower with a very gentle climb to its top. You reach it with a short walk in the forest on a high bridge. Along the way between the trees are wonderful wooden sculptures of various animals. Throughout the spiral climb, an impressive view of the fjord and islands is visible, including in the distance the mountains and islands of the United States. At the top of the tower, at an altitude of 250 meters above sea level, there is a 360-degree view with plenty of information and explanations.

 

 

At the peak of the tower is an elastic net, sort of a trampoline through which you can see all the way down to the floor.

 

 

The coolest experience, suitable for all ages, even adults, is sliding down a long winding slide in the heart of the building all the way to the bottom. You slide at high speed within 8-10 seconds all the way down on a small mat you sit on and tuck your legs into.

 

 

 

On the way back, along the path parallel to the elevated bridge, you meet park guides with birds of prey on their hands who explain about them and answer questions.
Admission after 4:00 PM is about 25 percent cheaper and there is also a discount code on maps distributed at the visitor center.
An extremely recommended site for any age and composition.

 

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