Wednesday 12 March 2014

Victoria

Victoria

This "beautiful harbor town with great food" is "a pocket of charm and beauty" on the southern end of Vancouver Island. Our readers raved about the setting and architecture, and enjoyed the variety of activities: walking, biking, antiquing, dining at "great seafood restaurants," and visiting museums and the Butchart Gardens. It's a "hidden treasure."

The Weather
Victoria, B.C., offers the best weather in Canada with the lowest rainfall on Canada's West Coast and the most days of sunshine. Spring is the best season of the year in Victoria, with mild temperatures and sunshine-filled days. If you like it a little warmer than most, visit in May, when you'll find fewer tourists but higher daytime temperatures.
 
Cherry Trees 37,000 cherry trees are in full bloom at springtime, lighting up the streets with a burst of bright pink. Victoria is the garden city, and there is nothing like it this time of year. Spectacular colors are found everywhere you look. Take a romantic horse-carriage ride through the streets and take in the lovely sights and scents for an unforgettable view of British Columbia's capital city in style.

Playfair Park
Visit Playfair Park, one of the city's best kept secrets. It's full of mature rhododendrons and azaleas, and some consider it even more impressive than the famed Butchart Gardens but much more peaceful and secluded. The park is a sight to behold with all of the flowers in full bloom from March through May.
 
Whales
With 80 killer whales who call the waters off southern Vancouver Island home, Victoria is an ideal central location to embark on an amazing tour of marine wildlife. You'll likely spot orcas gliding through the water, sea lions sunning on the rocks, jumping porpoises, and maybe even a humpback whale. Bald eagles are a common sight to see soaring through the air and perched on top of the trees. The spring season offers better values and less crowds, making the experience even better.

Butchart Gardens
A visit to Victoria isn't the same without seeing Butchart Gardens. It goes without saying that spring is the best time to view the gardens coming alive with some of the finest displays of nature's art work in the world.
 
Amazing Food
The food in Victoria is always outstanding, but if you like fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, the island's wonderful farmers markets open in April and May, offering mouth-watering delights to treat your senses. In addition to the great selection of produce, you find delicious baked goods, homemade jams, sweets, and more.
Treat yourself to breakfast at the 3rd Street Cafe in Sidney, known as the best place for your morning meal on the island. Pancakes are loaded with fresh fruits and nuts, and the eggs bennie are to die for.
I'd make the trek to the island just to have dinner at Pescatores. They emphasize locally grown Vancouver Island produce and seafood with the freshest fish and meats. The jumbo scallops entree is my favorite, with lobster ravioli tossed in a truffle cream with spinach. There are no words to describe just how delectable it is.

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