Guest Author - Ann Carroll Burgess

In the not-too-distant past Victoria was once considered the most British of cities in all of Canada. High tea at the Empress, the Parliament buildings light bedecked like a replica of Harrods and the oh-so-English rose gardens.

Today, Victoria rocks with new energy. There are more internet cafes than tea emporiums, Canada’s multicultural atmosphere pervades the culinary scene and sedate walks in gardens have been replaced with hikes and mountain bike trails.

Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island the city overlooks the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The location is blessed with one of the mildest climates in all of Canada (don’t be surprised to find a palm tree or two within the city limits).

Most visitors to Victoria focus first on the Inner Harbour area. Here you will find the Fairmont Empress Hotel, a bastion of English tradition serving high tea every day, statues of Queen Victoria, Captain Cook, the Parliament Buildings and Royal British Columbia Museum.

Take a ferry ride around the inner harbour on a small, jitney sized tour boat or head out of the harbour for an orca whale watch. If you decided to travel to Victoria from Washington State, the ferry from Port Angeles, the Coho, will have you arriving directly into the Inner Harbour area.

Inside the Fairmont Empress you’ll discover an enticing collection of shops selling everything from tea cups to savories. For a taste of the days of the Empire treat yourself to a curry in the Indian-themed restaurant complete with tiger skin and elephant foot decorations. The Fairmont Empress is celebrating its’ 100th anniversary this year.

Do not miss the Royal British Columbia Museum. This is one of the finest museums in all of North America with both natural and human history exhibits. Take a walk down a Victoria street of days gone by, stand on the bridge of a sailing vessel or watch the inner workings of sawmills and mines. In 2008 British Columbia celebrates its 150th anniversary and appropriately the museum is featuring a special exhibit “Free Spirit: Stories of You, Me and BC.”

Head to Lower Johnston Street, or “LoJo” as it is known locally, for a taste of hip Victoria. Small cafes, coffee houses and restaurants abound as well as shops, boutiques and galleries.

No trip to Victoria would be complete without a pilgrimage to the granddaddy of all gardens on the island, Butchart Gardens. Located 18 miles from the city center the gardens were created from an unused limestone quarry. Over 55 acres bloom and blossom with acres of color and fragrance. No matter what the time of the year you will always find a beautiful garden to visit. During the summer months of July and August the gardens are particularly special with fireworks choreographed to music.

For more information on visiting Victoria go to: www.tourismvictoria.com