Victoria Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Victoria Travel & Tourism, Free Victoria Travel Guide Online
 Victoria Travel Guide: Discount & Cheap Victoria Travel & Tourism, Free Victoria Travel Guide OnlineVictoria is British Columbia's capital city, and is known worldwide for its temperate climate, stunning setting and outstanding visitor attractions. Among these are the Butchart Gardens, Victoria Butterfly Gardens, Queen Elizabeth Park, and the Royal British Columbia Museum. Cultural venues include the Victoria Symphony Orchestra, The Pacific Opera Society, and top name rock groups and other performers. The Inner Harbor hosts open-air musical stage shows during the summer months. Located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is just a short ferry ride from the city of Vancouver and is easily accessible from the other Gulf Islands. Victoria's climate is the mildest in Canada and, as a result, outdoor activities are offered year round. Golfing and gardening are a way of life, as are walking, hiking, cycling and bird watching. World class attractions, museums, arts and entertainment, shopping, gourmet food and spas also delight visitors to the Garden City. During the winter, the atmosphere on Vancouver Island changes with the season. The lively summer pace slows to a more relaxed atmosphere, making this a perfect time for a visit to Victoria and the Island. Activities, tours and entertainment continue year round, but without crowds or high-season costs. Winters are always temperate in Victoria, with snow falling mainly in the mountains and northern regions of the Island. Almost all outdoor activities can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Skiing, snowboarding and other snow-based activities are most popular at Mount Washington, but can be found at many other locations on the Island as well. Only on Vancouver Island would a typical winter day include golf in the morning, skiing in the afternoon and a long walk in the evening to enjoy the crisp, clean air. In the winter, surfers brave chilling waters to ride the best waves of the year. These same waves can rise to 20 feet during a winter storm. Storm watching on the west coast of Vancouver Island is a past time for many. The winter season also brings the traditional Victorian Christmas of lights, trees, and holiday music. The ocean is integral to life on Vancouver Island and, to truly experience Victoria, boating, sailing, fishing, canoeing, diving and whale-watching adventures are suggested. Exploring the island on foot, bicycle, horseback, scooter, motorcycle, bus, rail, plane, ferry or specialty car tours are all possibilities. Victoria has been consistently ranked as one of the top 10 cities in the world to visit and Number One in the world for ambience and environment. Victoria and the Islands offer scenic beauty and charm that are always in season. Whether your ideal vacation calls for family travel, outdoor adventure or a romantic getaway, Victoria and the Islands have something for all ages and interests. Victoria Attractions: Victoria Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Victoria Travel & Tourism, Free Victoria Travel Guide OnlinePacific Undersea Gardens (250) 382-5717 490 Belleville Street (Located in the Inner Harbor of Downtown Victoria) Victoria, BC CanadaV8V 1W9 The Pacific Undersea Gardens are reached by a gently sloping stairway that leads down to this unique marine observatory's glass-enclosed viewing area, where visitors can observe the the underwater world of the Pacific Northwest. Some 5,000 creatures reside in these protected waters. Sharks, wolf eels, poisonous stonefish, sea anemones, starfish, sturgeon, and salmon are just a few of the organisms that make their homes here. Every hour there is an underwater show in which a diver-naturalist explains a variety of the undersea dwellers. Injured seals and orphaned seal pups are cared for in holding pens alongside the observatory as part of a provincial marine-mammal rescue program Centre of the Universe (250) 363-8262 5071 West Saanich Road Victoria, BC CanadaV9E 2E7 The Centre of the Universe is the new interpretive centre at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory offering spectacular views of Victoria and the sky. It features interactive exhibits that contribute toward an understanding of the world of astronomy. The Centre of the Universe is part of the Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics, the scientific institute within the National Research Council of Canada. British Columbia Forest Discovery Centre (250) 715-1113 2892 Drinkwater Road Duncan, BC CanadaV9L 6C2 Museum and interpretive center focus on the history and development of a positive relationship with the forest. The BC Forest Discovery Centre offers interactive and educational activities for the whole family. Ride a 1920s steam train. Explore 100 acres of indoor and outdoor exhibits and walk the forest and nature trails. Spend a day of discovery. Beacon Hill Park and
Children's Farm The city's showpiece garden dating from the 1890's features formal gardens and wildflower meadows, a bandshell, a wildfowl sanctuary, picnic tables, tennis courts, playgrounds, a 100-year-old cricket pitch, and a children's petting zoo. Victoria Bug Zoo (250) 384-2847 631 Courtney Street Victoria, BC CanadaV8W 1B8 The Victoria Bug Zoo is home to arachnids scorpions, tarantulas, mantids, centipedes, Giant stick insects, beetles, huge grasshoppers Tour guides provide interesting facts and commentary. Craigdarroch Castle 1050 Joan Crescent Bus 11 250/592-5323 The four-story, 39-room Highland-style castle is topped with stone turrets and chimneys and filled with the opulent Victorian splendor of the period. Persian carpets, stained-glass windows, paintings, and sculptures are all displayed. The nonprofit society that runs Craigdarroch does an excellent job showcasing the castle. Visitors are provided with a self-tour booklet; every floor also has volunteer docents to answer questions. Point Ellice House (250) 380-6506 2616 Pleasant Street Point Ellice was the 19th century home of Peter and Caroline O'Reilly and their 4 children.. The house became a provincial historic site in 1974. Point Ellice is considered to have Western Canada's finest collection of Victorian homes in their original setting. High Tea Service daily. Reconstructed Victorian Style gardens dating back to the 1850's, Ferry Service is available from the Inner Harbor. Helmcken House (250) 361-0021 10 Elliot Street Victoria, BC CanadaV8V 2P8 The oldest historic house in the Province of British Columbia. Built in 1852, Helmcken House belonged to Dr. Helmcken, pioneer doctor and Legislator. The house rests on its original building site and is the oldest house in the province. Audio tours take visitors back in time, traveling through the originally furnished rooms. Anne Hathaway's Thatched Cottage (250) 388-4353 1- (866) 388-4353 (toll free) 429 Lampson Street Victoria, BC CanadaV9A 5Y9 William Shakespeare's wife's birthplace, located on 5 acres of the English Inn & Resort country garden estate. and authentically furnished with period pieces. The Enhanced Cottage Tour Experience is a theatrical production, which incorporates the cottage tour with live vignettes of Shakespeare's most popular literary works. Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site (250) 478-5849 603 Fort Rodd Hill Road Victoria, BC CanadaV9C 2W8 A working lighthouse - Canada's oldest west coast lighthouse original guns, underground bunkers, and camouflaged searchlight emplacements Capilano Suspension Bridge Ltd. (604) 985-7474 3735 Capilano Road North Vancouver, BC CanadaV7R 4J1 This historic theme park is Vancouver's oldest visitor attraction. 450 feet across and 230 feet above Capilano River is the world's greatest suspension footbridge. It is available for crossing. Victoria Butterfly Gardens (250) 652-3822 Toll Free: (877) 722-0272 1461 Benvenuto Avenue Brentwood Bay, BC CanadaV8M 1R3 Hundreds of exotic butterflies fly free in a 12,000 square-foot indoor tropical rainforest. Witness the entire life cycle. Spectacular flowering plants and foliage, fascinating birds, waterfalls and a stream with fish all contribute to make this a truly memorable experience. Galey Farms (250) 477-5713 4150 Blenkinsop Road Victoria, BC CanadaV8X 2C4 This third generation family farm grows over 50 varieties of vegetables and berries. Scarecrow Country Maze, now one of Canada's leading mazes, is in place with more exhibits planned. The maze opens in July and runs through summer. British Columbia Forest Discovery Centre (250) 715-1113 2892 Drinkwater Road Duncan, BC CanadaV9L 6C2 Museum and interpretive center on the history and development of our relationship with the forest offers interactive and educational activities for the whole family. Ride a 1920s steam train. Explore 100 acres of indoor and outdoor exhibits and walk the forest and nature trails. Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (250) 384-4101 1040 Moss Street Victoria, BC CanadaV8V 4P1 The AGGV, Victoria's public gallery, is a keeper of treasures with over 15,000 works in the permanent gallery. Six contemporary wings feature more than 30 exhibitors a year with associated programs and special events. See the work of Emily Carr on permanent display, a king-sized doll house, North America's only Shinto Shrine which complements the finest collection of Japanese art in Canada, and an impressive range of contemporary art. Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (250) 479-6162 505 Quayle Road Victoria, BC CanadaV9E 2J7 Includes over five acres of gardens set in a conservation park setting with nature trails, wetlands and bird watching sites. Victoria's mild winters allow for year round gardening. Tour the Winter Garden, Japanese style Takata Garden, Zen Garden, rhododendron garden, heather garden and trail dahlia garden. National Geographic IMAX Theatre (250) 480-4887 675 Belleville Street Victoria, BC CanadaV8W 1A1 The most powerful and involving film experience: six story tall screen with 12,000 watts of surround sound. Call 250-953-IMAX for showtimes. Open daily from 10-8 (9pm June-September). Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre (604) 659-3474 Avison Way, Stanley Park Vancouver, BC CanadaV6B 3X8 Join more than 60,000 aquatic creatures at the Vancouver Aquarium and find out why it was voted BC's best-loved attraction. Arctic beluga whales, giant Amazon arapaimas, tropical reef sharks and the fascinating dolphins, sea lions and otters of Canada's wild west coast. Miniature World (250) 385-9731 649 Humboldt Street Victoria, BC CanadaV8W 1A7 Miniature World is billed as the greatest little show on earth! Over 85 great little attractions that include the world's smallest operational sawmill, two of the largest doll houses, and one of the longest model railways. Gabriola Museum Gabriola Island (247-9987) This community museum tells the story of life on a small island in the Strait of Georgia, the Northwest Coast of North America its climate, plants and animals; its significance to its original Salish inhabitants; its discovery by Spanish explorers; and its later settlement by those who believed that small is beautiful. Helmcken House 675 Belleville Street (387-4697) Former home of J.S. Helmcken, pioneer doctor and contains one of Canada's finest nineteenth century medical collections. Kaatza Station Museum Lake Cowichan (749-6142) Community museum, housed in a 1913 Esquimalt and Nanaimo railway station. Features include pioneer life display highlighted by a 12' high mural at the "foot" of Cowichan Lake. Displays include a store, post office, mining tunnel and a tribute to the area's logging heritage. Outdoor display includes a 1918 CN wooden caboose, a 1916 CN wooden boxcar and a 1927 Shay locomotive. Extensive archives for research available in the museum. Kwagiulth Museum & Cultural Centre Quathiaski Cove (285-3733) Kwagiulth potlatch artifacts and sacred ceremonial regalia; 19th Century photographs of native life, "Touchable" collection. Masks, coppers, whistles, rattles, headdresses, neck rings, costumes, ceremonial props, totem poles and house posts. Malaspina University College Museum 900 5th Street, Nanaimo (753-3245 local 2315) Nonvascular and vascular pressed plants of Pacific Northwest; invertebrate and vertebrate animals with special emphasis on seashells of world; Birds and Mammals of Vancouver Island. Open display area. Reference collection available for student, community and inter-institutional use. Royal British Columbia Museum 675 Belleville Street, (387-3701) One of the world's best regional museums, the Royal B.C. 's mandate is to present the land and the people of coastal British Columbia. The Natural History Gallery
shows the coastal flora, fauna, and geography from the Ice Age to the present; it includes dioramas of a temperate rainforest, a seacoast, an underground ecology of giant bugs, and (particularly appealing to children) a live tidal pool with sea stars and anemones. The museum also has an I-Max theater showing an ever-changing variety of large-screen movies. In Thunderbird Park (beside the museum) is a cedar longhouse which houses a workshop where Native carvers work on new totem poles. Saanich Historical Artifacts Society 7321 Lochside Drive (652-5522) A fascinating Museum/Farm on 20 acres demonstrating artifacts from the region's Pioneer past. Gardens Butchart Gardens 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Victoria Bus 75 Driving: Take Blanshard St. (Hwy. 17) north toward the ferry terminal in Saanich, then turn left on Keating Crossroads, which leads directly to the gardens -- about 20 min. from downtown Victoria (250)652-4422 These internationally acclaimed gardens came into being after Robert Butchart exhausted the limestone quarry near his Tod Inlet home. His wife, Jenny, gradually landscaped the resulting eyesore into the
Sunken Garden, opening it for public display in 1904. A
Rose Garden, Italian Garden, and
Japanese Garden were then added. The Butchart family gardens now display more than a million plants throughout the year. Musical entertainment and occasional fireworks displays illuminate some evenings in the summer. Victorian Garden Tours Ltd. (250) 380-2797 2-145 Niagara Street Victoria, BC CanadaV8V 1G1 Year round small group, customized interpretive tours of beautiful and unique private and public gardens. Friends of Government House Gardens Society (250) 356-5139 1401 Rockland Avenue Victoria, BC CanadaV8S 1V9 April through September Open dawn to dusk daily. Guided, adult-oriented tours (fee charged) include areas not normally open to the public. The English style estate garden of Government House showcases a variety of plants, shrubs and trees that will grow in Victoria's Zone 8 Mediterranean climate. A Japanese Garden Set next to the ocean shore on Victoria's Outer Harbor, the Laurel Point Inn's Japanese garden contains an acre of trees, flowers, rocks and water, representative of the esthetics of Japanese garden design. Just as the famous Japanese technique of garden design, called shakkei (borrowed scenery), involves the incorporation of adjacent and distant landscapes, the Laurel Point Inn's garden features panoramic views of Victoria's Outer Harbor and Sooke Hills. Willows Beach Located off Beach Avenue at Dalhousie in Victoria. Sheltered, sandy beach with concession stand and a play area for children. Cadboro Bay Beach Located at the foot of Sinclair Avenue in Victoria, a favorite with families because of the playground facilities at Gyro Park. Popular with windsurfers and small sail boats. Goldstream Provincial Park Contains an extensive network of hiking trails winding through old-growth temperate rain forests, majestic waterfalls and a fascinating diversity of plant and animal life. The park is also famous for the run of spawning salmon in the fall. You can walk along the river to view the salmon At the height of the run in mid-November, eagles arrive to sample the salmon, and more than 250 can be present in a single day. Matheson Lake Regional Park Located at Matheson Lake Park Road in Sooke and Metchosin. Activities include hiking, swimming, fishing, horse riding, and cycling. Facilities include parking, trails and pit toilets. East Sooke Regional Park Located off East Sooke Road in East Sooke. Features hiking, birdwatching, nature study, photography, beachcombing, picnicking, and scuba diving. Facilities include parking and picnic tables. French Beach Provincial Park Provincial campground and picnic area an hour's drive west of Victoria. Search the horizon for gray whales or the forest for black-tailed deer. Free interpretive programs provided throughout the summer. China Beach 15-minute walk to a magnificent beach and a spectacular spot for family outings and day trips.
Victoria Events: Victoria Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Victoria Travel & Tourism, Free Victoria Travel Guide OnlineEvents January January 1: Annual Polar Bear Swim
Early January:
Pacific Cup Hockey: Get away from the snow and enjoy a round of golf, some deep-sea fishing, whale watching or simply enjoy the scenic view of the Harbour area.
Chinese New Year Dance
Lion dance performance in front of the Gates of Harmonious Interest on Fisgard Street in Chinatown.
Victoria Independent Film & Video Festival Starts at the end of January
Tenth annual ten day celebration of film, featuring more than 160 films, a family day, art exhibition, new media event, and a film forum. For more information contact: 250: 389: 0444
February Flower Count
Victoria residents count flowers in their gardens and in City Parks. Results are published throughout Canada.
Mid- February Victoria Independent Film & Video Festival March Annual Elk Lake Spring Regatta: a monster two day rowing event. Mid-March or April : TerrifVic Jazz Party. 5 day Jazz Festival, 5 venues throughout Victoria; 15 red hot bands from around the world. dance floors at all venues. May
Late May : Victoria Literary Arts Festival
A springtime celebration of nationally and internationally acclaimed writers.
Throughout May: Victoria Harbour Festival
Location: Inner Harbour
Celebrate the beauty of Victoria with parades, cultural events, and more.
Late May : Victoria Highland Games
Location: Bullen Park, Esquimalt
Annual gathering of the clans. Featuring traditional Scottish games like the caber toss as well as pipes, dancing, vendors and Celtic food. Fun for the whole family. Call (250) 598-1531.
Late May : Victoria Festival of Wine, Music, & Food
Experience the extravagance of Victoria's finest festival for the senses.
Late May:Swiftsure International Yacht Race
World renowned sailing race from Victoria to Swiftsure Bank off the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Call (250) 592-2441 for more information.
June Early June : Uno Festival atBelfry Arts Centre
International annual festival of solo theatrical performance. Mid-June : 22nd Annual Victoria Conservatory of Music Garden Tour
Wander the magnificent gardens at the most beautiful time of the year.
For more information call toll free 1: 866: 386: 5311
Late June - July 4 Jazzfest International
Location: Venues throughout Victoria
This growing annual festival, (over 20 years) , attracts over 30,000 spectators and 300 musicians from all over the world. Free concerts, workshops and spectacular performances at some of Victoria's best venues are featured. Call for info and tickets (250) 388- 4423.
June- September : Summer in the Square
At Centennial Square
Free entertainment throughout the summer every day of the week
July
July 1: Celebrate Canada!
Legislature Grounds, Victoria
Celebrate Canada's birthday at this family picnic. Face painting, food kiosks and more.Entertainment during the day is followed by spectacular fireworks over the Inner Harbour.
Late July- Early August : First Peoples Festival
At Royal British Columbia Museum
This festival presents over 350 Aboriginal artists, musicians, storytellers and entertainers making it one of the largest Aboriginal cultural events in the country.
End of July : Luminara
At Beacon Hill Park
Experience the magic of this festival of lights with a walk through Beacon Hill Park at night.
August Early August – Symphony Splash
Location: Inner Harbour
The Victoria Symphony Orchestra performs a full two: hour concert of light classical orchestral music from a barge anchored in the Inner Harbor, also bell ringing and fireworks. Beginning of August Victoria Latin: Caribbean Festival
Throughout Victoria
Featuring music, dance and parades in the true Carnival spirit.
Walking With Our Ancestors : A Cultural Celebration Royal British Columbia Museum & surrounding grounds at 675 Belleville Street A celebration of friendship and understanding, this event provides visitors, a first: hand experience with First Nations' time honored traditions. (250) 384: 3211 ext.311 Mid-August : Victoria Dragon Boat Festival
Location: Inner Harbour
A fun filled 2: day festival focusing around the exciting sport of Dragon Boat racing, in which teams of paddlers compete against other teams. The 500: m course will host a record 80 boats, making for a thrilling weekend of racing. (250) 472: 2628.
End of August: Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival
Various locations
Don't miss out on Victoria's zaniest theatrical performances at the annual Fringe Festival. Performances take place at various locations throughout the city.
September September (Labour Day Weekend) : Saanich Fall Fair
Location: Saanich Peninsula
The oldest agricultural fair in Canada is much like a country fair including entertainment, arts & crafts, fairgrounds and prize- winning livestock.
October October 10: Royal Victoria Marathon
Voted one of the top ten marathon destinations by "Runner's World Magazine". The half marathon proved to be immensely popular and will return.For info or registration (250) 658- 0951.
November End of November : Out of Hand Crafts Fair
Vancouver Island's premier juried craft fair brings in exhibitors from across the country. Don't miss out on this Victoria tradition!
End of November:
Santa Claus Light Parade:Children of all ages fill the streets to greet Santa and celebrate in the holiday atmosphere. A collection for the Food Bank enhances the generous spirit of the season. Call (250) 382- 3111.
December December: Christmas at Butchart Gardens
Butchart Gardens comes to life with a dazzling display of Christmas Lights that will fill you with joy throughout the month. December 1- 31: Christmas at Craigdarroch
Experience Christmas circa 1910 as antique toys and period costumes come together to portray Christmas in a simpler time.
Arts and Entertainment The Belfry Theatre 1291 Gladstone Avenue, Victoria 385-6815 Housed in an old church, The Belfry Theatre building was restored in recent years, inside and out. The Belfry is known for its outstanding productions of new comedies, dramas, and musicals. It produces nine shows each year in its intimate setting and also hosts a number of jazz and pop concerts. McPherson Playhouse 3 Centennial Square, Victoria 386-6121 Opened in 1914, the 825-seat former Pantages Theatre is at the heart of Victoria's community arts scene and also hosts many professional theatre and concert performances. The McPherson lobby is home to The Gallery at the MAC, a showcase for local and regional visual art. The Chemainus Theatre 9737 Chemainus Road, 246-9800 The Chemainus Theatre offers professional live theatre. Producing year-round, this regional theatre company stages a wide range of world classics, musicals and new plays featuring professional guest artists from across North America. Browse in The Gallery, a showcase of over 100 British Columbia artisans. Langham Court Theatre 805 Langham Court, Victoria 384-2142 This Victoria landmark is described as a quaint and intimate neighborhood theatre. Royal Theatre Known as Victoria's "home of the stars", the 1,445-seat Royal Theatre opened in 1913 and is a heritage jewel. The Royal is host to the Victoria Symphony, Pacific Opera Victoria, as well as being a showcase for a diverse selection of cultural events. The Port Theatre Located on Nanaimo's waterfront at 125 Front Street, next to the Coast Bastion Inn, The Port Theatre is designed as a multipurpose facility that brings in a variety of local and touring performing arts groups, including acoustic and amplified music, drama, comedy, symphony, musical theatre, children's entertainers as well as conferences and symposia. Victoria Conservatory of Music (Alix Goolden Performance Hall) The Conservatory now has a student body of 2,000 and a faculty of over 100. It offers classes and programs in many musical instruments as well as voice, theory, music therapy, orchestras and ensembles. The Conservatory is located in a magnificent heritage building which includes the 800-seat Alix Goolden Performance Hall. Christ Church Cathedral In 1856, the Hudson's Bay Company built a small wooden church, not far from the present site. The ground was broken for the present Cathedral in 1926 and today the impressive Christ Church Cathedral is a popular venue for choral music performances. Phillip T. Young Recital Hall (University of Victoria) The University of Victoria School of Music hosts the Victoria Summer Music Festival, a chamber music concert series, through July and August, featuring international performers. Victoria Symphony The Victoria Symphony is Vancouver Island's largest and most active performing arts organization. Each season the orchestra gives more than 50 main series performances, as well as a 2 week long summer festival, children's concerts and educational.
Pacific Opera Victoria Pacific Opera Victoria (POV) has earned a reputation for fostering young Canadian artists, presenting a blend of repertoire and building original new sets for most productions. The company has developed working partnerships with other arts institutions and enjoys the country's highest subscriber renewal rate. Royal Theatre The 1,445-seat Royal Theatre opened in 1913. The Royal is host to the Victoria Symphony and Pacific Opera Victoria. Art Gallery of Greater Victoria The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is one of Canada's most respected art museums, with a permanent collection of 15,000 objets d'art. The collection features art from Asia, Europe and North America, with primary emphasis placed on Canada and Japan Pacific Opera Victoria 1316B Government Street, Victoria 385-0222
Victoria Facts: Victoria Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Victoria Travel & Tourism, Free Victoria Travel Guide Online Population: 74,125 Elevation: 56 feet
Time Zone:
Pacific Standard Time (the same as California and Oregon.) When it is Noon in New York City, it is 9:00 AM in Victoria.
Temperatures:
| Month | High | Low | | | January | 41F | 32F | | | February | 44F | 34F | | | March | 50F | 37F | | | April | 58F | 40F | | | May | 64F | 46F | | | June | 69F | 52F | | | July | 74F | 54F | | | August | 73F | 54F | | | September | 65F | 49F | | | October | 57F | 44F | | | November | 48F | 39F | | | December | 43F | 35F | | What to Pack Take lightweight clothing and a rain jacket for summer travel. For fall and winter, select clothing that can be layered. Also pack an umbrella, waterproof shoes or boots, and a waterproof jacket. Clothing is casual: jeans are the norm even in expensive restaurants. Taxes There are three levels of taxation in Victoria. A 7 percent provincial sales tax (PST) is levied on most goods and services. In addition, there is a general, federal tax on the same items (GST). PST is not charged on accommodations. Instead, there is a 10% accommodation tax. With receipts (each for a minimum total of $50.) US and international visitors to Victoria can apply at Canadian Customs to have the GST returned to them, in full, when they leave the country. Mail-in forms are also available. Contact Revenue Agency's Visitor Line at (800) 668-4748 for rebate rules. There are commercial sites (often in shopping malls and airports) that advertise "immediate GST refunds." Be aware that these non-governmental businesses charge a fee for refunding the GST. Holidays Jan. 1 New Year's Day Spring Holiday Easter Monday May 24 (or closest prior Mon.) Victoria Day July 1 Canada Day August ( first Mon.) British Columbia Day September (1st Mon.) Labour Day Oct. (2nd Mon.) Thanksgiving Nov. 11 Remembrance Day Dec. 25 and 26 Christmas and Boxing Day Getting There By Air Victoria International Airport is located 30 minutes from downtown Victoria and serves daily flights from Vancouver International Airport and Seattle-Tacoma Airport, as well as direct flights from points throughout Canada and the US. Charter flights for sightseeing, wildlife viewing, hiking and fishing excursions, and to more remote Vancouver Island locations are also available. By Sea Victoria is connected to mainland British Columbia and Washington State by vehicle and passenger ferries and high-speed catamarans. These provide breathtaking views of the rocky coastline, forested islands, inlets and often of marine wildlife. Washington State Ferry Scheduled ferry service (passenger and vehicles) between Anacortes, WA. and Sidney, BC. By Ground Scheduled bus service is available for travel from Vancouver and Seattle to Victoria, as well as to and from other Vancouver Island destinations via the ferry. Rail service is offered between Victoria and Courtenay (north of Victoria), with several stops along the way. Travel options around Greater Victoria and surrounding areas include taxi and limousine service, airporter bus and public bus transportation. Car, RV, bicycle, motorcycle and scooter rentals are also offered at various locations in the Victoria area. Quick Shuttle Frequent daily service year-round to Sea-Tac Airport, downtown Seattle, Bellingham Airport and Vancouver International Airport. Getting Around Victoria Buses are an excellent way to get around the area and it will take you just about anywhere you want to go around Greater Victoria, Sidney and Sooke. They run frequently so you don't have to worry about wasting time waiting for one to arrive. Also the buses include bicycle racks and handicap-friendly features to make it even easier to get around. So, strap your bike on to the rack on the front of a bus and head out to the country to cycle. Transit service operates seven days a week, 365 days a year. Victoria Kids Activities: Victoria Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Victoria Travel & Tourism, Free Victoria Travel Guide OnlinePacific Undersea Gardens (250) 382-5717 490 Belleville Street Victoria, BC CanadaV8V 1W9 The Pacific Undersea Gardens is an adventure for the whole family. Located in the Inner Harbor of Downtown Victoria, the Pacific Undersea Gardens provides a way to view the marine life of the British Columbia coastal region. Visitors descend 15 feet beneath the ocean to watch more than 5,000 animals of different species in a natural but protected environment. Centre of the Universe (250) 363-8262 5071 West Saanich Road Victoria, BC CanadaV9E 2E7 The Centre of the Universe is the interpretive center at the Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics. Interactive exhibits. Tour the Plaskett Telescope. Travel the constellations in the Starlab Planetarium. Special theater presentation and multimedia shows. British Columbia Forest Discovery Centre (250) 715-1113 2892 Drinkwater Road Duncan, BC CanadaV9L 6C2 Museum and interpretive center on the history and development of our relationship with the forest. The BC Forest Discovery Centre offers interactive and educational activities for the whole family. Ride a 1920s steam train. Explore our 100 acres of indoor and outdoor exhibits and walk the forest and nature trails. Spend a day of discovery. Visit our picnic site, concessions and gift shop. Beacon Hill Children's Farm (250) 381-2532 Beacon Hill Park Victoria, BC CanadaV8V 4Z8 Animal petting farm gives hands-on experience for young and old. Victoria Bug Zoo (250) 384-2847 631 Courtney Street Victoria, BC CanadaV8W 1B8 The Victoria Bug Zoo is home to arachnids scorpions, tarantulas, mantids, centipedes, giant stick insects, beetles, and huge grasshoppers. 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