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Scenic Attractions and Victoria Hotels

Founded in 1843 as a Hudson Bay Company trading post and named in honor of Queen Victoria, Victoria is Western Canadas oldest city. The city enjoys a moderate climate and scenic setting, with its British heritage proudly showcased in the elegant homes, neighborhoods, and architecture evidenced by the famous Empress Hotel and the Parliament Buildings. Look for Victoria hotels that place you near these architectural gems or stay in the Empress Hotel to experience one of the world's truly grand hotels. After a $45 million restoration, you get to enjoy the grandeur and elegance of a bygone age with 4 diamond hotel service. Other scenic attractions that you should include in your itinerary are Beacon Hill Park, a beloved expanse of green with its formal rose gardens, a band shell for outdoor summer concerts, and a petting zoo; Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site of Canada covering 55 acres of breathtaking floral showcases. Dont miss out on the City Hall, designed in 1875 in the "Second Empire" style.

Great British Columbia Attractions and Victoria Hotels

Your next adventure should be in scenic British Columbia. Featuring over than 1,100 different wildlife species and some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, British Columbia presents plenty of opportunities to watch wildlife and take in the spectacular surroundings. Scenic British Columbia boasts of majestic mountains soaring up to 9,843 feet, ancient old-growth forests, caves, hoodoos (ancient, stone-like pillars), and wide stretches of sandy beaches. Look for good Victoria hotels to serve as a base for all your adventures, from hiking through alpine meadows, exploring Canada's highest waterfalls, to wading in natural hot springs. Enjoy the abundant wildlife to the fullest with bird watching tours or a whale watching tour, if the season is right. There are bald eagles soaring about so keep an eye out for these beautiful birds, youre also sure to spot mountain goats, moose, and caribou.

City of Gardens and Victoria Hotels

Aptly called the Garden City, Victorias beautiful lawns and gardens are possible in lieu of the fact that it is blessed with the mildest climate in Canada and the most annual sunshine in British Columbia. Start your garden crawl with the Abkhazi Garden, one of the world's best and unique small gardens. Created by Prince and Princess Nicholas Abkhazi in the middle of the last century, this one-acre property is also lovingly called "the garden that love built" and features quiet woodland, rocky slopes, spectacular scenery, and a restaurant serving lunch and afternoon tea alongside a charming gift shop. Next, head off to Beacon Hill Park with its alpine gardens, wildflower meadows, rose gardens, lakes, Mayor's Grove of Trees, and native Garry Oak forest. Make time for Government House grounds and take in the sights of its 8. 9 hectares of rare Garry Oak ecosystem and 5. 7 hectares of formal gardens. Another must-visit is Hatley Park, an Edwardian estate that features a sprawling Scottish inspired castle, a series of beautiful formal gardens, lush old growth forests and views of the ocean. Of course, theres world-famous Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site of Canada with 55 acres of superb gardens located in Greater Victoria on Vancouver Island.

Winter Getaways and Victoria Hotels

Victorias temperate climate runs all year round but its still a great destination if youre looking for some fine powder to play in. There are several Victoria hotels that have the best slopes for skiing and snowboarding. Start with Vancouver Islands largest skiing and snowboarding site, Mount Washington. This resort is easily accessed from both Courtenay and Campbell River, where you can experience alpine adventures from snowboarding to cross-country skiing. When the snow melts, youll have the opportunity to hike the breathtaking trails, go mountain biking, or simply enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Another option is Apex, named as Canada's Top Small Destination Resort. The resort has a range of activities for families while featuring the challenge of 2000 vertical feet of dry Okanagan powder. Another great winter destination is Big White Ski Resort, the largest exclusively ski-in/ski-out resort village in Canada. Nestled in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley near Kelowna, Big White offers skiers and boarders 15 lifts to access 2,765 acres of 100% natural champagne powder. Other great Victoria hotels for some action in the snow include Sun Peaks, an award-winning year-round destination mountain resort; and Fernie Alpine Resort, one of the top 10 ski resorts in the world and famous for its legendary powder.