Craigdarroch Castle
I’ve been to Victoria when I was 9, but I don’t really remember too much from that visit so I decided to go again. Some tour company charged $150 for a day trip to Victoria from Vancouver by ferry, but I managed to do more for just $119.98, here’s how…
I took the SkyTrain and bus ($3.20) to Tsawwassen ferry terminal and caught the 9am ferry ($17.20) to Swartz Bay while enjoying breakfast on board ($4.50). Once I arrived, I bought a Victoria Transit day pass ($5) and took the bus downtown. The military museum was free, the Provincial Legislature was free, and the Royal BC Museum only cost $18.95 for students. On the way back, I took the ferry (another $17.20), had buffet dinner on board ($25.73) then took the bus and SkyTrain back to Vancouver (another $3.20). While I was in Victoria I spent $19 on souvenirs and $6 mailing oversized letters.
QM’s Scottish Regiment
The Queen Mary’s Scottish Regiment had an interesting collection of war artefacts and army uniforms in their base on display to the public. It is inside the military base but all you have to do is open the front doors during business hours and walk up the steps. The soldiers there are very friendly and seem keen to welcome visitors…maybe the museum is one of the ways they use to boost recruitment rates.
Victoria’s waterfront is totally different from Vancouver’s or Nanaimo’s. It reminds me of Ringstraße in Vienna with its stately government offices. Speaking of government offices, the Provincial Legislature is open for visits and tours most days of the weeks. Do not miss this free attraction with well-preserved examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture. Unfortunately, poor planning meant that I missed the times for the guided tours, but now that I’ve told you, you’ll make sure not to miss them!
Provincial Legislature
The Royal BC Museum isn’t too fascinating by provincial museum standards but it does have an impressively detailed permanent exhibition on First Nations and their history. If you’re into First Nations history, bones, animals, biology, or geology, this is the place for you and the little ones to discover.
Victoria is a family friendly destination with a sprinkle of European flair.
