How to Time Your Trip to Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, located just across the water from Vancouver and surrounded by the lush and beautiful landscape of Canada's west coast. Tea and scones are as popular as cappuccino and biscotti in Victoria, where the atmosphere is a blend of British, European and Pacific Rim influences.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cameras
• Travel Clothes
• Film
• Airline Tickets
• Travel Services
• Walking Shoes
• Local Guidebooks
• Maps

General Considerations

1. Decide how important dry weather is to you. While the coast isn't quite as rainy as most people expect, there's a fairly long damp season. Still, Victoria enjoys a much warmer, more temperate climate than anywhere else in Canada throughout most of the year.

2. Plan to come when your favorite flowers are in bloom. The "garden city" of Canada is filled with blossoms and spring flowers in mid-March, which are then replaced by a blaze of rhododendrons in April and May, followed by roses and other summer flowers between June and September.

3. Take care of your flight, transportation and accommodations (see Related eHows).

4. Check the weather forecast for Victoria shortly before leaving, and pack your bags accordingly.

Attractions and Seasonal Events

5. Take a free tour of the British Columbia legislature (otherwise known as the Parliament Buildings) and the Royal British Columbia Museum just next door. The museum offers an excellent display of West Coast Native art and artifacts, a re-creation of Victoria as it was toward the end of the 19th century, and an extensive natural history exhibit.

6. Save an afternoon for the world-renowned Butchart Gardens. Between early spring and early fall, the gardens' 50 acres are filled with flowers. On August weekends there are fireworks and concerts, and during the holiday season, thousands of tiny lights are placed throughout the gardens for a wonderful after-dark experience.

7. Take the time to drive ' or ride on the upper deck of a tour bus ' around the city on the Beach Drive circuit, with stops at Clover Point, the Dallas Road seafront, and Willows Beach. Consider a stop in Oak Bay for a pub-style lunch or English high tea.

8. Stroll along Government Street in the heart of downtown Victoria, especially if you're looking for souvenirs, T-shirts or uniquely Canadian merchandise.

9. Walk and shop (or window-shop) along the stretch of Fort Street known as "Antiques Row." This area is crowded with excellent antique shops, auctioneers, antiquarian bookstores, and a variety of cafes and restaurants.

10. Take a walk through Market Square. This open-air shopping arcade is filled with unique stores and restaurants, and often offers live entertainment throughout the warmer months.

11. Consider attending the Victoria Jazz Festival (held annually at the end of June), which attracts talented musicians from around the world, including many big-name headliners. There's also an annual Latin/Caribbean music festival.

Tips & Warnings

• As of January, 2007, passports are required for US citizens traveling between the US and Canada by air. In January, 2008, the requirement will extend to include those traveling by land or sea.
• Remember to bring a waterproof, windproof jacket and dress in layers. Victoria evenings can be cool even during summer, and the city is often quite windy during autumn and winter months.
• Be sure to pack comfortable, casual clothes and sturdy walking shoes so you can take advantage of the excellent walks and hikes in and around Victoria.