Beautiful flowers even though we visited end of season. They had a wide variety of flowers/plants from different regions- Mediterranean garden, Japanese Garden etc. They had many roses of different colours and flowers I’ve never seen before! It was beautiful! The garden was smaller than I thought- people recommended 3 hours for the gardens but we covered it within 1.5 hours. Limited dining options with only one cafe but the food and coffee were good!

If you haven’t been to Butchart Gardens, don’t even claim you’ve been to Vancouver Island! The moment you step into the Sunken Garden, jaws drop all around 🤩😍🤩 It’s hard to imagine this was once a quarry — now layers of greenery and blooming flowers create a fairytale-like scene. Beyond the iconic Sunken Garden, I especially loved: • 🇮🇹 Italian Garden – elegant symmetrical fountains and charming water-side pathways. • 🇯🇵 Japanese Garden – flowing water, stone bridges, and soft moss create a serene, poetic atmosphere. In summer, the gardens stay open later into the evening. On Saturdays, there are fireworks 🎆, and on Sundays, live music 🎶 adds a magical touch. It’s like a paradise for slow living: couples strolling hand-in-hand, seniors walking their dogs, everyone moving at their own gentle pace. Sometimes, the best version of life is simply right in front of you. 🌸🧺✨

If I’m being honest, I wasn’t too keen on visiting The Butchart Gardens at first as we had a long journey ahead after leaving Victoria, but my partner insisted, and I’m so glad we went. What an absolutely stunning place! We arrived right as it opened, so it was peaceful and not too busy, giving us time to wander through the different areas - the Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, and more - each one beautifully designed and full of charm. Despite visiting in early October, there were still so many blooms, and the colours were starting to turn lovely shades of autumn. Definitely worth the visit!

We visited Victoria specifically to see Butchart Gardens and it was amazing! Go early to avoid what will be crowds. Take time to just enjoy as it’s hard to not keep taking photos and selfies given the views but you’re surrounded by nature’s beauty so take the time to breathe, stop and enjoy. A tip is to take your photos early and then, walk around your favorite areas a second time to just enjoy and relax. Fun gift shop for souvenirs and cafe to grab a bite and coffee. Give yourself at least 2 plus hours. There are tours that will take you from downtown but we took an uber as knew we wanted to spend more time. About a 30 plus minute drive. I would grab breakfast before you go.

Visiting Butchart Gardens was truly magical. Every corner of the gardens feels like a work of art, from the lush Sunken Garden to the vibrant Rose Garden and the serene Japanese Garden. The Italian and Mediterranean Gardens add even more charm with elegant statues and unique plantings. Walking through the grounds, you can feel the history and vision behind the space, making it both peaceful and inspiring. A beautiful and unforgettable destination on Vancouver Island, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a full afternoon of exploration.

My great aunt suggested we attend Butchart Gardens and we are so glad we when! Even though it rained a bit while we were there, the fall colors were so beautiful and it was such a wonderful experience. So neat to admire the creativity of those who started the gardens so long ago and those who continue to make this place so special. We also enjoyed high tea while there and highly recommend!

Butchart Gardens is absolutely breathtaking and a must-visit when in Victoria. Every corner feels like stepping into a painting, with colorful blooms, peaceful pathways, and beautifully maintained landscapes. The Japanese Garden and Rose Garden are especially stunning, offering so many perfect photo spots. It’s a place where you can slow down, take in the fresh air, and just enjoy nature at its best. Whether you’re walking with family, friends, or on your own, the gardens leave you feeling refreshed and inspired. Truly unforgettable!

A truly excellent museum with a wide variety of engaging exhibits. When I visited, there was an interactive exhibit on protest music that was fascinating, and the section on local ecology and geography was very informative. The diorama of the city in the early 1900s is top-notch and really brings the past to life. Be sure not to miss the exhibit on native languages — although small, it’s incredibly meaningful and I wish there had been more of it. Outside, the totem poles on the East lawn are a highlight and well worth the time. Overall, a place that combines history, culture, and education beautifully.

Highly recommended! You can see a precious mammoth specimen here. Other animal exhibits are very lifelike, and the displays recreate the animals’ natural habitats. Visiting this place gives you a great understanding of Vancouver’s history, local wildlife, environment, and culture. The lady at the front desk was very friendly — I’m really glad I came to visit!

Employees on strike day we visited so Imax & some areas closed. Museum did not live up to the hype. Second floor natural history displays were poorly lit, hard to read and some videos not working. Disappointing. Best exhibits were on third floor, and covered history of India's manufacturing Chintz. When you see what was involved, you can't not be impressed. Many significant totems, worth seeing. Price of admission reasonable, worth seeing. Excellent gift store and cafe.

If you want to know more about British Columbia this is the place. You will learn about its fauna and flora, about its people, places and influences. I was completely blown way by the room Our living languages ,where you can learn and listening to the indigenous dialects, and the reproduction of the early 19th century town. Quite impressive. Save at least 2h for the visit. I was there all morning. The museum is also home of the Imax cinema. It has a café, souvenir shops and toilets.

I haven't been here in about 30 years and it is much smaller than I remembered. The Johnathan Hunt House and Old Town displays were interesting and well presented. I thought there was a lot more indigenous art on display the last time I visited and was very disappointed. John Lennon's Rolls-Royce was a cool surprise.

Had a great visit with my partner and our toddler. The Music of Resistance exhibit is incredible - go if you can and learn about activism and music in BC and around the world. Lots of cool memorabilia. Unfortunately, the indigenous language exhibit is closed, which was a real let down - its our family's favorite.

During our visit, most of the areas were closed due to renovations, and we weren’t informed about it when we purchased our tickets, which didn’t feel fair. That said, the sections we did get to see were amazing, and I hope we can explore the rest on our next trip

Northern Expedition from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert. What an amazing ship, the service is amazing. We didn’t spare any expense we booked a cabin that came in handy we caught a couple of hours sleep once the ship left Port. The aurora lounge we booked and it’s private seating from the rest of the ship the views from there are phenomenal. The food on this ship is a different menu than other BC Ferries I had a really nice prime rib dinner it was top notch and a HUGE piece of prime rib. Once it was dark we caught a movie in the theatre, it was a comfy movie theater. One thing I think BC Ferries should improve on is the gift shop, we would have liked to buy patches for our motorcycle jackets with BC Ferries Northern Expedition on them, people would be interested in buying t-shirts with Northern expedition, hats, so on, personalize the gift shop more and even some souvenirs from the stops we did like bells bella. Other than the gift shop, this adventure was total worth it! my dad told me about this trip years ago and happy we did it. My fiancée and I rode our Harley from Prince Rupert on hwy 16 ( The Highway of tears 🙏❤️) to Prince George on Highway 97 down the Fraser Canyon up to Sea to Sky Squamish and Whistler and Saturday we’re taking tsawwassen ferry to duke point and riding back home to Port Alberni the end of our 12 day journey. I must thank BC ferries staff Chief Steward Krystal Holm her Sister in law Nina, Engineer Mark McEachern you guys made this journey so much more special thank you 🙌❤️

Amazing experience with BC Ferries! Everything was smooth, clean, and well-organized. Staff were very helpful, changes to our reservation were easy, and the views were absolutely stunning. Highly recommend booking before 6:30 to catch the best scenery! 🌅

I'm going to have to tell my niece that she's going to have to move out and get a job because according to BC ferries, she's considered an adult at 12 years old. Plus, they've discovered how to make people pay more while offering the exact same product. They have the same number of spots, but now they've started playing the reservation game so you have to pay an extra $20 every time you go otherwise you might have to wait two extra sailings. I've been taking these for years and never saw a problem with just getting to the ferry and waiting your turn. Most of the time you would just catch the next ferry. If there's more people taking them now then they need more ferries, it's simple.

Ferry rides are good and their effort to combat the BMW/Mercedes/Lexus car alarms (90% the culprits) has been noticed and appreciated. The hardest part is waking up extra early for the sailings, which are always convenient and useful, not because I'm nervous about missing the sailing but so I have enough time to get breakfast elsewhere so I don't have to spend $45+ for my wife and I on coffee and breakfast sandwiches that barely pass as edible. My biggest (constructive?) feedback To BC Ferries is to ditch White Spot and upgrade their food quality for breakfast and the rest of the day.

BC Ferries is such an essential part of life in BC, and overall, they do a great job connecting the islands. The ships are clean, comfortable, and the staff are consistently friendly and professional. Boarding and sailing are usually smooth, and I really enjoy the scenic views from the deck, it’s one of the most beautiful commutes in the world. Food options have improved, though prices can be a bit high and delays do happen occasionally. Still, it’s a unique experience that feels very “West Coast,” and I appreciate the service they provide.

Well, they make you leave your cats behind in the car despite having a reservation, not being over height or over length, and arriving at the terminal right in the middle of the recommended window of time for reservations. The options of sitting in a tiny pet room on the upper car deck with other animals or dogs (love dogs - but oddly enough my cats do not), or freezing together on the outer deck in November are just not good enough. There's absolutely no way to indicate you have pets or affect where you end up on the ferry despite doing everything "right" with reservations, and the facilities provided are just not adequate. Do better.

If you are a tourist and not reliant on this company on a regular basis I would say crossing from Victoria to Vancouver or one of the gulf islands can be a nice experience. Make sure you plan ahead regarding scheduling on most routes. It’s a good way to check out the scenery of the south coast that other wise might be tough to do. However if you rely on this company for regular travel they are dreadful. Mechanical break downs and scheduling delays are a regular occurrence. They rarely have enough sailings in the day and most often reservations are required, which adds 15 to 20% in additional fees. The food onboard is mediocre at best and the staff are less than enthusiastic in most cases. If there were any other option I would take it. That said the views can be spectacular.

Very busy but beautiful spot to explore. The float homes are all so cute but I feel terrible that the residents have to deal with such big crowds. We were in and out in after 1-1.5 hrs, great spot for lunch on the water.

Beautiful spot in Victoria. A most visit attraction. Particularly in the weekend sometimes there is a local band playing nice music. Many different restaurants to choose from. It's also the departure point from whale watching trips and you can also take there the harbour taxi.

Nestled in the bustling cityscape, Fisherman's Wharf Park offers a serene escape to nature's embrace. A place where the urban and maritime worlds harmoniously intertwine, it presents a unique blend of cultural vibrancy and tranquil green spaces. As you step into the park, you're greeted by the melodious tunes of local musicians and the gentle rustling of leaves. The park is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, providing a picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll or a peaceful afternoon picnic. With its well-maintained pathways and ample seating, it's an accessible retreat for everyone looking to unwind amidst nature. The charm of Fisherman's Wharf Park lies in its simplicity. It doesn't boast grandiose attractions or adrenaline-pumping activities; instead, it offers the simple pleasures of life—a place to sit back, relax, and watch the world go by. The park's proximity to the water's edge allows for stunning views of the harbor, where one can observe the ebb and flow of daily maritime activities. For those with a penchant for history, the park serves as a window to the past. The floating homes and boats anchored nearby tell stories of a vibrant maritime heritage, inviting visitors to delve into the tales of yesteryears. Food enthusiasts can indulge in a variety of culinary delights offered by the takeout food shops within the park's vicinity. From fresh seafood to local treats, there's something to satisfy every palate. In conclusion, Fisherman's Wharf Park may not be grand in size, but it's rich in character. It's a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest experiences can leave the most profound impact on our hearts. Whether you're seeking solace, a touch of history, or just a pleasant day out, Fisherman's Wharf Park is well worth a visit.

A wonderful location, adding vibrancy to the city of Victoria. This area offers a range of restaurants, cafes, and colorful spots, making it a place worth visiting for anyone exploring the city. A perfect blend of charm and convenience!

This is pretty. Unfortunately we were there on a rainy day. I like colors of shops and houses. I wonder what benefit private home owners get bit allowing visitors walk besides their homes? I do not think it is fun to live there were you would be on the public eyes all the time. I liked seeing houses, shops and water taxes, a pretty picture. We had fish and fries and I did not enjoy fish at all. It was fish with very bland batter and was not tasty at all atheist for me. Overall it is a mist visit place for sure.

Lovely place with colourful buildings on the water. In the place you can see restaurants, ice cream shop, galleries and houses. There are public washrooms in the place. Really nice atmosphere. Next to the place there is a big lawn and small playground. There is a pay parking lot and free parking spots on the street. Highly recommended to visit here.

Beautiful place to spend the entire day with friends and family. They offer kayaking and whale watching experiences. There are a few food joints, but I wish there were more varieties available specifically for vegetarian.

Lovely walking path with numerous places you can hike down to the water easily. Beach is filled with smooth rocks of various sizes. Just a delightful place to get some fresh air and enjoy the beauty.

Perhaps I've seen too little, but this park is the only place I've visited that has free-ranging peacocks. Of course, there are many other interesting wildlife besides peacocks. It's just blissful to hang out in the park and see all the animals and plants.

Beautiful park in the middle of downtown Victoria. There is a lot to see and a lot of tranquil pathways to tread through. I'm surprised that this park hosts peacocks, and they can climb trees! Amenities are plentiful, including several washrooms and two playgrounds. There is no shortage of parking spaces in and around the park as well. Definitely a great place to spend time in Victoria.

I love this park a lot! If you want to take a peaceful break from the daily grind, this park won't disappoint. There are ponds, fountains, ducks, geese, swans, peacocks, squirrels, deer and turtles! Green spaces and beautiful fauna and flora abound! There are washrooms and playgrounds for the kiddos, and lots of benches for weary accompanying adults. The only thing that Beaconhill really lacks is a designated off leash area for dogs (thus the loss of one star). That part I don't understand at all. Downtown Victoria is WOEFULLY lacking in off leash dog parks!!

A nice city park with many ponds, biking path and access to a beach. There were cute features around the park. I didn't see any homeless camps. The children's farm seemed clean ( walked passed by it and didn't smell anything). This park is accessible by a couple infrequent busses and about 25 minutes walk to downtown.

A really stunning and well kept park. Went on a walk and really enjoyed all of the plants and wildlife. There is a trail around the park and lots of nice flowers and statues around to see. It was relatively quiet and not too busy during the afternoon. Overall a nice place to kill some time if you are waiting for the ferry which is about fifteen minutes away.

I remember coming here about 11 years ago, it’s a very nice place. Lots of beautiful plants to look at, and animals such as ducks, geese, and even peacocks gather here and you are welcome to feed them bread. An amazing experience I would recommend to anyone visiting this town.

It’s amazing to see how one of the richest men in British Columbia built this place. He found coal and became super wealthy, then brought all the bricks and materials from his country, piece by piece, to build this incredible castle. The details inside are beautiful, and you can really feel the history. Definitely worth visiting if you’re in Victoria!

Home of one of the most rich men of Victoria in the late 19th century, the coal magnate Robert Dunsmuir . Its construction finished in 1890 and it is among the largest and most ornate 19th century mansions in Western Canada. It is amazing to see how this family lived at that time and the house has amazing views. There is a souvenir shop and toilets. Save at least 1h for the visit. It will take you around 20 minutes walk from downtown.

Craigdarroch Castle is well preserved and clearly cared for. While some of the original structures and decoration are lost due to the castle's time as a military infirmary and college, it is still beautiful and definitely worth the visit. Whether you want to marvel at the architecture or learn about the vast history of the castle, there's something for you here. Just be prepared for plenty of stairs!

Personally, it wasn’t my favorite place to visit. I felt that the vibe of the place and the symbols I found there were a bit strange or dark. I did enjoy a bit more of the history when it was used as a hospital or as a school. However, they tend to show more of the creepy history of the millionaire’s family who couldn’t see his castle finished. The kids did like it a lot though, so I think it might just be a more personal thing.

Really enjoyed seeing inside this historic building. I found it so interesting learning about the prominent family who had this home built and about the different members of the family. It was also fascinating the different groups of people whom used the castle for different purposes including a hospital, college, music school and school board administration over its history.

Absolutely my favourite castle to visit. I come here anytime I visit Victoria. It’s a great tour you can easily do in an hour. Absolutely breathtaking woodwork inside, the rooms are set up with a lot of the original furniture with a description of what each room was used for in different areas. I would highly recommend this place. It is a lot of fun.my little one loved it!

We walked through on Friday and it was a great self guided tour. The staff were friendly as well, joking a bit with us about the squeeks in the floor. We will return again when we have more time to take it all in and get quality pictures. Interesting history

Visiting the Parliament Buildings of British Columbia was an incredible experience. I joined one of the guided tours, and it was both engaging and highly informative. The guide did a fantastic job of explaining not only the history of the building and its architecture, but also providing insights into how our provincial legislation actually works. It was fascinating to stand in the very place where laws are debated and passed. What I really appreciated was how welcoming the experience felt. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions, take photos, and truly take in the atmosphere of this important institution. The tour flowed smoothly and struck a great balance between historical context and present-day relevance. The grounds themselves are stunning with beautiful architecture paired with well-kept gardens makes the Parliament a landmark worth visiting whether you’re a local or a tourist. The gift shop also had a thoughtful selection of locally inspired items, which made it easy to take a meaningful souvenir home. Overall, I would highly recommend a tour here to anyone visiting Victoria. It’s not only a chance to see a beautiful heritage building up close, but also to better understand the democratic process in British Columbia. A truly enriching and memorable visit.

Had a great time here.we did the tour on our own. Then ran into Kieth from global. And one thing led to another and he gave us a private tour of the building. He was such a wonderful man, great stories, funny. He showed us his office . Thanks again Keith! The grounds are beautiful the tour is full of great information. Lots to learn. A must stop when in Victoria

Went to see the parliamentary building. It opened in 1898 and had the same architect as the Empress. The style of the building is very nice and gives you a sense of the political importance of the building. It is free to visit. They offer free 40 minute guided tours or you can walk through yourself. I would recommend going if you are in the area. You can get through it pretty quick if you self guide.

We had a lovely evening exploring the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia with our family. The building’s grand architecture and beautifully maintained gardens made for a peaceful and scenic walk. A surprise highlight was a quick 15-minute horse-drawn wagon ride around the neighbourhood fun for the kids and a charming way to take in the surroundings. Though the building was closed for interior tours at that hour, the friendly staff and informative signage made the visit enjoyable. It’s a great spot for families looking to mix history, nature, and a bit of fun in a short visit. Definitely worth stopping by if you're in Victoria!

The Legislative Assembly of BC is a truly impressive structure, with an interesting history. A design competition was won in 1892 by a young (25) non-architect by the name of Francis M Raffenbury. With no prior architectural or construction experience, he brought the project in on time and under budget. Completed 1898 for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. This guaranteed his local success and he went on the create other iconic Victoria buildings including the famous Empress Hotel. Turns out, he did not live up to expectations and he "escaped" Victoria, BC for Bournemouth, England where in 1935 he was murdered. The Parliament Building has guided and self-guided tours throughout the day and highly recommend the guided tour so nothing is missed in this massive building. Spectacular gardens were closed the day we visited. Each room open to the public has something interesting to view: massive domes, native exhibits, symbols of state, gift shop. Definitely should add this on your itinerary.

You can spot the massive Canadian flag waving from afar — it’s practically a beacon calling you toward the Legislature grounds 🇨🇦✨ If you’d like to tour the interior, make sure to book in advance, and note that there’s no Mandarin tour available. But even without a reservation, the lawn outside is already worth the visit — soft grass, gentle breeze, and plenty of sunshine… the kind of simple moment that instantly resets your mood ☀️🌿

I really enjoyed visiting the BC Legislature! The architecture is breathtaking, and the atmosphere feels peaceful yet grand. Loved walking around the gardens and waterfront — definitely worth a stop if you’re in Victoria.

Easy, well marked and packed trail. Stunning ocean views around every corner. Lots of rest areas and spots for pictures.

Awesome views of the rugged coastline with multitudinous lookouts and benches for enjoying them. Pristine, well maintained and top notch in every way!

A fantastic trail, with numerous wonderful little places to stop and watch the water. It would rate a 5 if you're already nearby, but wasn't quite worth driving over from the east coast for.

The Wild Pacific Trail currently traces about eight kilometers of the rugged shore along the western coast of Vancouver Island. Starting in Ucluelet, the trail follows the impressive, picturesque and sometimes dramatic shoreline and passes the Ancient Cedars just outside of Ucluelet. The shoreline itself is also abundant with birds and marine wildlife. Interpretive signs along the trail provide additional information on the ecosystems and the animals. Most parts of the Wild Pacific Trail are easily accessible, some parts are moderately steep. Parking lots with toilets are provided along the trail. We started at the Amphitrite Lighthouse and walked along the Lighthouse Loop. Maps with additional information are provided.

Absolutely beautiful views! Lots of benches in picturesque spots. The trail is relatively easy. There are some short cuts (bypass with a picture of a stroller, though I wouldn’t say that the trail is stroller friendly). Bio toilets are on parking lots. Parking is free.

The Wild Pacific Trail is an absolute gem! The breathtaking ocean views, lush coastal rainforest, and the sound of waves crashing against the rocks make this trail a truly unforgettable experience. The well-maintained paths and clear signage make it accessible for all fitness levels. I especially loved the viewpoints along the way, which offer perfect spots to take in the stunning scenery or snap some photos. It's also a great place to spot wildlife—I saw eagles and even a few seals offshore! Whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll, an inspiring hike, or just a chance to connect with nature, the Wild Pacific Trail delivers. I highly recommend making this a priority if you're in the Ucluelet area!

Beautiful scenery. Breath-taking views. If you get a chance on a good clear day stay for the sunset. Great trail for kids with benches for little breaks. Lighthouse loop is about 3 km.

Our first visit to Canada was to Victoria specifically to stay at The Empress. We brought our close friends — High Tea there was her dream — and she absolutely loved it. The hotel is stunning and our suites were lovely. We did have one issue: heavy rain caused water to leak through our bathroom light fixture. As Gold guests we were offered alternate rooms, but most were on lower floors with weaker views, and the one large corner suite available wasn’t Gold Club (which we had paid for). This all happened on our spa day, so I had to miss time with our friends to inspect rooms, repack, and move. The Gold team offered compensation but initially it didn’t feel proportionate to the disruption. At checkout they comped one night, one spa treatment, and gave us Empress chocolates — which we appreciated. We truly loved the hotel and want to return. Staff were gracious, warm, and the rooms were spotless. Special thanks to: Haley, Ana, Yeri (Gold Reception), Yaya (Gold Club Server), and Leo (Bellman).

My mom and I visited for a 3 night stay and wow what an experience. Everything was so impressive, from the kind and respectful service staff to all the little details/perks offered. I could go on and on! We really felt like royalty. High tea was definitely a highlight and our server Lorne really added to the experience. The piano music was so beautiful and they even took requests. The rooms and Gold Lounge really made us feel so welcome. We will be back.

Just came back from my 40th bday celebration from the Empress. What a fantastic hotel- so iconic. My sister and I stayed and enjoyed the Gold status lounge/room. It’s worth the $$$! The staff in the Gold Level lounge goes above and beyond. Thani (I’m spelling her name wrong) was fantastic! Such a great server in the Gold lounge with such a fabulous personality. I will remember her forever. She made me a special bday cocktail and really went above and beyond making my sister and I feel special. What a bespoke experience! Thank you Empress!

Had the most amazing time during our Anniversary getaway. It started off with the most genuine smile and care from Trent and his colleague as we pulled up to the entance of the Empress. Trent was undisputedly kind and welcoming! That first impression set the tone for one of the best nights of service and care i've ever wittnessed. Almost every employee offered their kind gesture of wishing us a happy anniversary and the attention to detail from the staff and genuiness made us feel so special. Thank you Empress for your hospitality, care and class! Can't wait to come back!

It was my first time in Victoria and the Fairmont Empress was everything I had hoped it would be. My husband and I stayed in a Fairmont Gold room for two nights, overlooking the harbour and it was such a breathtaking view. Our room was perfection, the most comfortable bed I've ever enjoyed in a hotel. The Fairmont Gold lounge is where it's at. I loved sitting on the balcony, literally just above our room, staring at the beautiful harbour, enjoying canapes and cocktails, as well as the delicious daily breakfast. I was fortunate enough to get a dip in the pool in the early am before anyone came out. It was so peaceful, the large window showing off a part of the gardens yet still giving you complete privacy. The gardens are absolutely gorgeous. Of course everything was perfectly manicured. Above the luxury of the hotel, all the staff were so kind, well mannered, helpful and welcoming. The Valet drivers and Bell hops all loved our Chucky addition dodge challenger so my husband could have easily talked to them about it all day, he loves that hotrod, yes, it has a hemispherical. 😉 The Fairmont Gold check in and concierge were all amazingly nice, informative and efficient, check in was a breeze. Our housekeeping did such a good job in our room, everything was perfect. My only complaint and it's definitely not a first world issue at all, the hairdryer sucked. I miscalculated a morning swim and when I went back to my room to shower and get dressed to go whale watching, the blow dryer was so weak, it barely did anything to dry my hair after 20 minutes.of trying so I went whale watching with partially wet hair. Luckily it was still warmish in late August and the wind dried it fairly quickly. Like I said, it's barely worth me ruining and had I had my swim a tad earlier, I wouldn't have had the issue to begin with. I cannot wait to return. We will be staying there again.

This was the most elegant hotel I have ever stayed in. From the doormen to the bellhops, they took special care of you. They were so nice and respectful of your time and needs. The breakfast was delicious. We will definitely stay here again.

Our harbor view King suite was a perfect place to relax for a couple nights. The Gold lounge was a wonderful amenity, with excellent service, kind staff, and a great selection of food and beverage. The hotel is a beautiful spot with great access on foot to many things in the Victoria harbor area.

Absolutely stunning views at Chesterman Beach.

Beautiful sandy beach,large waves,clean,not too crowded and home to a couple of nice seaside resorts and restaurants

Breathtaking.

Amazing place. I always leave feeling more peaceful than when I arrived

Nicest walk we had in Tofino

It all looked like so much Fun.

Nice place and view

Long, wide, and beautiful beach! The sand is very fine and solid to walk on. Serene and tranquil…. Even the waves are quiet. Gorgeous sunset!

We absolutely love Tofino and the Pacific Rim National Park! We vacation here yearly and got married here in 2016! This place is special.. it’s definitely my favourite place in Canada! It’s such a wild and unspoiled piece of paradise! A walk along Long beach is a must while visiting here! Watch for eagles flying above you 😍

Me and the kids loved this beach. The view is just stunning. We came around 1 and left around 7. You can buy the family pass at the machine at the parking lot, or you can buy them in advance in any of the visitor centres. It's only $15.70 and you can park until 4pm the following day. Not many sea creatures to dig up but you can surf here.

One of the most beautiful parks we have been to, walking in a rain forest that ends on beautiful beaches. I would strongly recommend the schooner cove trail and the eastern rain forest loop. The wild pacific trail is also amazing but I would do only the parts near the sea, the entire loop felt like a waste of time.

We loved walking along this unique white beach. It’s enjoyable to look at the horizon, listen to the sound of the waves and relax. Easy to park just some hundred meters away from the beach.

Awesome Beach, long sandy beach. Also always windy so if you're a kite person be sure to bring your kite. Lots of surfers. Pay parking, $15 for a family for 12 hrs. New washroom bldgs, only cold water but the bldgs are heated.

The Pacific has never looked so beautiful! This is one of the nicest beaches I've ever seen. Worth a stop for sure!

The detail that wanted to every single piece is amazing. You can see pieces from all around the world that were built and put in. There was even one place where they show you about the whole log process, but the machine doesn’t work as they’re not allowed to use it, but there’s a whole video on how that process goes. It was well. Worth our time and money. And if you wanna look at the detail, definitely go there. We spend about two hours there. That’s a good place for kids and adults to visit together. So highly recommend this location if you’re on trip to Victoria !

Loved all the miniature dioramas! I highly admire the work and dedication put into creating all these displays, especially the one of the lumbar mill with a well explained video playing of each working miniature machinery. That was far the most impressive cause the little machines in the video actually worked.

We visited Victoria and wanted to explore some of the recommended places, so we decided to check out Miniature World in downtown. While the displays were detailed and the information provided was good, we found the pricing for adults a bit too expensive for the overall experience. This attraction is definitely more enjoyable for kids than for adults. It works well as a short activity to do in Victoria, especially if you’re visiting with children, but we feel the prices could be adjusted to better match the experience.

you're in Victoria, don't miss Miniature World! This charming attraction is full of stunning, detailed displays that will spark your imagination and take you on a journey through history, fantasy, and more. It's not just beautiful - it's fascinating and fun for all ages. Whether you live here or are just visiting, I highly recommend making Miniature World part of your day. You'll be amazed at the craftsmanship and creativity on display.

What can I say that other reviews haven’t already? Miniature World truly is one of the best places to visit in Victoria. It’s a great place to bring your kids or just yourself. There are so many historical and fantastical models that you could spend all day in here looking at every detail. There are little plaques with information about the scenes and times that the models depict. The world’s smallest working sawmill is not in operation behind the glass due to fire safety regulations, but there is a very informative video from the man who made the model by hand. Such an amazing place for kids and adults of all ages.

An awesome display of various battles over the years as well as a historical diorama of Canada by train. Amazing detail in all the displays. 20 dollar entrance I think and we spent over an hour browsing the works. We'll worth it.

Space section in the beginning was mind blowing before we even entered the real miniature world, loved the history through miniatures and evolution after 1800s , wish we could have spent more time there, almost 2 hours were less, the give multi entry ticket, so make the best of this unique place.

I thoroughly enjoyed this excursion. Not only did we see 2 types of whales and many sea lions but Captain Kate was extremely knowledgeable. I asked a lot of questions, especially about the killer whales, and she answered every one of them without hesitation. She was concerned about our comfort and went out of her way to make this a great experience, which it was. The entire staff was friendly and accommodating. I highly recommend this company and this tour.

Super nice and enthusiastic staff. They care in all belongs and want to provide you the best experience possible. Highly recommended. We went with this whale watching company as they seemed to be the best around. All the planning befor the trip was well done and without any issues. On the day of the tour there were some issues which postponed our start. During all this we were informed about updates to know what was going on. And also offered refund/reschedule if desired. The tour started nicely with some wildlife around. On the sea the weather had changed and it was quite wavey. It seemed that this also had effect on the whales as not wanted to show. We then took an extra long way back to hope for any sightings. Sadly we were not lucky. With the wind we were also hit by a lot spray so we were soaking wet in the end. Glad the provided suits took most of it. Our guide was also not happy with how it went and offered the voucher to try again whenever we wanted. We were able to schedule for the next day and the reserved a spot for us. This day the weather and water were near perfect and the experience so much better. On top of that we were able to encounter Orcas. But not some of the known groups but rather a pond of northern resident Orcas from Alaska! Even for our guides this was a super rare sight. We were able to cruise along next to the Orcas for 2 hours while enjoying them be playful and getting a lot of facts about them. As an extra treat were even able to hear their underwater sounds! And on way back we were even lucky to encounter a humpback whale. Thank you for that unforgetable memory!

My wife and I went on two whale watching tours with Ocean Ecoventures Whale Watching on September 3rd. One in the morning and one at sunset. Captain Tasli was very friendly and helpful on both tours. She really did her best to find the whales and give us a wonderful experience. She really succeeded. On the morning tour we saw our first humpback whales in our lives and were able to take some great photos of them. We also saw sea lions, seals and lots of seabirds. On the sunset tour we had perfect lighting conditions and Tasli went a long way to take us to the orcas. We also saw our first orcas ever. It was so great. I think there were several groups of orcas together, at least 20 or 25. There was even Chainsaw there, whom I recognized straight away. I had only seen him on Facebook before. The orcas were very active and we were able to take beautiful photos. An absolutely fantastic result, great tour, great Tasli. We also saw humpback whales on the second tour. It was a pleasure.

We had an amazing experience. The captain collaborated with others in the area to maximize our chances of spotting whales, which we did. While we were traveling from one area to another, or waiting for whale reports to come in, we were treated to views of other marine and avian wildlife, including seals, sea lions, and bald eagles. We highly recommend tours with this company.

Overall we were really happy with the experience! We saw humpback whales and orcas, as well as a bunch of large sea lions. Gary was absolutely amazing and provided so much information and education on the whales and happy to answer any questions. It was so great to have the tour provided by someone so passionate about the animals and the ocean. If I could make one suggestion it would be to suggest customers bring goggles or sunglasses to shelter eyes from the wind as we ended up travelling on cool waters for an hour to get to our viewing location. If people aren't familiar with travelling by boat they might not think of this (hi, it's me! Lol). My eyes were cold and watering for the hour trip and back. Another suggestion would be to provide goggles for passengers for the boat ride out. Other than that, we had a great experience and highly recommend!

Ocean Ecoventures was such a great experience. As soon as I knew I was coming to Canada for a trip I knew that I wanted to go whale watching - Ocean Ecoventures really delivered. Captain Gary was passionate about sustainable ecotourism and chose not to take us to see a family of killer whales to the south as there were already a lot of boats tailing them and didn’t want to stress them out any more than necessary. Instead, we went into the Salish Sea and saw a family of four killer whales hunting and eating a seal. On top of this we also saw several humpback whales, including one jumping out and breaching. The unexpected highlight was the humpbacks surfacing near us and getting a whiff of their stinky breath!!! Would definitely recommend and hope to come back again in the future!

Omg, the sunset cruise was amazing! Our guide knew exactly where to find the whales and we watched a family group of four orcas hunt seals. It was so cool to observe them in their natural environment while our guide explained what we were seeing. We we also saw a group of seals and pups and several bald eagles. To top it all off the views at sunset were absolutely stunning!! Perfect night!

Amazing toys and nick knacks, they have the weirdest and coolest stuff I've ever seen. Also the store has a museum section where it focuses on the Early Chinese immigrants and a mock alley and gambling house in display along with many more objects in the display cases. Friendly and helpful staff. Don't forget the store has two entrances and is a lot bigger than what you expect.

This is the place to find your Chinatown souvenir! Lots and lots of lovely items at great prices! Until live bringing friends here and having a tour around. Definitely worth a visit!

Closed down now after 50 years! Was my go to for gifts and incense

Store is closing. Sad to say been going there once a year for years

Great variety of Asian foods.Helpful costumer service.

A classic from my childhood - and it looks exactly the same as when I came here 20 years ago with my grandparents 😬

Nice and friendly staff with lot of souvenir.