The usual impression of West Coast Winter
is either snow and dogsleds or interminable hours of rain. In fact Victoria
has one of the most temperant climates on the west coast.. For the record,
January temperatures average 41 degrees F, it does snow, but the snow rarely
sticks around. It stays green year around. There is wind, but that usually
blows the clouds over to Vancouver! And I personally find it very easy to
shovel rain off my patio.
Irregardless, the native
Victorian never lets the weather stop anything. So, why should a tourist
not come to what has lately been refered to as the "Second Tourist
Season". On my latest trip the only thing that I found closed was the
Butterfly Garden, and I think that has more to do with Mother Nature than
the weather. Butchart Gardens puts on an awesome Christmas display, and
in the late winter you can see the work that is being done to prepare the
gardens for summer. March brings spring bulbs and an amazing collection
of spring blooms. Overall, a great way for folk from chilly climes to "cheat
on spring". But remember, you will still need reservations, the place
is jumping, especially on the weekends!
Hint... On a winter trip to Victoria plan on inside and outside things to do. That way you can avoid the nasty weather by staying inside. There is an excellent walking tour. For those with transportation there are many scenic drives. But, take a guided "British Double Decker Bus" tour if you have the time. And, don't miss the romantic horse drawn "Caleche" tours. Downtown shopping malls abound, and parking is plentiful and easy.
Be sure to stop to see the Museum and the National Geographic Imax Theatre. And there is the Wax Museum and the Miniature World.
For the visitor to my humble website, please stick around for a tour of some of the atttractions I personally enjoyed on my last visit. But remember, these are just a few of the many things there are to do in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada!
Butchart Gardens:
This is definately a must see, but it is a good weather attraction for maximum
enjoyment. Either way bring an umbrella, a warm coat (I like a hood, or
scarf) and solid walking shoes. Christmas is especially spectacular with
all the lights, and if you are fortunate enough to be here on one of the
infrequent snow storms it is truly a wonderland. The Japanese Garden is
awsome year round. And the conservatory is a good warm place to sit and
enjoy the flowers in the inside warmth. The giftshop and coffee shop are
open year round.
On my last trip the weather was overcast with
some threats of showers. But tours were in full progress. It was interesting
to watch the gardeners busily preparing things. And, remember, everything
stays green year round. A visit to the Conservatory warmed the body, and
there was an excellent lunch with a chance to read the paper beside the
fireplace. For those that hate crowds, the pace is leisurely, and the gifts
and souveniers are plentiful. Get some seeds to take home. The staff will
be more than willing to look up your area of the world and advise you what
is appropriate to your climate. Three hours just flew past for us. Getting
there is leisurely, try if possible to drive the old highway to/from Victoria.
Craigdarroch Castle:
A real castle, almost in downtown Victoria! A fairy tale story, built by
Robert Dunsmuir, one of the richest men in old Victoria history, but he
never got a chance to live in it! His sons went on to be major figures in
the industrial transformation of the country, and actually build their own
"Castles" (figuratively speaking here) in the west coast. The
story of the Dunsmuir family is almost as colorful and mysterious as the
castle itself. Since 1890, after 3 years construction it has been a building
of considerable purpose. Robert's widow lived there till she died in 1908.
The children fought amongst themselves, and actually fought each other in
court. The castle was actually raffled off after being stripped bare and
the lands subdivided. Bank eventually wound up with the property. It served
as a hospital in WW II, and some woodwork still bears the carved names of
a number of the soldiers who came there. 
Eventually
ownership passed to the City of Victoria and functioned as a School and
Music Conservatory for a number of years. Now the Castle Society is rebuilding
the magnificent structure, and refurnishing it to its former glory. Truly
a wonderful place to see! Not just the the building with it's stained glass
and woodwork, but the collection of furniture and artifacts.
The tour of the four floors is self guided, but there are staff at many locations to explain the rooms and furnishings. I like the opportunity to pace my visit and see exactly what I want. Even the children seem to enjoy themselves. When you are there, look toward town at the BC Governor General's Residence. You can turn right down from the castle and get to the residence where the grounds and gardens are also open to the public year round. Just the castle will kill the better part of a morning touring!
 Celebrate Chinese New Year Celebrations in February.. |
 At the Empress Hotel. A must do event! |
Crystal Gardens:
Victoria has a long history as a Military Town. The place to go for most
military folk during WWII was the Crystal Gardens. Not to look at the flowers,
but as the best swimming pool in town! My early remembrances of the place
were as a broken down, boarded up old building downtown! But, fortunately
for the conservational nature of Victoria, we now have a beautiful garden
conservatory. A place where you can spend an hour or two with all sorts
of plants, birds, tiny little monkeys, and butterflys.
An easy stroll from the Empress, the Royal BC Museum, The Parliament Buildings and Victoria's waterfront.. Take an hour, stop for some souveniers and just relax for a while.
Outdoor things to do:
There are so many things to do that I cannot possibly list them all, so
you will have to put up with some of my favourites. However, here are some
suggestions for driving tours that are real quick.