Nicknamed the "City of Gardens", Victoria boasts many plant species rarely found elsewhere in Canada. A must-see is the Butchart Gardens, privately owned and open to the public. This National Historic Site of Canada features 55 acres of stunning floral show gardens and includes, family friendly activities, dining, daily summer concerts and events, as well as winter fireworks and skating. Another tourist destination is the Victoria Butterfly Gardens, featuring tropical gardens in a 12,000 square foot enclosure. Marvel at free-flying exotic butterflies, tropical ducks, flamingos, rare tropical birds, in addition to Koi and fish swimming in the streams and ponds.
Victoria is a major tourist destination with unparalleled natural beauty, theatres, nightclubs, restaurants featuring a variety of cuisines, pubs, art galleries, museums, historic sites and buildings, music festivals and cultural events, and many truly exciting and family friendly venues. It is a well-reputed destination for conventions, conferences and meetings. Contributing to the multitude of Victoria visitors are the many daytime visitors that arrive via cruise ship. The Port of Victoria is a working harbour, tourist attraction, and cruise destination.
With an extensive system of parks, Victoria's Beacon Hill Park is the central city's main urban green space with playing fields, manicured gardens, exotic plants and animals, and a petting zoo providing an ideal setting to unwind. There is a multitude of recreational activities including hiking, kayaking, golf, water sports, and Victoria is quickly becoming a bike tourism destination with hundreds of kilometers of bike trails and mountain biking opportunities. Some must-sees include the Royal British Columbia Museum and IMAX National Geographic Theatre; the Emily Carr House, home of Canada's first and best known independent artist and writer; Royal London Wax Museum; Victoria Bug Zoo; Market Square, located in Old Town featuring more than 35 independently owned local shops, eateries, and nightclub; Pacific Underseas Garden, a showcase of British Columbian marine life; and the oldest and most intact Chinatown. For a truly magical vacation visit Victoria, British Columbia.
