Wanderlust World Wanderlust World This itinerary begins with a walk around Victoria's picturesque Inner Harbour, a waterfront area filled with historic buildings, street performers, yachts and cruise ships. Can't-miss sights include the Fairmont Empress, a Victorian-era luxury hotel; and Bastion Square, former home to the city gallows and a brothel.
Next, stroll over to the magnificent Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, which, like the Fairmont Empress, was designed by architect Francis Rattenbury. Lonely Planet says: "If Fairyland had a legislature, this is what it would look like." Role players--including one playing the part of Queen Victoria--give guided tours (www.leg.bc.ca/info/2-2.htm).
Finish the day at Craigdarroch Castle (www.thecastle.ca), an opulent stone palace perched on a hill overlooking the city. It was built between 1887 and 1890 for coal magnate Robert Dunsmuir, the richest man in Western Canada. "The immense fortune of the Dunsmuir family is reflected in the four floors of exquisite stained glass windows, intricate woodwork and fabulous Victorian era furnishings," the castle's website says.
With four top things already done, the next itinerary begins with number five: the Signs of Lekwungen interpretive walkway that pays tribute to the area's indigenous Coast Salish people. Seven bronze castings that depict spindle whorls used by Coast Salish women are distributed along the path.
One of the stops along the walkway deserves a return visit: the Royal British Colombia Museum (www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca), where the First Peoples Gallery is filled with Native American-themed gallery exhibits, artifacts and dioramas. Outside, the museum's Thunderbird Park is home to a cluster of colorful totem poles.
Finish the day exploring the warren of narrow alleyways of Victoria's historic Chinatown, one of Canada's oldest Asian neighborhoods. Shop-filled Fan Tan Alley, a 5-foot-wide passageway, is a popular attraction located at the heart of Chinatown.
With three more activities to go, begin this final itinerary by taking the Downtown Business Association's self-guided tour of Victoria's art galleries. The 18 stops on the tour are stocked with paintings, photography, glasswork, jewelry and Native American art.
Next, learn about one of Canada's most beloved artists at the Emily Carr House (www.emilycarr.com), which features Carr's work as well as period furnishings from the late-19th and early-20th centuries.
Close out the top 10 list at Butchart Gardens (www.butchartgardens.com), a 55-acre, century-old green space that Frommer's calls "one of the gardening wonders of the world, meticulously planned and impeccably maintained."