The most logical place to begin exploring Victoria is at the parliament buildings, which represent the geographical and cultural center of the city. These buildings are situated on Victoria's picturesque Inner Harbor and overlook a marina that is usually filled with yachts and sailboats. Stroll along the circular split-level waterfront walkway for a close-up view of the marina, and haggle with local artists who display their work along the walkway. The 200-acre Beacon Hill Park, with its lush gardens, is within easy walking distance of the marina. A visit to the British Columbia Royal Museum and the downtown open air markets including "Artist Alley" could complete a full day of sightseeing.
Butchart Gardens, a former limestone quarry that has been converted into a botanical paradise with world-class landscape architecture, is one of the most pleasant and accessible attractions for those staying in downtown Victoria. Butchart Gardens is a pleasant place to get lost, if it is possible to do so on a 55-acre plot of land. A byzantine maze of paved paths guide the visitor through a kaleidoscope of brightly-colored flora, including over 100 different types of roses. If you visit Butchart Gardens in the autumn, be sure not to miss the Chinese Gardens and the Italian Gardens. If you arrive during the summer, fireworks displays and professional stage shows provide exciting experiences even after dark.
The Pacific Undersea Gardens is giant underwater aquarium and marine theater. As its name indicates, the Undersea Gardens sits 15 feet underwater inside glass viewing panes, where you can clearly view the harbor's abundant and varied marine life, including crabs, rockfish, sea stars and eels. After a trip to the Pacific Undersea Gardens you may wonder whether it was you or the fish that were the main attractions--the wildlife is likely to be just as curious about you as you are about it. The Pacific Undersea Gardens also feature an underwater theater where divers perform entertaining and educational productions with a cast of marine animals that includes the ever-popular "Armstrong," a giant Pacific octopus.
