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Home » An Iconic Tour of Victoria, BC

An Iconic Tour of Victoria, BC

April 23, 2015

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Victoria’s Inner Harbor © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

Depending on what you plan on doing there, Victoria offers fun, beauty, elegance, charm, history and adventure.  A few weeks ago in early March I invited my mom to join me for a weekend getaway.  Victoria is reminiscent of England in some aspects of its culture and architecture and, having lived in England for 6 years, we were looking forward to delving into some of the more traditional accents of the city.  The focus of our trip was iconic sites of Victoria and we visited as many as we could.  I’m going to highlight some of the legendary places and quintessential experiences that have become the representative hallmarks of this beautiful city.

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Statue of Captain James Cook © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

 

Victoria’s history dates back to 1778 when Captain James Cook set foot on the west coast of Vancouver Island, the first non-aboriginal man to do so.   Then, 65 years later, James Douglas chose as a Hudson Bay Trading Post what would later be named Fort Victoria in honor of Queen Victoria.  In 1858 the Fraser Gold Rush ensued which led to rapid growth of the settlement.

 

By 1862 Victoria was incorporated as a city and in 1871 became the capital of British Columbia as well as Western Canada’s oldest city.

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Victoria’s Inner Harbor by Night © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

A unique blend of old world charm and new world experiences, Victoria offers heritage architecture, a variety of beautiful gardens, traditions like afternoon and high tea, a bustling restaurant scene, and a myriad of outdoor adventures.  That, combined with its mild climate and year-round greenery, has earned Victoria the designation as one of Travel+Leisure’s 2014 “Top Ten Islands in the World” as well as the 2010 TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award for the “#1 Destination To Visit in Canada.”

Are you ready for a visit?  Let’s go!

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If you’re traveling from Western Washington or Vancouver, BC you have it particularly convenient as entering Victoria is just a ferry ride away.  From south of Seattle, ours was only a two hour drive to the ferry docks and then a 90 minute ferry ride from there.  We took the Black Ball M.V. Coho Ferry.  You have the option of boarding as a foot passenger or taking your car.  The Coho offered more flexibility in departure times than the other options and, important to us, allowed us to take our vehicle for more convenient access around the city.  The process was a breeze.  And if you’re worried about sea-sickness, don’t let that hold you back because the ferry is very large and stable.

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View from the Coho Ferry © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

We sat by the window during the ferry ride and before we knew it Victoria was in sight.

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Victoria’s Inner Harbor © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

We stepped outside to take in the view.  A sea plane landed in front of us and made its way toward the harbor.

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Seaplane Landing in Victoria’s Inner Harbor © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

The closer we got the more excited I became as I saw in person what I had only previously seen in pictures.  And there it was, the majestic Fairmont Empress Hotel overlooking the harbor.  My heart skipped a beat at the thought that we would soon be her guests.

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Victoria’s Inner Harbor © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

 

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Getting off the ferry was as easy as getting on and within a few minutes we were on the road turning the bend towards our hotel.  We checked in at The Empress, freshened up a bit, and headed back out.

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Downtown Victoria Towards The Empress Hotel © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

We took a little drive to acquaint ourselves with the city.

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Victoria in Early Spring © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

We brought our car along for convenience but with public transportation Victoria is easy to get around.  If you’re staying downtown everything – shops, restaurants, museums, etc – is within walking distance.  And if you want to catch some sun and enjoy a leisurely tour of the city, these charming horse-drawn carriage rides are available.

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Victoria Horse & Carriage Ride © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

Another great way to take in the city is via its bus tours.  CVS Bus Tours offers a few different options and we took the 90-minute bus tour of the city.  It’s fully narrated by the bus driver and includes stops like Mt. Tolmie viewpoint for a panoramic views and Oak Bay Marina.  It’s the perfect introduction to Victoria for first-time visitors or for those who haven’t ventured beyond the downtown area.

Bus Tour Collage 1

 

parliament We arrived in Victoria on Friday afternoon and had exactly an hour before the Parliament building closed for the weekend.  So we headed over there to take a brief tour.

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Parliament of Victoria © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

Facing the Inner Harbour and sitting diagonally across from the Fairmont Empress Hotel is the Victoria Parliament building, home to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia.

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Parliament of Victoria © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

With its Neo-baroque architecture designed by Francis Rattenbury, this stately building is impressive to say the least.

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Parliament of Victoria © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

Construction of the Parliament was completed in 1893.  The original budget was set at $500,000 and ended up costing $923,000.

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Parliament of Victoria © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

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Parliament of Victoria © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

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Parliament of Victoria © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

Free guided tours of the facility are offered year-round and when the legislative assembly is in session visitors are welcome to come in and see the Parliament in action.  The next time we visit we plan to sit in a session.

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Parliament of Victoria Interior © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

Remember when I referred to this building as impressive?  As impressive as it is in daylight, I especially love it at night all aglow with 3300 lights!

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Parliament of Victoria by Night © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

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Parliament of Victoria by Night © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

Even though it was early March, the weather was quite mild and even at 10 o’clock at night the temperature was pleasant enough that I was was able to take a late stroll in just a light sweater.  The Parliament’s complex was so peaceful by night.

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Parliament of Victoria by Night © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

Hardly anyone was there, which surprised me considering how peaceful and serene the setting is.  Now, I don’t normally go on strolls by myself downtown at 10pm, but there were two security guards at the Parliament and I learned from them that they patrol the grounds 24/7.  I felt safe and really enjoyed walking around the Parliament, sitting on the front steps, and gazing off towards the Inner Harbor and The Empress.

Parliament of Victoria by Night © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

Parliament of Victoria by Night © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

On my way back to the hotel I took a few steps down to the harbor to take in the Parliament from a distance.

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Parliament of Victoria by Night © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

And I walked over to the wall overlooking the harbor where the reflection of the Parliament danced in the water.  It was gorgeous.

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Parliament of Victoria by Night © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

 

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The Fairmont Empress Hotel © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

The Fairmont Empress Hotel.  It doesn’t get any more “iconic” than that.  Built in 1908, this Edwardian, château-style hotel has something in common with Victoria’s parliament building:  Both were designed by the architect Francis Rattenbury.  How fitting that they face each other. The Empress has been host to the full range of royalty, nobility and celebrity.  For many years there was no sign above the hotel entrance.  The story goes that the day the first sign was mounted an irate gentleman snipped, “Anyone who doesn’t know this is The Empress shouldn’t be staying here.”

In 1965 there was a debate whether to renovate or demolish The Empress.  Feelings and emotions surrounding the iconic hotel run strong in Victoria and a local newspaper at the time warned:  “Without this splendid relic of the Edwardian era, literally tens of thousands of tourists will never return.  This is the Mecca, this is the heart and soul of the city.”  The hotel has since undergone two renovations and yet another extensive renovation is currently being planned.

Indeed, it is impossible to imagine Victoria without its Empress.

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For our Iconic Tour of Victoria there was no getting around it:  Staying at The Empress was a must.  And I am so glad we did, otherwise I never would have discovered the extent of its beauty.

Before walking through the front doors of The Empress my conceptions were based on pictures I had seen, reviews I had read, and people I had spoken to.  That coupled with what I already knew of Fairmont’s stellar reputation is what influenced our decision to stay there.  From the moment we walked in I knew we had made the right choice.  The Fairmont Empress Hotel far exceeded our expectations.  This beautiful, historic hotel was a major highlight of our stay.

In fact, I was so impressed by The Empress that I will be publishing a full-length, detailed article on the hotel with lots of photos of this stunning hotel.  You won’t want to miss it, so stay tuned!

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Inside The Fairmont Empress Hotel © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

But whether you’re staying at The Empress or not, Afternoon Tea is available to everyone, and Afternoon Tea at The Empress is probably Victoria’s most iconic experience. A tradition going back many generations, Afternoon Tea can be traced back to Queen Victoria and Anna the Duchess of Bedford who served as her lady-in-waiting (ie, personal assistant) for 10 years.

During her service to the Queen, Anna discovered that every day around late afternoon she would experience what we now know  as carb cravings.  So she started a personal tradition of setting aside that time of day with her servants to enjoy a cup of tea to help wash down a few sweet indulgences to hold her over until dinner.  The idea gained popularity (no surprise!) and before long she began inviting guests to join her.  Queen Victoria also began hosting lavish tea parties and guests were expected to attend wearing formal attire.   Soon a whole spectrum of tea-time desserts made their way into British food culture.

Bottom line:  This long-held tradition of afternoon tea provides the perfect excuse to indulge your sweet tooth in the middle of the day. But indulging in the guise of “afternoon tea” manages to turn what would otherwise be a primal-driven physiological carb-craving response into something refined and “proper.”

And that works for me.

Queen Victoria and Anna Dutchess of Bedford

During peak season The Empress hosts an average of 800 guests per day for Afternoon Tea and reservations are often required a week or two in advance.  In terms of the dress code, I had heard a story of Barbara Streisand being turned away for not following code, which I highly doubt is true, but then again, who knows what the “don’t rain on my parade” Ms. Streisand was wearing.

The truth is, the dress code for Afternoon Tea at The Empress used to be much more formal.  Though nice dress is still encouraged, really the only restrictions are torn jeans and flip-flops.  And that’s a shame.  Because an institution such as Afternoon Tea, and in such an elegant setting, really deserves to be honored with a little more dignity than jeans and baseball caps.  And if you’re going to pay a good amount of money (and it is a good amount) to enjoy Afternoon Tea, do yourself a favor and wear something a little nicer than you usually wear to kick around.  Trust me, it will add to your experience.

Our Afternoon Tea started out with fresh strawberries and cream.  We had chosen their refreshing orange-pineapple tea which was brought out next along with the food.  It’s a 3-tiered serving tray starting with savory sandwiches at the bottom and you work your way up to the scones and, finally, dessert.  The dessert was the best part.

Afternoon Tea at The Empress is expensive.  You will have to decide for yourself whether your budget allows for such a splurge.  But if you’re looking for the ultimate iconic experience in Victoria, this is it.  When you go, bring time with you and rediscover how it feels to set aside the hustle and bustle of life and slowly enjoy the moment.

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Afternoon Tea at The Fairmont Empress Hotel © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

 

Craigdarroch

Constructed in the late 1800’s with 39 rooms and over 25,000 square feet, Craigdarroch Castle, a Scottish Baronial mansion, was originally the residence of the wealthy coal baron Robert Dunsmuir and his wife Joan.  Robert died before the mansion was completed, as did its initial architect, and his sons took over its remaining construction with a new architect.  Its cost was estimated at around $500,000.

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Craigdarroch Castle © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

During its lifetime it has passed through several hands, including the original Dunsmuir family, then converted into a military hospital, the Victoria College, and finally a music conservatory.  Today it is run by The Castle Society, is a registered charity and one of the few museums in Canada that receives little government funding.

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Craigdarroch Castle © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

A tour of the mansion takes roughly 45-60 minutes.  Open all year round to tourists with extended hours in the Summer, Craigdarroch Castle attracts over 150,000 visitors each year. Four story-high Craigdarroch Castle is known for its intricate woodwork and stained glass and, sitting on a hill, is the highest point in Victoria.  Filled with elegant furnishings from the 1890’s it’s a very nice glimpse into Victorian living.

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Craigdarroch Castle Interior © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

 

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Photo courtesy of The Butchart Gardens

Not far outside of Victoria in Brentwood Bay is Butchart Gardens.  Named among the Top 10 Magnificent Gardens in the world by National Geographic, The Butchart Gardens is a total of 135 acres, 55 acres of which are fully manicured and planted.  During peak season The Butchart Gardens employs a staff of 550.  The Gardens has 50 full-time gardeners all year round and during peak season they employ up to 70.  Each year over a million bedding plants in some 900 varieties give you uninterrupted bloom from March through October.

Part of the beauty of Butchart Gardens is its remarkable history of how it originally evolved from a cement quarry into the magnificent manicured landscape we see today, and all at the hands and oversight of Mrs. Butchart and later her grandson who fully realized her vision.

We were there in early March when High Tea was being served.  In the warmer months Afternoon Tea is available.  In order to enjoy High or Afternoon Tea at the Gardens, an entrance ticket is required.  But the pairing of the two experiences is the perfect way to spend the day.  High Tea was a delight and both the savory and sweet selections were delicious.  The atmosphere was bright and cheerful surrounded by potted plants and flowers with views of the Gardens through the windows.  High Tea at The Gardens fully converted me to scones.  In a word, they were perfection.

For a in-depth look at these beautiful gardens, high tea, and stunning virtual tour, read my article:  Breathtaking Butchart Gardens.

Pure and simple, a visit to Victoria is incomplete without a tour of The Butchart Gardens.

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Butchart Gardens. Image on left © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet. Three images on right courtesy of The Butchart Gardens.

 

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Victoria has a bustling restaurant scene featuring the freshest of foods prepared in both traditional and highly creative ways featuring cuisine from around the world.

For our two evenings in Victoria we dined at the following two restaurants:

10 Acres Bistro.  Fully renovated and rebranded in 2013, this restaurant owns it’s own 10 acre farm from which much of its produce and meats are sourced.  The food is fresh, vibrant, flavorful and creatively prepared.  For starters we had the roasted cauliflower dip oozing with gruyere cheese and served with artisan bread.  For entrees we chose the Tagliatelle and the Hoyne Pilsner Battered Fish and Chips.  For dessert we had the Chocolate Fudge and Farm Zucchini Cake and the Carrot Beet Cake. From start to finish everything was truly delectable, the atmosphere was fun and welcoming and the staff was super friendly.

Ferris’ Upstairs Oyster Bar.  This is actually a 3-in-1 restaurant.  There’s the downstairs grill, the upstairs oyster bar, and Perro Negro, also upstairs in another room, features Spanish food.  Based on our great experience at the Oyster Bar, we would have loved to try all three had we more time.  Ferris’ Oyster Bar Upstairs features the freshest local and East Coast raw oysters, and the finest ingredients in pastas, steaks and seafood dishes.  To start we had the Black Olive & Fig Spread and for our entrees we had the Prosciutto-wrapped Fresh BC Halibut and the Charmoula-marinated Free Run Chicken Breast with hummus, minted labneh, and fattoush salad.  For dessert we chose the classic creme brulee.  Thoughtfully prepared with an artistic flair, the food was excellent.

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A few of Victoria’s other popular restaurants include:

Restaurant Matisse – French

IL Terrazzo – Italian

Ithaka Greek Restaurant – Greek

The Blue Fox Cafe – Breakfast & Brunch

Blighty’s Bistro – West Coast Fusion

Hank’s Untraditional BBQ – American, BBQ

Rockn’ Rolls – Sushi

Murchie’s – est. in 1894, the highest quality tea and coffee.  Also very popular for breakfast and their pastries.

In closing…

I hope you enjoyed a glimpse of what we experienced during our weekend in Victoria.  We had a wonderful time and look forward to a return visit.  For things to do, places to see and food to eat, Victoria offers something for everyone.

To plan your trip be sure to visit Tourism Victoria.

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Victoria’s Inner Harbor © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

 

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For our giveaway I wanted something fitting of our “Iconic Victoria” theme.  This being the city famous for its Afternoon Tea, what could be more fitting than tea, scones and preserves?

Now I have to admit, I don’t drink black tea or coffee, but I do like fruit and herbal teas and I especially love scones with gourmet marmalade!  So I made sure to arrange a couple of giveaway options.

I contacted Victoria’s very own beloved Murchie’s about providing our giveaway and they kindly agreed to provide a gourmet gift basket to TWO lucky winners!  The winners will get to choose one of the following two baskets, each of them a $35 value.

You’ll have your choice between the Spot of Afternoon Tea Gift Set or the Libre To Go Gift Basket. 

I have already sampled Murchie’s Lemon Curd and Blueberry Orange Marmalade and a couple of their herbal/fruit tea blends and they are delicious!

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Giveaway Rules To enter this giveaway simply leave a comment below about what you think about Victoria!  Two winners will be randomly chosen and then emailed to request their mailing address and which of the gift boxes they would like to receive. Winners must respond within 48 hours or another winner will be chose.  This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents.  Giveaway ends at midnight on May 1, 2015.

**This giveaway is now closed.  Congratulations to our two winners, Alice and Shelley!**

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Victoria’s Inner Harbor At Night © Kimberly Killebrew/The Daring Gourmet

10 Acres Bistro, Bar & Farm on Urbanspoon

Ferris' Upstairs Oyster Bar on Urbanspoon

Disclosure:  We were given media passes to the various attractions and our stay was hosted by The Fairmont Empress Hotel.  No other compensation was received.  As always, all opinions are entirely my own.

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Filed Under: By Topic, Canada, Giveaways, Hotels, Locations, Restaurants, Travel, Victoria Tagged With: afternoon tea, british columbia, Butchart Gardens, Canada, craigdarroch castle, fairmont empress hotel, giveaway, high tea, hotel reviews, noads, restaurant reviews, travel, victoria parliament

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47 Responses

  1. Discover Victoria BC says

    March 31, 2019 at 11:51 am

    I love the burgers at the Blue Fox and everything is good at 10 acres. Great post with a ton of photos. Victoria is magical place!

    Sam

    Reply
  2. Mike Protopappas says

    April 30, 2015 at 5:53 pm

    What a beautiful city, I want to visit. It’s on my list of places to see. I just wished I had added it to my list years ago.

    Reply
  3. Laura says

    April 29, 2015 at 9:19 pm

    I am visiting Victoria in June and can’t wait! This post has me sooo excited now :)

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      April 30, 2015 at 1:11 pm

      Fantastic, Laura, you’re going to love it!

      Reply
  4. Jennifer says

    April 28, 2015 at 6:15 am

    Wow, I can’t believe how much Victoria reminds me of Europe. I would not know this is Canada if you hadn’t told me. And that afternoon tea looks fabulous – I always love indulging in afternoon tea when traveling.

    Reply
  5. Alyssa C says

    April 27, 2015 at 1:34 pm

    I have been to Victoria once, when I was a little girl. I remember visiting the Wax Museum, and taking a carriage ride. Such an elegant city, absolutely beautiful! We have family on the Island and visit often, I cannot wait for another trip to Victoria. Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  6. Deborah says

    April 27, 2015 at 8:47 am

    I have actually never been to Canada, but I’ve always wanted to take that ferry ride to Victoria. It is gorgeous!!

    Reply
  7. Nutmeg Nanny says

    April 27, 2015 at 5:42 am

    Victoria is so beautiful! Those gardens look so gorgeous. I can totally see why they were named in the top ten of the world.

    Reply
  8. Lindsay says

    April 26, 2015 at 7:03 pm

    So beautiful! The castle and gardens are amazing. I really love traveling to a new place and learning about the history of the town. So much more meaningful and memorable. Thanks for sharing these photos! Gorgeous!

    Reply
  9. TravelingPanties.com says

    April 26, 2015 at 6:30 pm

    Looks so amazing! Especially that Parliament building at night. So beautiful!!! Definitely need to go here soon!

    Reply
  10. Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says

    April 26, 2015 at 4:39 pm

    What a beautiful city! I love all of the old architecture and history. I could spend days exploring all of the unique places. I would probably plan a trip just to visit the Butchart Gardens and enjoy high tea. Great recap of a lovely trip!

    Reply
  11. Laurel Lamont says

    April 26, 2015 at 11:24 am

    My best friend from law school is from Victoria, B.C. Her father was the dean of the law school there,. She shared with me her love of Victoria – its beauty, culture and history. Seeing these pictures brings those memories to life. Getting to spend time in Victoria is now officially on my bucket list.

    Reply
  12. cathypollak says

    April 26, 2015 at 11:05 am

    It kills me that we haven’t taken this trip yet…I live in the Pacific Northwest so I’m close. Your photos are gorgeous and inspiring.

    Reply
  13. Carrie @Frugal Foodie Mama says

    April 26, 2015 at 6:27 am

    Wow! I am in awe of the architecture! :) The Parliament building is absolutely gorgeous! It is so amazing how you can get a perfect little taste of England without having to cross the pond- just plan a visit to Victoria! The Empress and the afternoon tea look absolutely lovely. What a wonderful experience!

    Reply
  14. Toni | BoulderLocavore says

    April 25, 2015 at 3:50 pm

    What a fantastic tour! I feel I’ve just had a jam-packed long weekend of Victoria and loved knowing all the history. A superior post I’m keeping for my travel file.

    Reply
  15. Brenda Penton says

    April 25, 2015 at 3:00 pm

    I have never been there, but I have a friend who has lived there and would often send me postcards and they were beautiful. I’ve always wanted to visit and will some day!

    Reply
  16. Nancie Besozzi says

    April 24, 2015 at 7:53 pm

    My beloved Victoria. No love of place is stronger for this Ohio gal to be, than in Victoria in all its glory.

    Reply
  17. Alexandria says

    April 24, 2015 at 12:31 pm

    I have heard wonderful things and would love to visit!

    Reply
  18. Heather McNown says

    April 24, 2015 at 11:05 am

    Yes. Victoria is a beautiful city. I’ve been there several times and I can’t wait to return.

    Reply
  19. wordsmith1maggie says

    April 24, 2015 at 10:56 am

    Winter of 1972 was the first time I visited Victoria was with my husband while we were about mid way through a road trip adventure throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico. We were traveling in a modified Dodge van, complete with a canoe tied on top, and our two canine travel companions–an Afghan Hound and a Poodle–nestled comfortably inside. The first destination we visited was the iconic Empress, but enjoying high tea there was beyond our means (our travel budget for the six-month journey was $3,000), but I vowed to return “someday” under different circumstances…
    And, so I did. First with my then four-year-old daughter, Natalie. Don’t tell anyone, but we etched our initials into wood walls of the sauna bath located beside the indoor pool area while we were Empress guests in January, 1995. (They’d disappeared by the time of my second Empress stay solo in 2002…)
    My most recent visit to Vancouver Island was last August, accompanied by my two sisters. No umbrellas were necessary this time around as we strolled the magnificent grounds of Butchart Gardens during the in season.
    Memories will always linger of all four visits I’ve made to the enchanting B.C. island over the past 43 years of my lifetime. I can’t wait to return again for number five!
    Maggie

    Reply
  20. Miranda Snow says

    April 24, 2015 at 9:33 am

    Loved BC and Bouchard Gardens. We went around Christmas, everything was in lights.

    Reply
  21. kirstenalana says

    April 24, 2015 at 7:12 am

    Victoria seems lovely!! I especially love that Parliament building at night.

    Reply
  22. Linda says

    April 23, 2015 at 9:12 pm

    I love Victoria for it’s beautiful architecture.

    Reply
  23. Colleen says

    April 23, 2015 at 8:31 pm

    Has been so long since I visited BC, I believe a visit will be planned soon. Enjoy the site and trying the recipes.

    Reply
  24. Diane says

    April 23, 2015 at 6:18 pm

    Have never been to British Columbia, but have always wanted to tour the area. Victoria looks spectacular: the landscape, the history, the ambiance, etc. An unforgettable opportunity for the fortunate winner!

    Reply
  25. Lisa says

    April 23, 2015 at 5:33 pm

    I visited Victoria many years ago when I was a teenager. I haven’t been able to go back, but I hope to some day. It is beautiful and timeless. Great food, and a wonderful place to just be.

    Reply
  26. Corrine E. says

    April 23, 2015 at 5:26 pm

    Many years ago I visited Victoria. It was so lovely. I will never forget the Empress Hotel and Butchart Gardens. Visiting again would make me very happy.

    Reply
  27. Heather king says

    April 23, 2015 at 5:06 pm

    Beautiful, elegant, and historic, all in one

    Reply
  28. Brittney Merrill says

    April 23, 2015 at 4:59 pm

    Just beautiful! As soon as I get my passport renewed, i’m headed there!

    Reply
  29. Monica Johnston says

    April 23, 2015 at 4:58 pm

    It looks so nice cannot wait to go sometime.

    Reply
  30. Alice says

    April 23, 2015 at 4:49 pm

    Thank you, Kimberly, for the gorgeous photos and history. It’s always a pleasure to open an email from you and learn. Looks like a fabulous time! Victoria is very impressive, indeed. I’m sure being there in person was just awesome….it’s a very pretty city. Thank you.

    Reply
  31. Lorraine Mosca says

    April 23, 2015 at 3:58 pm

    This was a beautiful trip that you took to Victoria, BC!!! Every trip that I’ve read about, which it was two trips so far, To Victoria, BC and WHISTLER, BC, it felt like I was there with you and I want to go to visit these places and I’ll probably feel that I’m returning to these beautiful places!! The Basket that I like is The Spot of Afternoon Tea Gift Basket!!

    Reply
  32. Christine B. says

    April 23, 2015 at 3:45 pm

    I must go to Victoria ! I guess that Summer would be the best season. Thanks for this post and for the Chicken Chili with Couscous recipe!

    Reply
  33. Jennifer R. says

    April 23, 2015 at 3:17 pm

    Victoria looks gorgeous! It looks like it had a lot of old world charm. Your photos are gorgeous. I’d love to spend some time photographing the gardens and some of the architectural features on the older buildings.

    Reply
  34. Al Guerra says

    April 23, 2015 at 3:11 pm

    What a wonderful city!

    Reply
  35. Patricia says

    April 23, 2015 at 2:56 pm

    I would love to be able to receive a gift basket. I have a sister who lives in Cranbrook, BC. I have been to BC just never Victoria, this has me desiring to get back and see all of what you shared. The basket would be just a little taste of being close to my sister. :)

    Reply
  36. Shelley says

    April 23, 2015 at 2:45 pm

    I really didn’t know anything about British Columbia before reading this post. It’s now on my list of places to visit. First stop, tea at The Empress (Because I like tea and because well, I LOVE goodies!

    Reply
  37. Edward says

    April 23, 2015 at 2:16 pm

    It is unfortunate how much Canada is unappreciated! There is so much to discover – one need not travel across the Atlantic to immerse oneself in the hallmarks of classic European cities. Your trip made me pine for Montreal when I was on a two-day bus pilgrimage to St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal.

    Also, thank you for your generous time and dedication to The Daring Gourmet including Dr. Killebrew’s articles, all which perfectly match my interests – international cuisine and healthy eating. This site is a regular visit for me at home, work and on campus!

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      April 30, 2015 at 1:09 pm

      Hi Edward, I really appreciate your kind words and your support – thank you! Best, Kimberly

      Reply
  38. Christina @ Christina's Cucina says

    April 23, 2015 at 2:01 pm

    We visited Victoria two years ago and absolutely loved it! My daughter and I also had afternoon tea at Butchardt Gardens and it was a lovely experience and the food was delightful. We also had a drink and dessert at The Empress hotel, which was another experience we won’t soon forget. As a matter of fact, our Christmas card from two years ago was taken at night in Victoria, with the beautiful flowers in the foreground and lights in the background! Travel is about making memories and we made some wonderful ones in Victoria! I hope to return soon!

    Reply
  39. Darren R. says

    April 23, 2015 at 1:52 pm

    I have been wanting to visit Victoria for a while. This just helped me make the decision to go soon! Thanks for the great writeup!

    Reply
  40. Darcy Boyes says

    April 23, 2015 at 1:41 pm

    What an incredibly beautiful city!! It is now on my bucket list. Thank you for this article. I love learning about new places to explore.

    Reply
  41. Sandra says

    April 23, 2015 at 1:38 pm

    WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  42. Cathy T. says

    April 23, 2015 at 12:56 pm

    I am feeling so inspired!!! What a beautiful, stunning city!!! I’ve already forwarded this to my daughter and will be sharing it with my husband tonight. Thank you!!

    Reply
  43. Nate Lombough says

    April 23, 2015 at 12:50 pm

    Kimberly, I always enjoy reading your travel articles (and your recipes of course, but that’s a given! :) but you’ve really outdone yourself this time. This article on Victoria is superb, both the writing and the photographs. A++ Victoria’s on my bucket list for the near future thanks to you.

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      April 30, 2015 at 1:10 pm

      Thank you, Nate, I really appreciate that :)

      Reply
  44. Candace Nielson says

    April 23, 2015 at 12:45 pm

    Oh, the memories you have brought back for me! My husband and I visited Victoria more than 15 years ago and this was a beautiful walk down memory lane. Thank you for the reminder of how beautiful of a city Victoria is and that we need to go back again very soon! :)

    Reply

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kimberly killebrew the daring gourmet

Welcome!  I’m Kimberly and I share delicious originals, revitalized classics and authentic dishes from around the world.  Come travel the world through your taste buds!

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