|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goldstream has walking trails and a world class salmon spawning
stream with thousands of Chum Salmon returning each year. The
phenomenon of salmon spawning is something to be seen. Witness
the cycle of life as schools of salmon return from the sea to
lay their eggs in their ancestral spawning grounds before dying.
The spawning of the salmon signals a feeding frenzy for black
bears, bald eagles and any other wildlife that depend on salmon.
Every autumn, millions of Pacific salmon forge their way up the
myriad streams of the Pacific northwest to spawn and die. Pacific
salmon have always been fishes of mystery. We know them well as
fine food, and as superb sport fish, but the details of how they
spend their time in the ocean and of how they find their way back
to their home pools in their parent streams are even today not
fully understood.
The end of the Salmon Run is a signal to the Bald Eagles that
it is time to return to Goldstream for their annual salmon feast.
Record numbers of Bald Eagles have been returning to the park
- up to 276 in one day! Be sure to be one of the lucky visitors
who catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures as they soar
in the air.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
The Legislative Tour strives to provide an enjoyable and informative
experience for all visitors focusing primarily on the role of
the Legislative Assembly and MLAs and the history of both the
province of British Columbia and the Legislative Buildings. The
Legislative Tour Office staff promotes access to the Legislature
and encourage a sense of pride and unity in the province. The
goals are to foster an understanding of the legislative process,
an awareness of B.C.'s political heritage and an appreciation
for the beauty and significance of the Legislative Buildings.
Tours are provided throughout the year, Monday through Friday
from 9:00 to 4:00 p.m. All tours are free of charge. The Legislative
Tour Office is closed on statutory holidays. Tours are also available
throughout the year in French, German, Mandarin and basic Japanese,
Spanish and Norwegian.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Craigdarroch Castle is a beautiful historic Victorian-era mansion,
built in the 1890s by wealthy BC coal baron Robert Dunsmuir. It
is now owned by the Craigdarroch Castle Historical Museum Society
and almost totally funded by its 150,000 annual visitors. Rising
87 stairs up through the 4 1/2 stories, there are 39 rooms, most
of which are furnished lavishly in the 1890s–1900s period.
With over 20,000 square feet of space, the house and gardens are
being restored exactly as they were originally built, and you
will find artisans working on restorations most days. Step back
in time and experience the life and times of the very rich and
famous.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depart Victoria for the charming town of Chemainus! While there,
view the murals which made the town famous! Finish off the day
with a visit to the Chemainus theatre where you can enjoy world
class entertainment and a delicious dinner. The Theatre is a very
intimate space that holds 275 people, with an excellent view from
every seat. The floor of the auditorium is raked so all visitors
can get the best view possible.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Renowned for its special exhibits, this is one of the finest
museums in Canada. Explore British Columbia's rich supernatural
history! The National Geographic IMAX Theatre adjoins the Royal
British Columbia museum. It's a six storey high screen with 12,000
watts of digital surround sound. Watch different shows including
T-Rex - Back to the Cretaceous; India: Kingdom of the Tiger; Whales;
and Jane Goodall's Wild Chimpanzees are now on at the Imax.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Why is part or all of Vancouver Island not part of the United
States or Russia? Why doesn’t the southern boundary of Canada
extend south to the mouth of the Columbia River? Why does Alaska
extend "down" the West Coast to Prince Rupert? Why are
there so many Spanish names in and around Victoria and on Vancouver
Island? Were the Chinese the first to reach the West Coast of
North America - by sea - long before the people of the First Nations?
You'll find the answers to all these questions at the Maritime
Museum of BC. Explore BC's rich Maritime history! And don't forget
to inspect the navigational instruments that made the exploration
and survey of the west coast possible, used by the great map and
chart makers Captain James Cook and Captain George Vancouver,
also well represented in the exhibits.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The British Columbia Aviation Museum is a major attraction on
Vancouver Island. It is located next to the Victoria International
Airport. In the Museum, there are many interesting aircraft, engines,
pictures, models and artifacts. In the Memorial Room, you will
find many artifacts from the wars that Canadians fought, either
as members of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Flying Corps,
or Royal Air Force. They also have a historical display of the
Pat Bay Airport as it was during its time as a Commonwealth Air
Training Centre, complete with models of all the aircraft that
were stationed here during those years.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Emily Carr House
This 1860s house is the 1871 birthplace of Emily Carr, one of
Canada's foremost artists and authors. An Italinate style residence,
it has been partially restored to reflect its appearance in the
1890s. The house includes period rooms, a variety of rotating
exhibits, gift shop and many reproductions of Carr's works. Costumed
interpreters are on hand to assist you on your personal tour of
Emily's childhood home.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Glendale Gardens and Woodland includes over five acres of
gardens on a 103 acre site in Saanich, just outside Victoria,
BC. These lovely gardens are set in a conservation park with nature
trails, wetlands and bird watching sites. Victoria's mild pacific
winters allow for year round gardening. Tour the Winter Garden,
Japanese style Takata Garden, Zen Garden, rhododendron garden,
heather garden and trial dahlia garden. Enjoy the wonderful perennial
borders, lilies, hardy fuchsias and herbs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Point Ellice House
Point Ellice was the 19th century home of Peter and Caroline
O'Reilly and their children. The house remained in the O'Reilly
family for three generations, becoming a provincial historic site
in 1974. Point Ellice is also nationally designated and is considered
Western Canada's finest collection of Victoriana in its original
setting.
High Tea is served daily until 4:00pm amidst reconstructed Victorian
Style gardens. Dating back to the 1850's, Point Ellice House exudes
warmth and graciousness. Home of the O'Reilly family for over
a century, Point Ellice welcomes traveller's from around the world
and offers it's internationally renowned High Tea.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tucked into a serene 130 acre country estate on the southeast
corner of BC's Vancouver Island - is a world famous garden of
earthly delights in every season. From summers sight and sounds
to autumns cascade of colour and sparkling holiday magic at Christmas
Time - there is always something to see, learn and experience.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Abkhazi Gardens
One of Canada's most significant garden creations. Created by
Prince and Princess Abkhazi in the mid to late-1940s and maintained
and improved by them throughout their life together, the garden
features native Garry oaks, ornamental evergreens, significant
rhododendrons, rock and alpine plants, naturalized bulbs, and
good examples of Japanese Maples and weeping conifers. Open March
1st - September 30th, daily from 11am - 5pm.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stroll amidst hundreds of exotic butterflies flying free in
a 12,000 square-foot indoor tropical rainforest. Witness the entire
life cycle of these amazing insects. Spectacular flowering plants
and foliage, fascinating birds, waterfalls and a stream with fish
all contribute to make this a truly memorable experience. Featuring
friendly helpful staff, lots of free parking and a well stocked
gift shop. Located less than five minutes to the world famous
Butchart Gardens.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Experience the Coast Salish Native history unlike any other
in British Columbia. All of their cultural interpreters are indigenous
from the Cowichan Tribes and share the oral legends, teachings
and stories which began long before recorded history and have
been passed from generation to generation. They will be providing
regularly scheduled live native demonstrations and entertainment,
cultural tours, and the Great Deeds DVD each day throughout the
summer. Watch the local carvers transform cedar wood into time-honored
symbolic figures. Visit the gallery and purchase a souvenir or
gift to treasure for years to come. For Authentic Native Cuisine
try their Salmon BBQ and Show package or visit the Riverwalk Café
along the Cowichan River.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria showcases some of Canada's
most unique and interesting pieces of art. Exhibits from local
artists are also a prominent feature of the gallery. Combine a
Tour of the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria with our Grand City
Tour!
|
| |
|
|
