Victoria and Vancouver Island Feature

The Journey here: Yup, getting here is one of the best things about Victoria. Whether by ferry meandering past the Gulf or San Juan islands, by floatplane (try to travel at least one leg this way), or on a whale-watching boat, just getting to Victoria from the mainland is a memorable experience.

Spend an afternoon at the Butchart Gardens: A million and a half visitors can't be wrong—these lavish gardens north of town truly live up to the hype.

Tour the Royal British Columbia Museum: One of Canada's best regional museums warrants repeat visits just to take in the myriad displays and exhibits.

Embark on a whale-watching cruise: It's an amazing way to view these magnificent animals in the wild.

Traverse the Inner Harbour via a Ferry Boat: The tiny foot-passenger ferries zipping across the Inner Harbour afford passengers a whole new perspective of the city center.