Victoria, British Columbia is one of those magical cities that captivates the heart and mind. It boasts stunning scenery, magnificent architecture, world class museums, cobblestone streets, cozy pubs and gourmet restaurants. It’s ideal for romantic getaways, family vacations, girlfriend getaways, or guy weekends, and it’s fantastic any time of year.
The Victoria, BC Parliament building.
That said, Victoria during the holiday season is something special. Grand old buildings like the Parliament Building, the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Christ Church, Craigdarroch Castle, and St. Andrew’s Cathedral dress themselves in ribbons, wreaths, and thousands of lights. Walk hand in hand down charming streets, or sit back in a horse-drawn carriage and delight in the sights as you pass slowly through the city. Victoria is a feast for the eyes any time of year, but especially during the winter holidays. Don’t miss it–book a room in your favorite Victoria, BC Bed and Breakfast soon.
Visitors and locals enjoy browsing the many shops of Market Square and Bastion Square. All are invited to pass through the majestic Gate of Harmonious Interest, the symbolic entrance to Chinatown, where wonderfully narrow Fan Tan Alley beckons intrepid explorers. The historic downtown area is small enough to thoroughly explore on foot, but large enough to house a great variety of shops, pubs, and restaurants. If holiday shopping needs to be done, it may be done with panache in Victoria.
Other Victoria attractions include:
- Butchart Gardens, which transform into a holiday winter wonderland during the month of December. There’s an outdoor ice skating rink, live music and caroling, and tens of thousands of colorful lights.
- Christmas in Old Town at the Royal BC Museum, November 18, 2011 – January 8, 2012. Experience Christmas as it was long ago.
- Helmcken House Old-Fashioned Christmas, December 17 – 24, 2011. Delight in early Victorian holiday traditions and decorations.
- Festival of Trees at The Fairmont Empress, November 22, 2011 – January 6, 2012.
Add a touch of magic to your holidays this year. Spend a few days in a Victoria, British Columbia Bed and Breakfast, and discover all this charming, historic city has to offer.
