The Empress Hotel is the focal point of the Inner Harbour. The Victorian-era Parliament Buildings, overlooking the Inner Harbour, link a colourful past with the present. At night this dramatic structure ignites the city center with thousands of twinkling lights. Also close by is the Royal British Columbia Museum. The Museum is host for the Leonard da Vinci exhibit until February 28, 1999. While at the museum take in a show on the 6 story high screen at the Imax National Geographic Theatre next door.
A walk along Wharf Street in the heart of Old Town provides a look at many examples of Victorian architecture. Despite a fire in 1910 which ravaged the city core, many fine buildings remain and many restorations are evident. There are many cultural attractions throughout the city that can be accessed on foot or by Tour Bus from in front of the Empress Hotel. You can visit Helmcken House, BC's oldest standing home open to the public. It is situated behind the Totem Poles and Longhouse at Thunderbird Park, beside the Royal BC Museum.
Board an authentic Double-Decker bus for a tour of the city or a trip to the Butchart Gardens. In the same general area is the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory and Victoria Butterfly Gardens. Victoria's mild climate makes outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and golf a year round activity. The game of cricket has been played herer since 1858, and today over 90 teams are active in the area.
There are many parks in the city with Beacon Hill Park being the most popular. With over 184 acres, Beacon Hill not only provides splendid views of the ocean, but also one may visit the Petting Zoo, a popular place to take the kids. Close by is the duck pond with its assortment of resident waterfowl.
Crystal Gardens, across from the Victoria Conference Centre on Douglas Street has a wide variety of tropical birds and plantlife indoors. A tropical paradise under glass. Visit the greatest little show on earth - Miniature World, located in the Empress Hotel. See the world's smallest operational sawmill as well as hundreds of other attractions in miniature.
Rub shoulders with the rich, the famous and the dead at The Royal London Wax Museum situated beside the Inner Harbour in front of the Parliament buildings. Discover for yourself who is real and who isn't! Descent into a world beneath the surface of the Inner Harbour at the Undersea Gardens. See the live diving shows in the undersea theatre.
Craigdarroch Castle, Victoria's legendary landmark, is only a 20-30 minute walk from Victoria's Inner Harbour with interesting antique shops and services along the way. Bus service to Joan Crescent, a two minute walk from the Castle is available from downtown.
10 minutes from town by car or a 40 minute walk along the seawalk on the north side of the Inner Harbour takes you to the Olde England Inn, Anne Hathaway's Cottage and English Village located at 429 Lampson Street. Anne Hathaway's Thatched Cottage is a full size replica finished with 16th century antiques. Guided tours explaining the Shakespearean lifestyle are available all year round. Round off your day downtown with a magical tour of James Bay in a horse drawn carriage or spend a relaxing evening on the water.
Vancouver, with its population of 1.8 million people and growing have alot to offer its visitors, this is your last stop of your journey through this province, choose the next button.
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