BY Clay Larroy
Regardless
of whether you are
traveling to a nearby location for the weekend or taking a
week-long destination vacation, you are always going to benefit from some tips
and ideas on how to make the whole process, more fun and less stressful. Take
time each day to alleviate stress while traveling or
vacationing and you will thank yourself for it when you get back home. With all
the chaos, jet-lag, partying and other excitement of travel comes a whole lot
of stress on your mind and body. By the time most vacations are over, another
one is needed to recover so taking a few minutes each day to rejuvenate will
make it easier for you to resume your normal life when it's all over. When you want to
plan a vacation contact me!
Attractions
in Vancouver Island
Within Victoria, where many travelers choose to stay
while exploring Vancouver Island, some quality sightseeing can be enjoyed.
Notably, the British Columbia Parliament Buildings are
hard to miss and well worth a tour; the Inner Harbor is a tourist hotspot, with
restaurants and shops aplenty; the Royal British Columbia Museum rates as one
of the best small museums in the world among travelers; and the Butchart
Gardens beg to be picnicked in.
Those in search of actual Victorian charm should visit
Craigdarroch Castle, an imposing mansion once owned by a coal tycoon which
boasts lovely views of downtown Victoria. For those travelling with families,
there are a number of wonderful attractions for kids in Victoria, including the
Victoria Bug Zoo, the Victoria Butterfly Gardens and Miniature World.
The prime tourist sites on Vancouver Island, apart from
the ski resorts, include the wine-producing Cowichan Valley, the Goldstream
Provincial Park and Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, and the quaint town of Sooke
on the southwestern tip of the island.
Butchart
Gardens
With well over a million visitors a year, the
hundred-year-old Butchart Gardens remain a favorite, and one of Vancouver
Island's principal attractions. Situated about 14 miles (21km) north of
Victoria, the gardens were begun in the early 1900s by Jennie Butchart (wife of
industrialist Robert Pim Butchart) in an abandoned limestone quarry owned by
the family, and their fame soon spread, attracting thousands.
Now, 55 acres are open to the public to be explored, and
visitors can wander the paths through exquisitely laid out gardens, including
the Sunken Garden (the original garden started in the quarry), a Japanese
Garden, Rose Garden and Italian Garden. Spring and autumn are perhaps the best
times to visit, when the gardens become a riot of color, though winter and
summer hold their own delights. Every Saturday, from the beginning of July to
the end of September, the Gardens are transformed by some dazzling fireworks
show, as well as a recital on the self-playing, rare Aeolian Pipe Organ and the
Night Illuminations light display. Other attractions and events in the park
include an ice-skating rink and Twelve Days of Christmas display in December,
and afternoon and evening shows and concerts in summer.
Opening times and admission costs vary according to
season - check the official website listed below for details.
Address: 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay
Website: http://www.butchartgardens.com
Fairmont
Empress Hotel
One of the iconic images of Victoria is the much loved
and well-visited Fairmont Empress Hotel, a fully restored Edwardian treasure
that has seen visits from royalty, celebrities and travellers from around the
world. Set on the banks of Victoria's Inner Harbour, the Empress is a grand and
majestic building full of stories, retaining its British heritage through its
traditional Afternoon Tea - a popular 'event' with tourists and locals alike
that began when the hotel opened in 1908. Reservations are essential up to a
week or two in advance and the dress code is smart casual. The Empress is
centrally located, close to the Parliament Buildings, Royal BC Museum, the
Victoria Convention Centre and various shops and attractions, and now boasts a
spa centre and golf course. This 'Jewel of the Pacific' is a definite highlight
of any visit to Victoria, and for those who can afford it, it is well worth a
stay - you may even receive a visit from one of the hotel ghosts.
Address: 721 Government Street, Victoria
Website: http://www.fairmont.com
British
Columbia Parliament Buildings
Built in 1893, the British Columbia Government Parliament
Buildings were initially criticized as an unnecessary expense, but now
constitute a major tourist attraction in Victoria, as well as serving as the
legislative center for the province.
Designed by 25-year-old architect Francis Rattenbury (who
also designed The Fairmont Empress Hotel), these beautiful buildings and
exquisite grounds are situated at Victoria's Inner Harbor, close to many of
Victoria's other main attractions. Various performances routinely take place in
the grounds and visitors can enjoy the spectacular sight of the buildings at
night, when more than 3,000 lights outlining the buildings create a fairy-tale
picture. Tours of the buildings are available daily, at regular intervals,
throughout the year, and visitors can observe the House in session from the
public galleries.
Address: 501 Belleville Street, Victoria
Website: http://www.leg.bc.ca
http://www.travelresearchonline.com/
Vancouver is gorgeous; I've never been to any place like it.
Jason Ralph
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