2012 Tourism Victoria Travel Trade Guide

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HUNDREDS OF ATTRACTIONS activities and other itinerary-building options TRAVEL TRADE PLANNER www.tourismvictoria.com/traveltrade Unforgettable Experiences The City of GETTING HERE IS HALF THE FUN Top product offerings at your fingertips

description

The Tourism Victoria Travel Trade Planner has been developed to promote Victoria as a destination in the international tour industry by presenting easy-to-arrange, themed itineraries that have a broad appeal to travellers worldwide. Tourism Victoria uses this attractive, comprehensive guide in welcome kits for familiarization tours, for sales calls, reservation/agent training initiatives, tradeshows and targeted direct mailing.

Transcript of 2012 Tourism Victoria Travel Trade Guide

Page 1: 2012 Tourism Victoria Travel Trade Guide

Hundreds of attractions activities and other itinerary-building options

t r a v e l t r a d e p l a n n e r

w w w . t o u r i s m v i c t o r i a . c o m / t r a v e l t r a d e

Unforgettable Experiences

The City of

GEttinG hErE is half thE fUn

top product offerings at your fingertips

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w w w . o a k b a y b e a c h h o t e l . c o m

victoria’s newest luxury waterfront resort awaits your clients

Impress your c lients with something truly extraord inary. . .

1175 Beach Drive,Victoria, BC V8S 2N2

Tel: 250.598.4556Toll Free: 1.800.668.7758

Email: [email protected]

A Victorian Icon Returns

Having stood its place on a magnificent stretch of Pacific Ocean coastline for over 80 years, the Oak Bay Beach Hotel has been undergoing a complete transformation. In Spring of 2012, it makes its triumphant return as a spectacular five-star boutique resort and spa.

Honouring its rich history with Manor House inspired architecture and restored vestiges of the past, this renewed hotel is at once comfortable and perfectly elegant.

Owners, Kevin and Shawna Walker, look forward to once again welcoming you and your guests to enjoy not only the

finest accommodations Victoria has to offer, but also the many resort amenities available on-site. From fine dining in the Dining Room, dinner theatre shows in the David Foster Foundation Theatre, casual fare in the legendary Snug Pub, and cozy treats in Kate’s Cafe, to a soak in our seaside hot mineral pools, a relaxing treatment in our oceanfront spa, and outdoor adventure activities such as whale watching, leaving right from the hotel’s own dock. It’s all here for your guests to enjoy!

Tour and FIT Rates are available so

contact us today!

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contents

FoR moRE iNFoRmATioN

Tourism Victoria Travel Trade DepartmentEffective June 2012: Suite 200-737 Yates Street Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 1L6Tel: 250-414-6999 Fax: 250-361-9733traveltrade@tourismvictoria.comwww.tourismvictoria.com/traveltrade

ViCToRiA — FuLL oF LiFE 4

ouR SERViCES 6

TRANSPoRTATioN 7

GARDENS 8

CuLiNARY TouRiSm 10

ouTDooR ACTiViTiES 12

HERiTAGE, ARTS AND CuLTuRE 14

SHoPPiNG 16

CHRiSTmAS 17

EDuCATioNAL TouRS 18

CALENDAR oF EVENTS 19

mAPS 20

Tourism Victoria’s Travel Trade Planner is published by:

Page one Publishing inc.2nd Floor, 1322 Government StreetVictoria, BC, Canada V8W 1Y8Tel: 250-595-7243 Fax: [email protected]

Cover: Kayaking in Victoria’s inner Harbour / Tourism Victoria

No part of this publication may be reprinted without written consent from the publisher. Both Tourism Victoria and Page one Publishing have made every effort to ensure that the information in this publication is accurate, but cannot guarantee the correctness of all information or the absence of errors or omissions and will not be held responsible.

Printed in Canada.Free distribution only.

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craigdarroch castle

victoria’s inner Harbour

the Butchart Gardens

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Victoria and Vancouver island are consistently named among the best cities and islands in North America by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines. many of Victoria’s hotels are also recognized by the readers of these prestigious publications as being among the best properties in Canada and the u.S.

AN AWARD-WiNNiNG CiTY

victoria is where old-world charm meets new-world experiences. our guests are rejuvenated by fresh ocean air and inspired by our warm island welcome and year-round beauty.

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victoria’s inner Harbour

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NATuRAL BEAuTY AND CLimATEThe Pacific ocean, old-growth forests, lush gardens, magnificent mountains, sweeping views and the mildest climate in Canada — Victoria is a spectacular city in every season.

ACCESSiBiLiTYVictoria is easy to get to from anywhere in the world whether by air or by ferry. moreover, Victoria is a great walking city, ideal for group tours and individual exploring.

uNLimiTED ACTiViTiES AND ATTRACTioNSWorld-famous Butchart Gardens, outdoor eco-adventure activities such as whale watching, kayaking and salmon fishing, museums, art galleries, afternoon tea, world-class shopping and year-round golf — it’s all here in Victoria, all year long.

CuLiNARY ExPERiENCESVictoria’s talented chefs and the island cuisine they create have garnered Victoria and Vancouver island a coveted place on the world’s culinary map.

SuPERioR SERViCEVictoria is world famous for exceptional service and warm hospitality — it’s an island destination with all the amenities of a big city.

 five reasons visitors

love  victoria

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canada’s oldest chinatown Pacific salmon

ogden Point breakwater

canoe Brewpub

Government street

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The Travel Trade Team is here to provide Travel Professionals with detailed information about Victoria, sample itineraries, new product updates, pre/post cruise activities and supplier contact details to assist you with your planning. We can help you coordinate familiarization tours and provide you with sales support materials.www.tourismvictoria.com/traveltrade

FAmiLiARizATioN TouRSLooking for some assistance with planning your fam trip to Victoria? Tourism Victoria is your one-stop shop. if you need help with ways to travel to Victoria, itinerary options, including complimentary or discounted admission to local attractions and sightseeing tours, we’re the ones to call on.

TRAVEL PRoFESSioNALS ViSiTiNG ViCToRiATravel agents and tour operators are welcome to Tourism Victoria’s Attraction Pass. The Attraction Pass offers travel professionals the opportunity to build upon their product knowledge and visit some of Victoria’s must-see attractions. Contact Tourism Victoria for qualifications.

NEW PRoDuCTThe Travel Trade Team can provide you with new itinerary ideas for group, FiT and special interest groups. We have complete information on the newest products in our destination, who to contact and advice on how they can fit with your customer demographics.

WHAT’S NEW iN ViCToRiA E-NEWSLETTERTravel professionals can sign up online for

the What’s New e-newsletter, a regular

publication full of the latest information

on our destination.

LooKiNG FoR iDEAS? CHECK ouT ouR SAmPLE iTiNERARiESone of Victoria’s greatest strengths as a

tour destination is its versatility. With so

many great options to choose from and

minimal distance between sites, it is easy to

plan exciting, interesting and varied tours.

To give you some ideas, sample itineraries

including sightseeing, culinary, multi-

generational, golf and Christmas are listed

at www.tourismvictoria.com/traveltrade.

SALES SuPPoRT mATERiALS

We have a variety of sales support and promotional materials including:

❚ An image bank of download-ready, high-resolution photos: www.flickr.com/photos/tourismvictoria/sets

❚ HD video footage and promotional DVD

❚ official Vacation Guide

❚ Victoria Visitor map

❚ A colour-illustrated lure brochure

For more information or to order the items listed, go to:www.tourismvictoria.com/traveltrade

6 www.tourismvictoria.com/traveltrade

Want to learn more about our destination? Let Tourism Victoria’s Travel Trade experts help. our team can assist you in creating unique itineraries and world-class experiences for your customers.

our services

Connect to Victoria through our social media channels and generate interest in your tours by encouraging your clients to do so as well. Tourism Victoria is on Facebook, Twitter (@TViCTravelTrade) and YouTube. The Going Local blog is written by locals to offer an insider’s view of Victoria. The online Twisitor Centre offers real-time happenings around

the city and answers questions on the go. “Green Victoria” provides a wealth of tips and “green” itinerary ideas for making your visit to Victoria as environmentally friendly as possible. You can also download an iPhone App that gives you instant access to an events calendar, transportation and accommodation guide and other useful information.

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AiR SERViCENon-stop flights arrive at Victoria international Airport from several major centres, including Vancouver, Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary, Seattle and San Francisco. Flights to Victoria from major international airports in Vancouver and Seattle take approximately 30 minutes, making connections between Victoria and virtually anywhere in the world easy. in addition to scheduled commercial flights, regular floatplane and helicopter service is available to downtown Victoria. Chartered flights for groups, tours and sightseeing can also be arranged.

• Air Canada www.aircanada.com

• Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air www.alaskaair.com

• Harbour Air/West Coast Air www.harbourair.ca

• Helijet international inc. www.helijet.com

• Hyack Air Ltd. www.hyackair.com

• Kenmore Air www.kenmoreair.com

• orca Airways Ltd. www.flyorcaair.com

• Pacific Coastal AirLines www.pacific-coastal.com

• Salt Spring Air www.saltspringair.com

• united Airlines www.united.ca

• Victoria Airport Authority www.victoriaairport.com

• WestJet www.westjet.com

FERRY SERViCEVictoria and Vancouver island are well connected to the B.C. and Washington State mainland with scheduled service for vehicles (including buses) and passengers on large ferries and passenger-only service on

high-speed catamarans. Numerous sailings are available every day from the mainland. Terminals are located in Sidney, which is 30 minutes north of downtown Victoria and at the inner Harbour in downtown Victoria.

• Black Ball Ferry LineVehicle and passenger service between Victoria and Port Angeles, WA. www.cohoferry.com

• British Columbia Ferry ServicesVehicle and passenger service between Victoria and Vancouver. www.bcferries.com

• Victoria ClipperHigh-speed, passenger-only catamaran service between Victoria and Seattle. www.victoriaclipper.com

• Washington State FerriesVehicle and passenger service between Sidney and Anacortes, WA. www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries

GRouND TRANSPoRTATioNonce in Victoria, there are many options for getting around: public bus transportation, scheduled charter coach service, train service, car rentals, taxi and limousine

services, bicycle and scooter rentals and tours by coach, double-decker bus, horse-drawn carriage and boat. Bus service from Vancouver (including Vancouver international Airport) and Seattle is also available.

• Akal Airport Shuttle www.victoriaairporter.com

• BlueBird Cabs Ltd. www.taxicab.com

• Big Bus www.bigbusvictoria.ca

• CVS Cruise Victoria Ltd. www.cvscruisevictoria.com

• Gray Line of Victoria www.graylinevictoria.com

• Greyhound Vancouver island Coach www.greyhound.ca

• international Stage Lines www.islbus.com

• LA Limousines & Transportation Tours www.lalimo.ca

• Pacific Coach Lines Ltd. www.pacificcoach.com

• Regent Limousine Service www.regentlimousine.bc.ca

• Tofino Bus www.tofinobus.com

• West Coast Trail Express Bus inc. www.trailbus.com

• Wilson’s Transportation www.wilsonstransportation.com

For more information on transportation, go to www.tourismvictoria.com.

transportation

Located on the southern tip of Vancouver island, Victoria is easy to get to from anywhere in the world. Transportation choices include non-stop flights from major North American cities, quick connecting flights from Vancouver and Seattle and many other travel options by air and sea that make getting here an exciting part of any tour.

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Bc Ferry in the strait of Georgia

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Victoria is Canada’s Garden City and draws garden enthusiasts from all over the world who come to see the resplendent beauty of the public and private gardens, flowering plum and cherry trees and flower baskets cascading from downtown lamp-posts. Guided tours, horticulture seminars and garden events round out an itinerary.

GARDENSABKHAzi GARDENThis unique one-acre garden has received international recognition for its outstanding design and romantic history. Afternoon tea, tours and gift shop. http://blog.conservancy.bc.ca/properties/vancouver-island-region/abkhazi-garden

BEACoN HiLL PARKon the edge of downtown, this is Victoria’s oldest park and features walking paths, gardens and ponds, as well as mile zero, the starting point of the 8,000-km-long (4,971 mi.) Trans-Canada Highway. www.beaconhillpark.com

THE BuTCHART GARDENS A designated National Historic Site, the world-famous Butchart Gardens features 55 acres of magnificent gardens, including the Sunken Garden, Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, italian Garden, Star Pond and elaborate fountains. Lunch, afternoon tea and dinner are available and special events and entertainment take place year-round. www.butchartgardens.com

THE GARDENS AT HCP Lovely gardens set in a conservation park with nature trails, wetlands and bird watching sites. Tour the Winter Garden, Japanese-style Takata Garden, zen Garden, Rhododendron Garden, Heather Garden and Trial Dahlia Garden. Home to the accredited Pacific Horticulture College and provides gardener workshops and community education. Tours by request. www.hcp.ca

GoVERNmENT HouSE GARDENS Ten gardens of various styles surround this historic mansion and are open daily to the public. The residence, which is closed to the public, is the home of B.C.’s Lieutenant Governor. www.ltgov.bc.ca

HATLEY PARK The gardens surrounding turn-of-the-century Hatley Castle feature Japanese, italian and rose gardens, as well as heritage trees within the park that forms the campus of Royal Roads university. Garden and castle tours, garden workshops, museum visits and visitor programs are available. www.hatleypark.ca

miLNER GARDENS AND WooDLAND Located in Qualicum Beach, two hours north of Victoria, this property features 60 acres of woodland and 10 acres of gardens surrounding a heritage house. open late April to late october. Reservations recommended. www.milnergardens.org

PoiNT ELLiCE HouSE italianate house featuring a beautiful heritage garden where tea is served in the summer. www.pointellicehouse.ca

SWAN LAKE/CHRiSTmAS HiLL NATuRE SANCTuARY Two distinct ecological areas make up this park: 47 hectares of fields and hedgerows surrounding Swan Lake and 11 hectares of rocky hilltop and Garry oak forest on Christmas Hill. Ample opportunities for bird and freshwater wildlife watching. www.swanlake.bc.ca

uNiVERSiTY oF ViCToRiA FiNNERTY GARDENS A major collection of more than 200 azaleas and rhododendrons, along with an extensive planting of hybrids, forms the nucleus of this active garden. Blooming season is mid-January until late June, while a variety of perennials and companion plants extend the season through most of the year. www.uvic.ca/garden

ViCToRiA BuTTERFLY GARDENS Enter a lush atrium where hundreds of butterflies fly amidst a kaleidoscope of

Gardens

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iNTERNATioNALLY RENoWNED AS THE CiTY oF GARDENS, ViCToRiA HAS BEEN A DESTiNATioN FoR GARDEN LoVERS FoR moRE THAN A CENTuRY. THE BuTCHART GARDENS, THE CiTY’S moST FAmouS HoRTiCuLTuRAL mASTERPiECE, iS A NATioNAL HiSToRiC SiTE oF CANADA.

AVERAGE mAximum TEmPERATuRES

moNTH ˚C ˚F

JANuARY 7 44

FEBRuARY 8 47

mARCH 10 50

APRiL 13 55

mAY 16 61

JuNE 19 67

JuLY 22 71

AuGuST 22 71

SEPTEmBER 19 67

oCToBER 14 57

NoVEmBER 9 49

DECEmBER 7 44

flowers and tropical greenery. Visitors are invited to take a close-up look at abundant species of butterflies and moths. Private tours are available. Located two minutes from The Butchart Gardens. www.butterflygardens.com

GARDEN TouRS CVS CRuiSE ViCToRiA LTD.Narrated coach tours to the Butchart Gardens are available several times daily, year-round. www.cvscruisevictoria.com

iTT WiLSoN’S TouRSCustom tours for groups of all sizes including year-round tours by coach to The Butchart Gardens and Victoria Butterfly Gardens. www.wilsonstours.com

GRAY LiNE oF ViCToRiA A variety of guided tours featuring gardens, including The Butchart Gardens, Victoria Butterfly Gardens, Beacon Hill Park, as well as sightseeing and city tours. motor coach, horse-drawn carriage, trolley, classic car and yacht tours. www.graylinevictoria.com

ViCToRiAN GARDEN TouRS These guided, narrated tours feature several

of Victoria’s glorious gardens. Tours include Hatley Park Garden, Saxe Point Park/ Point Ellice House, The Gardens at HCP, Abkhazi Garden and Government House gardens. Special interest tours are available. www.victoriangardentours.com

ViCToRiA HoRTiCuLTuRAL SoCiETY: HomE GARDEN TouRS Tours of home and hobby gardens are offered in every season, as well as information seminars year-round. www.islandnet.com/~vhsweb

CAPiTAL REGioNAL DiSTRiCT PARKS AND GARDENS A host of nature/botanical programs are available year-round, from nature rambles to see wildflowers to special activities. www.crd.bc.ca

RoYAL BC muSEum iNTERPRETiVE PRoGRAmS The native plant gardens that surround the Royal BC museum provide the setting for interpretive programs. Special interest tours can also be arranged by request. www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

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Award-winning wines, handcrafted ales, local produce, organic meats, edible flowers and herbs, ocean-fresh seafood, gourmet delicacies – Victoria offers a feast of unique, delicious experiences. Build a multi-day gourmet itinerary from this menu of options, or incorporate one or two activities into another tour.

WiNERiES, CiDERiES AND DiSTiLLERiESCHuRCH & STATE WiNESTours, tastings, seasonal restaurant for lunch and gift shop. www.churchandstatewines.com

DE ViNE ViNEYARDS Wine tasting and custom tours for groups. www.devinevineyards.ca

iTT WiLSoN’S TouRSCustom Cowichan Valley tours for groups of all sizes. www.wilsonstours.com

LizARD ADVENTuRE WiNERY TouRSCustom winery tours for groups. www.lizardadventuretravel.com

LuxuRY WiNE TouRSLA Limousine Services offers wine tours to the Saanich Peninsula and Cowichan Valley. www.luxurywinetours.ca

mERRiDALE CiDERWoRKSCiders made from apples grown on the estate. Restaurant and cider shop. Daily tours and sampling. www.merridalecider.com

SEA CiDER FARm AND CiDER HouSE Certified organic orchard, cider house with ocean and orchard views, sampling and tours. www.seacider.ca

ViCToRiA SPiRiTS The only producer of premium, handcrafted gin in British Columbia. www.victoriaspirits.com

WiNE iSLANDS ViNTNERS ASSoCiATioN Representing vintners on Vancouver island and the Gulf islands, collectively known as the Wine islands. www.wineislands.ca

BREWPuBS AND miCRoBREWERiESCANoE BREWPuB, mARiNA AND RESTAuRANT Restaurant and pub with a selection of beers handcrafted on-site. www.canoebrewpub.com

PHiLLiPS BREWiNG ComPANY Seventeen different types of beer in their repertoire. Tours of the brewery can be arranged. www.phillipsbeer.com

SPiNNAKERS GASTRo BREWPuB Canada’s oldest licensed brewpub features a traditional artisan brewery, restaurant, separate malt-vinegar brewery, brick-oven bakery and full sausage kitchen and smokehouse. www.spinnakers.com

SWANS BREWPuB Restaurant, pub, beer and wine shop specializing in house-brewed beers and ales. www.swanshotel.com

VANCouVER iSLAND BREWERY Guided one-hour tours include sampling and a souvenir pint glass. www.vancouverislandbrewery.com

CuLiNARY AND FARm TouRS CoWiCHAN VALLEY Winery, cidery and farm tours, as well as markets and restaurants specializing in local fare from this bountiful region. www.cowichan.bc.ca

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WiTH THE 2ND HiGHEST NumBER oF RESTAuRANTS PER CAPiTA iN NoRTH AmERiCA, ViCToRiA iS A CuLiNARY PARADiSE. mANY oF THE CiTY’S ToP CHEFS FoCuS THEiR mENuS oN PRoDuCTS GRoWN oN VANCouVER iSLAND.

SAANiCH PENiNSuLA minutes north of downtown Victoria, the Saanich Peninsula is a largely rural area with numerous wineries, farms, and a cidery, many of which offer tours and tasting. www.tourismvictoria.com

SooKE HARBouR HouSE: WiNE CELLAR AND WEST CoAST CooKiNG international reputation for Pacific Northwest cuisine and wine. The kitchen garden provides over 400 varieties of herbs, salad greens and edible flowers. Daily tours available. www.sookeharbourhouse.com

TRAVEL WiTH TASTE TouRS Lavish foods and outstanding local wines. meet chefs, growers and vintners. multi-night guided tours, as well as day tours. www.travelwithtaste.com

Culinary events happen year-round. See calendar of events on page 19.

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ocean coastlines, old-growth forests, abundant marine wildlife and thrilling adventures make Victoria and Vancouver island the ideal destination for adventure tour groups. Victoria’s mild climate allows most activities and tours to be year-round.

WHALE AND WiLDLiFE ViEWiNGThe waters surrounding Vancouver island are home to some amazing marine wildlife. Almost 100 orcas (killer whales) live off Victoria’s coastline and are the focus of thrilling wildlife tours, especially between may and october. Humpback, grey and minke whales may also be sighted, along with many bird species. From September to may, California and Stellar sea lions are frequently in these waters. Porpoises and harbour seals are seen year-round.

BoAT TouRSSome of the region’s most stunning scenery can only be viewed from the water. Boat charters and a variety of tours, including wildlife viewing, sunset cruises and harbour tours are available.

WALKiNGThe most common way to explore Victoria’s magnificent setting is undoubtedly on foot. Walking tour themes include ghosts, gardens, heritage, culinary and more.

KAYAKiNGA wonderful way to explore the scenic splendour of Victoria’s shorelines, kayaking is a very popular year-round activity. Guided tours can be tailored to suit any group.

CYCLiNG/mouNTAiN BiKiNGVictoria is the Cycling Capital of Canada and an excellent destination for year-round cycle touring. mountain biking is also a major sport here and the rugged terrain around Victoria is perfect for it. Cycle tours and rentals are available.

ziPLiNES/RECREATioN PARKSEco-adventure parks offering thrilling outdoor experiences such as bungee jumping, ziplines and tree-top obstacle courses are excellent group and family activities.

GoLFiNGA premier golf destination, Victoria and Vancouver island offer an outstanding selection of superb year-round golf facilities, including Canada’s only 36-hole Nicklaus-designed golf course.

HiKiNGGuided hiking tours can be customized for any group and range from easy beach strolls to half- or full-day adventures in the region’s parks to challenging multi-day treks with camping.

FiSHiNGVictoria and Vancouver island have had a reputation for outstanding fishing for more than a century. Both saltwater and freshwater fishing adventures are available.

outdoor activities

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ACCoRDiNG To THE GoVERNmENT oF CANADA, ViCToRiA iS CANADA’S FiTTEST CiTY AND THE CYCLiNG CAPiTAL oF CANADA. THANKS To ouR miLD CLimATE AND SPECTACuLAR NATuRAL BEAuTY, ViCToRiA’S ouTDooR ACTiViTiES ARE PuRSuED iN EVERY moNTH oF THE YEAR.

SAiLiNGRugged coastlines, tree-covered islands and islets, idyllic coves and bays and protected marine parks — the Victoria and Vancouver island waterways are a destination for sailing adventures. Guided tours, lessons and courses are available.

DiViNGThe wealth of natural dive sites, shipwrecks and artificial reefs in Vancouver island waters are renowned among divers. Guided adventures and lessons are available.

SuRFiNGFor the thrill of surfing in the rugged wilderness, the West Coast of Vancouver island is Canada’s surfing mecca. Lessons and equipment rentals are available.

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Heritage, arts and culture

Exploring art galleries and museums is a great fit for any tour. The ancient culture of the First Nations, tales of European and Asian pioneers and the creations of internationally acclaimed artists — all are presented in captivating exhibits that showcase our heritage as well as our modern society. our walking tours turn history into a sightseeing activity and an itinerary highlight.

muSEumS/ATTRACTioNS ART GALLERY oF GREATER ViCToRiA one of the finest art museums in Canada, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria holds a permanent collection of 15,000 objects d’art. www.aggv.bc.ca

B.C. FoREST DiSCoVERY CENTRE An outdoor museum and park 50 minutes north of Victoria presenting the past, present and future of forestry. Steam train rides, picnic area, activities and walking trails. www.bcforestmuseum.com

CANADiAN SCoTTiSH REGimENTAL muSEum Displays include material from the earliest days of the regiment to participation in united Nations peacekeeping operations. www.islandnet.com/~csrmuse

CARR HouSE Built in 1863, Carr House is the birthplace and childhood home of Emily Carr, one of Canada’s most famous artists and authors. www.emilycarr.com

CHiNAToWN Victoria is home to Canada’s oldest Chinatown. Highlights include the Gate of Harmonious interest, all kinds of shops and restaurants, Dragon Alley and Fan Tan Alley, Canada’s narrowest street. Walking tours are available; see page 15.

CRAiGDARRoCH CASTLE HiSToRiC HouSE muSEum An 1890s mansion with exquisite stained-glass windows, woodwork and period antiques. www.thecastle.ca

CRAiGFLoWER mANoR AND SCHooLHouSE A pioneer-era home and schoolhouse built in 1856 exhibits life as it was in early Victoria. www.conservancy.ca

FoRT RoDD HiLL AND FiSGARD LiGHTHouSE NATioNAL HiSToRiC SiTES A century-old coast artillery fortification and the oldest lighthouse on Canada’s West Coast. www.pc.gc.ca/fortroddhill

HATLEY PARK NATioNAL HiSToRiC SiTE museum, garden and castle tours of the former estate of coal and railway baron James Dunsmuir. www.hatleypark.ca

HELmCKEN HouSE A pioneer doctor’s home, built in 1852, located at its original site near the Royal BC museum. www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

mALTWooD ART muSEum AND GALLERY Featuring the university of Victoria’s permanent collections, as well as special exhibitions. www.maltwood.uvic.ca

mARiTimE muSEum oF B.C. Three floors of exhibits on the Pacific Northwest’s rich maritime heritage. www.mmbc.ca

NAVAL AND miLiTARY muSEum AT CFB ESQuimALT The rich maritime history of the naval base

at Esquimalt, as well as the military heritage of southern Vancouver island. www.navalandmilitarymuseum.org

PoiNT ELLiCE HouSE A nationally designated 19th-century home considered Western Canada’s finest collection of Victoriana in its original setting. www.pointellicehouse.ca

QuW’uTSuN’ CuLTuRAL AND CoNFERENCE CENTRE A traditional native Cowichan experience, 50 minutes north of Victoria. Tours, multimedia presentations and authentic cuisine. www.quwutsun.ca

RoYAL BC muSEum The displays at Victoria’s most prominent museum provide an examination of the human and natural history of the province. www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

ST. ANN’S ACADEmY CHAPEL AND iNTERPRETiVE CENTRE Victoria’s first Roman Catholic chapel (1858) and the 1910 auditorium in this magnificent building are fully restored. www.stannsacademy.com

SHAW oCEAN DiSCoVERY CENTRE Award-winning aquarium and education centre in Sidney, 30 minutes north of downtown Victoria, showcase the extraordinary marine life in the Salish Sea bordering southern Vancouver island. www.oceandiscovery.ca

SooKE REGioN muSEum AND iNFo CENTRE A 40-minute drive from Victoria, this charming

Hatley castle

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TRAVEL TRADE PLANNER 15

museum is located in the natural splendour of Sooke. www.sooke.museum.bc.ca

CuLTuRAL/HERiTAGE WALKiNG TouRS ARCHiTECTuRAL iNSTiTuTE oF B.C. Guided walking tours of downtown Victoria focusing on heritage architecture. www.aibc.ca

DiSCoVER THE PAST WALKiNG TouRS Chinatown, old Town, ghosts, history and heritage neighbourhoods are the themes of these year-round guided tours. www.discoverthepast.com

iTT WiLSoN’S TouRSGuided, customized walking tours in Victoria. www.wilsonstours.com

oLD CEmETERiES SoCiETY Themed tours of Victoria’s heritage cemeteries highlighting people and events from the city’s past. www.oldcem.bc.ca

PARLiAmENT BuiLDiNGS These majestic buildings overlooking the inner Harbour were built in 1898 and are the centre of provincial politics. Tours available. www.leg.bc.ca

ViCToRiA HAS A VARiETY oF imPRESSiVE SiGHTS To iNCLuDE oN A HERiTAGE TouR: CANADA’S oLDEST CHiNAToWN, NARRoWEST STREET, oLDEST LiCENSED BREWPuB AND SECoND GREATEST CoLLECTioN oF ASiAN ART.

ViCToRiA CiViC HERiTAGE TRuSTinformation on a variety of heritage tours available in Victoria. www.heritagevictoria.org

WALKABouTS HiSToRiCAL TouRS Guided heritage tours, including The Fairmont Empress. www.walkabouts.ca

STEP-oN GuiDES/muLTiLiNGuAL SERViCESiTT WiLSoN’S TouRSGuided, customized sightseeing tours in Victoria and on Vancouver island. www.wilsonstours.com

REDBuD STEP-oN GuiDES Guided tours to landmarks and gardens in Victoria. Serving bus tour and travel companies since 1980. www.steponguideservice.ca

WiLSoN’S TRANSPoRTATioN AND ViCToRiA TouR GuiDES Knowledgeable, friendly guides providing step-on services in a variety of languages. www.wilsonstransportation.com

GALLERiES/STuDioSFor a complete list of art galleries and studios, visit www.tourismvictoria.com.

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Victoria is a paradise for shoppers! Your clients will love browsing this city’s many quaint shops, local markets and major shopping centres, so be sure to include ample time on your itinerary. The city’s layout encourages strolling and exploring the many side streets at an easy pace.

GoVERNmENT STREET Browse the 19th-century shops in and around Government Street, one of downtown Victoria’s most famous shopping districts. Victoria’s British heritage is apparent in the store windows along Government Street, from woolens to lace. Stop to sample handmade chocolates or the perfect cup of tea or coffee. Native art, jewellery, fashion, Christmas and souvenir shops also flourish along the bustling sidewalks.

TRouNCE ALLEY AND BASTioN SQuAREFour blocks along Government Street from the inner Harbour, turn right into Trounce Alley, one of Victoria’s best-kept secrets. Fashion and gift shops await. Across the street from Trounce Alley, find Bastion Square, once the site of Victoria’s Court House, Law Chambers and several hangings. Bastion Square is now animated with shops and restaurants. in the summer, take in the Bastion Square Festival of the Arts, a bustling market where vendors and local artisans sell their handmade arts and crafts.

LoJo Visit Lower Johnson Street, known as “LoJo,” between Wharf Street and Douglas

Street in the heart of old Town. While LoJo is characterized by colourful heritage buildings, the shopping experiences are fresh and hip. Storefronts primarily feature locally designed fashions, but also house restaurants and other offerings.

CHiNAToWN Victoria’s Chinatown is small, but it is the oldest in Canada. once home to opium dens and gambling halls, Chinatown now mixes stores and live-work condos with traditional Asian markets and diners. Visitors can stroll historical Fan Tan Alley — the narrowest street in Canada. Victoria’s Design District incorporates Chinatown into its parameters stretching from market Square to Herald Street and boasts numerous furniture and home décor stores.

FoRT STREET Fort Street is another downtown shopping hot spot, offering an intriguing mix of fashion, specialty boutiques, books stores, home décor and accessory shops, as well antiques and collectibles. Cafés

and restaurants blend right in along both sides of this one-way street leading out of downtown Victoria.

oAK BAY ViLLAGETearooms and pubs mingle with fashion boutiques, art galleries and gift shops along the high street in oak Bay Village. Located in Victoria’s most British-looking neighbourhood, this charming shopping district is notable for its Tudor-style buildings, flower baskets and traditional charm.

SHoPPiNG CENTRESThe Bay Centre downtown, mayfair Shopping Centre and Hillside Shopping Centre offer a wide range of shops, services and dining, all under one roof and with plenty of parking. uptown, the city’s newest shopping centre, offers a mix of large retailers, small boutiques and shops and restaurants in a modern outdoor mall setting.

shopping

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Christmas is a magical time in Victoria, celebrated in a traditional fashion. Visitors enjoy carollers, ice skating, concerts, festive events, sparkling lights and decorations. Downtown, retailers add their own creative flair to the historic and modern storefronts.

ANNuAL SHiPS CHRiSTmAS LiGHTiNG CoNTESTThe Canadian Pacific Naval Fleet decorates its ships as a fundraiser for a local food bank. At least eight ships are decorated, as well as the gate and the admiral’s residence. www.forces.gc.ca

BEARWEAR AT THE HoTEL GRAND PACiFiC As a fundraiser for the Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children, teddy bears are dressed up and arranged in settings created especially for the holiday season. www.queenalexandra.org

CHRiSTmAS AT THE BuTCHART GARDENSFrom December through the first week of January, a special show of Christmas lights, displays and decorations. An outdoor skating rink adds to the fun; skate rentals are available. Christmas meals and afternoon teas. www.butchartgardens.com

CHRiSTmAS BuS TouRSCVS Cruise Victoria, Pacific Coach Lines and iTT Wilson’s Tours offer tours during the festive season, including tours to The Butchart Gardens. www.cvscruiseVictoria.com, www.pacificcoach.com and www.wilsonstours.com

CHRiSTmAS AT CRAiGDARRoCH in December, this 1888 castle is decorated in the Victorian style and features displays of period costumes and toys. www.thecastle.ca

CHRiSTmAS SYmPHoNY CoNCERTSTraditional musical celebrations presented by the Victoria Symphony orchestra. www.victoriasymphony.bc.ca

DiSCoVER THE PAST HERiTAGE TouRS Christmas walking tours, including Christmas in old Town, Ghosts of Christmas Past and Chinatown Christmas walks. www.discoverthepast.com

EmiLY’S ViCToRiAN CHRiSTmAS From mid-December until December 30, Emily Carr House is decorated and open

for tours, tea and readings by actress molly Raher Newman as Emily Carr. www.emilycarr.com

FESTiVAL oF TREES Local businesses sponsor and decorate dozens of trees that deck the halls of The Fairmont Empress Hotel. www.bcchf.ca/main/?victoriaFoT

GALLERY WALK Five of Victoria’s art galleries open new exhibits and serve gourmet refreshments. www.tourismvictoria.com/events

GiNGERBREAD HouSES AT THE iNN AT LAuREL PoiNT An amazing display of gingerbread houses raises funds for Habitat for Humanity. www.laurelpoint.com

HELmCKEN HouSE An old-fashioned Christmas where visitors discover the traditions of early Victorians while enjoying an authentic festive atmosphere. www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

iSLAND FARmS SANTA CLAuS LiGHT PARADEAnnual evening parade that starts at the Parliament Buildings and finishes with a celebration with entertainment and prizes. www.tourismvictoria.com/events

LiGHTED SHiPS PARADE Decorated boats sail into Victoria and oak Bay to celebrate the festive season. www.tourismvictoria.com/events

THE NuTCRACKER Tchaikovsky’s classic Christmas ballet is presented at the Royal Theatre. www.dancevictoria.com

oAK BAY’S ViCToRiAN CHRiSTmAS Street performances, music, carriage tours and carollers on several December afternoons in this charming Victoria neighbourhood. www.oakbaybia.ca

PoiNT ELLiCE HouSE Through December, this historic waterfront

christmas

home dons its Christmas finery. Special Christmas teas are available. www.pointellicehouse.ca

SiDNEY SANTA CLAuS PARADE AND LiGHTED SAiLPAST The township of Sidney celebrates the festive season with a parade along Beacon Avenue and decorated boats sailing in the harbour. www.tourismvictoria.com/events

TALLY-Ho HoRSE-DRAWN TouRS Beacon Hill Park, historic James Bay and Victoria’s waterfront are featured on 45-minute horse-drawn wagon tours. www.tallyhotours.com

ViCToRiA CARRiAGE TouRS Experience a Victorian Christmas in an elegant horse-drawn carriage. www.victoriacarriage.com

ViCToRiA HARBouR FERRiES inner Harbour tours available in December. www.victoriaharbourferry.com

WALKABouTS HiSToRiCAL TouRS The Fairmont Empress Hotel Christmas Tours Past and Present. Christmas is a magical time to tour this historic hotel overlooking the inner Harbour. www.walkabouts.ca

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As the capital city and the seat of government for the province of B.C., Victoria is a prime destination for educational programs and a variety of technical and professional tours. The city is the home of an agricultural research centre, Canada’s western naval base, a booming biotech industry and several exceptional educational facilities.

TECHNiCAL AND iNDuSTRY TouRS Tourism Victoria can provide you with information and contacts for a variety of tours ranging from forestry, fishing, agriculture and technology to cooking, gardening and art, including educational and exploratory content. Contact Tourism Victoria at 250-414-6999 or email [email protected] for more information.

AGRiCuLTuRAL TouRS Tours are available of a wide variety of types and sizes of agricultural operations. www.agf.gov.bc.ca

CiTY HALL Victoria City Hall can assist with various technical tours. Cost is minimal. www.victoria.ca

CANADiAN FoRCES BASE ESQuimALT Free guided tours of Canada’s historic west coast naval base are available. www.navy.forces.gc.ca/marpac/0/0-w-1_ eng.asp

RoYAL BC muSEum Group visits to this award-winning museum are available. Exhibits feature the history of the province. www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

SHAW oCEAN DiSCoVERY CENTRE Award-winning aquarium and education centre in Sidney showcasing the extraordinary marine life in the Salish Sea bordering southern Vancouver island. www.oceandiscovery.ca

SCHooLS, uNiVERSiTiES, ESL, LEARNiNG CLASSES• Camosun College Department of Tourism

www.camosun.bc.ca

• university of Victoria Continuing Studies www.uvcs.uvic.ca

• university of Victoria Faculty of Business www.business.uvic.ca

• GEoS Language Academy www.geosvictoria.com

• King George international Collegewww.kgic.ca

• Royal Roads university www.royalroads.ca/mba

• St. margaret’s School www.stmarg.ca

• Stewart College of Languages www.stewartcollege.com

• university of Victoria www.uvic.ca

• university of Victoria English Language Centre www.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc

• Victoria international Academy www.eslschoolcanada.com

• Victoria international High School Programs www.studyinvictoria.com

• Pearson College www.pearsoncollege.ca/projects

educational tours

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TRAVEL TRADE PLANNER 19

JANuARY ViCToRiA WHiSKY FESTiVAL A premier annual gathering of whisky aficionados. www.victoriawhiskyfestival.com

FEBRuARYCHiNESE NEW YEAR Ring in the New Year with this festive annual party in Chinatown. www.tourismvictoria.com/events

ViCToRiA FiLm FESTiVAL Ten days of screenings showcasing the best in Canadian and world cinema including feature films, documentaries and shorts. www.victoriafilmfestival.com

ViCToRiA TEA FESTiVAL Tea tastings, workshops and opportunities to purchase teas, tea wares and delectable tea-food selections. www.victoriateafestival.com

DiNE ARouND AND STAY iN ToWN (FEBRuARY & mARCH) many Victoria area restaurants and hotels offer special menus and rates. www.tourismvictoria.com/dinearound

mARCHCHoCoLATE FEST Demonstrations, workshops, exhibits, prizes, samples, games, beer, wine tasting and entertainment. Adult evening event with a trade show. www.chocolatefest.ca

APRiLViCToRiA HoT JAzz JuBiLEE An exciting weekend of jazz featuring various bands and styles of jazz music from the ’20s, ’30s and ’40s. www.victoria-hot-jazz.com

mAYViCToRiA DAY PARADE Victoria’s largest parade featuring marching bands, floats and clowns. over 120,000 spectators. 250-382-3111

uNo FESTiVAL oF SoLo PERFoRmANCE Canada’s oldest festival dedicated to one-person theatre offers live, high-voltage comedy, drama and dance. www.intrepidtheatre.com

SWiFTSuRE iNTERNATioNAL YACHT RACE oldest and largest annual yacht race in the Pacific Northwest. Six different races over four separate courses. www.swiftsure.org

JuNEViCToRiA JAzzFEST iNTERNATioNAL musicians from around the globe perform jazz, blues and world music on multiple stages in downtown Victoria. www.jazzvictoria.ca

ViCToRiA iNTERNATioNAL CYCLiNG FESTiVALThe city celebrates cycling with races, demos, free-ride and mountain bike riders. www.vicf.ca

JuLYCANADA DAY Fireworks at Victoria’s inner Harbour and other festivities. www.tourismvictoria.com/events

ART GALLERY’S moSS STREET PAiNT-iN up to 100 artists line moss Street. www.aggv.bc.ca/moss+street.aspx

TASTE: ViCToRiA’S FESTiVAL oF FooD AND WiNEA local taste of Vancouver island, the wine regions of British Columbia and beyond. www.victoriataste.com

ViCToRiA iNTERNATioNAL BuSKERS FESTiVAL Presenting over 500 performances by more than 50 performers from around the world. www.victoriabuskers.com

AuGuSTViCToRiA SYmPHoNY SPLASH Concert performed by the Victoria Symphony from a barge moored in the inner Harbour. www.victoriasymphony.ca

ViCToRiA DRAGoN BoAT FESTiVAL Almost 100 dragon boat teams with crews of 22 paddlers race head-to-head in full dragon boat regalia with timing drums thumping away. www.victoriadragonboat.com

For dates and more information, go to www.tourismvictoria.com/events

calendar of events

ViCToRiA FRiNGE FESTiVAL A 12-day explosion of comedy, improv, drama, performance art and dance from around the world. www.intrepidtheatre.com

SEPTEmBERGREAT CANADiAN BEER FESTiVAL over 45 breweries from across Canada and the Pacific Northwest showcase and serve only all-natural varieties. www.gcbf.com

CoWiCHAN WiNE AND CuLiNARY FESTiVAL Celebrating Vancouver island wines, culinary excellence, original music and art. www.wines.cowichan.net

FEAST oF FiELDS Sample the gourmet offerings of over 50 of the island’s top chefs, wineries and microbreweries. www.feastoffields.com

oCToBERRoYAL ViCToRiA mARATHoN major event attracting over 10,000 runners and walkers from across North America and beyond. marathon, half-marathon, 8k road race and kid’s fun run. www.royalvictoriamarathon.com

RomP: FESTiVAL oF iNDEPENDENT DANCE Supports the work and development of professional dance artists. www.suddenlydance.ca/romp/romp.htm

GHoSTS oF ViCToRiA FESTiVAL Spooky tours of some of Victoria’s most haunted sites. www.oldcem.bc.ca

NoVEmBERFESTiVAL oF TREES (NoVEmBER & DECEmBER)The Fairmont Empress transforms into a lush forest of beautifully decorated trees to raise funds for BC Children’s Hospital. www.tourismvictoria.com/events

DECEmBERCHRiSTmAS iN ViCToRiA (SEE PAGE 17)For dates and more information, go to www.tourismvictoria.com/events

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downtown victoria

MaritimeMuseum

of BC

McPherson

MarketSquare

Trounce Alley

DowntownMedicalCentre

VictoriaBug Zoo

OS

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VictoriaClipper

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VictoriaConference

Centre

Black BallFerry

Black BallFerry

DowntownMedicalCentre

MiniatureWorld

VictoriaBug Zoo

Royal BCMuseum

PacificUnderseaGardens

IMAXTheatre

BusTerminal

BusTerminal

St. Ann'sAcademy

McPherson Theatre

CityHall

Chinatown

Johnson StreetBridge

GreaterVictoriaPublic

Library

BastionSquare

MaritimeMuseum

of BC

The Bay Centre

MarketSquare

Save-On-FoodsMemorial Centre

RoyalTheatre

ThunderbirdPark

Beacon HillPark

Inner Harbour

Trounce Alley

CentennialSquare

Fan Tan Alley

Fan Tan Alley

To Fisherman’sWharf

To Helijet & Cruise Ship Terminals

70

0

17

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16

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31

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250 metres

820 feet

Ferry (International)

Harbour Ferry Stop

Seaplane

Motor Coach Loading

Washrooms

Visitor Centre

LEGEND

i

TOUR ACCOMMODATION

3

2

1

Bedford Regency

4

Best Western Carlton Plaza

5

Best Western Plus Inner Harbour

6

Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites*See ad pg. 25

7

Coast Victoria Harbourside Hotel

8

Dalton Hotel & Suites

9

Days Inn on the Harbour*

10

Delta Victoria OceanPointe Resort & Spa*

11

12

Executive House HotelSee ad pg. 24

13

Fairmont Empress, The*

14

Gatsby Mansion Inn*

15

Harbour Towers Hotel & Suites

16

Helm's Inn

Hostelling Int'l. Victoria

Hotel Grand Pacific*

19

Hotel Rialto

20 21 22

Magnolia Hotel & Spa

23

Ocean Island Backpackers Inn

24

Oswego Hotel, The

25

26

Paul's Motor Inn*

27

Quality Inn Downtown

28

Queen Victoria Hotel & SuitesSee ad pg. 24

29

Royal Scot Suite Hotel*

Strathcona Hotel Swans Suite Hotel & Brewpub

Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour*

Victoria Regent Hotel

TRANSPORTATION/TOURS

31 Black Ball FerrySee ad pg. 25

32 SpringTide Whale ToursSee ad back cover

30 Big Bus VictoriaSee ad pg. 27

* Hotels with motor coach parking

1

2

16

3

4

5

7

8

9

10

12

11

21

13

14

15

17

18

19

20

6

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

31

32

17

18

Huntingdon Hotel & Suites*

Inn at Laurel Point

30

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TRAVEL TRADE PLANNER 21

Greater victoria

to Seattle

to P

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24

1

12 17

11

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1427

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21

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30

32

28

31

HighwayFerry RoutesScenic Marine DriveSeaside Cycling RouteGalloping Goose TrailParkHospitalVisitor CentreSidney/SaanichPeninsulaSaanichOak BayVictoriaEsquimaltWest ShoreSooke

LEGEND

Hi

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Beacon

Royal Oak Dr

William

Hea

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Happy

Va l

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Rd

Cordova Bay Rd

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Pat Bay Hwy

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Vete

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Dr

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Benvenuto Av

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Cook

Quadra St

Burnside

Rich

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Helmcke

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Gorge Rd

Feltham

Bay

Lansdowne

Cedar Hill

Bay

Fort

Dallas

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She

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Douglas anshard

Johnson alt

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cum

Lam

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side

Trans Canada Hwy

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Sooke

to Mill Bay

Bear Mtn. Prky

W. Saanich Rd

SaanichInlet

BeaverLake aa

ElkLake

Patricia Bay

Deep Cove

Oak Bay

Saanich Inlet

BecherBay

MathesonLake

Thetis Lake

Sooke Potholes

Park

East SookeRegional

Park

GoldstreamProvincial

Park

Thetis LakeProvincial

Park

Witty’s LagoonRegional Park

Roche CoveRegional Park

Island ViewBeach Park

John DeanProv. Park

Mt. WorkRegional Park

Gowlland-TodProvincial

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Gulf IslandsNational ParkReserve — Sidney Spit

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Wal

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Benvenuto Av

Trans Canada Hwy

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Dallas

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Fairfield

Royal Oak Dr

Emily

Car

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Feltham

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Quadra St Pat Bay Hwy

Burnside

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Oak Bay

Mckenzie Av

Douglas Blanshard

Lansdowne

Ceda

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Cedar Hill X Rd

Johnson

Rich

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Ferndale

Hillside

Inte

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d

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Admirals

Helmcke

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Gorge Rd

Esquimalt

W.Bur

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Trans Canada Hwy

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Latoria Rd

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Malahat Dr

Met

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William

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Kangaroo Rd

Rock

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East Sooke

East Sooke Rd

Gillespie Rd

Happy

Va l

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Beacon

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Swartz Bay

SIDNEY

BrentwoodBay

Mill Bay

Victoria Int’l.Airport

Sidney Island

JamesIsland

Cordova Bay Rd

IslandView Rd

Wallace Dr

Cadb

oro

Bay

Otter Point Rd

Sooke

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Rd Hartland Av

PLACES OF INTEREST / ATTRACTIONS

Adrena Line Zipline Adventure ToursArt Gallery of Greater VictoriaBelfry TheatreThe Butchart GardensCamosun College InterurbanCamosun College LansdowneCanadian Scottish Regimental MuseumCentre of the UniverseChurch & State WinesCraigdarroch CastleCraigflower Manor and SchoolhouseFort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic SitesGardens at HCP, TheGreat Canadian CasinoMount Douglas ParkMount TolmieNaval and Military Museum

- CFB EsquimaltPoint Ellice HouseRoyal Roads University andHatley Park National Historic SiteSaanich Commonwealth PlaceSea Cider Farm & CiderhouseShaw Ocean Discovery Centre

Sidney Region Museum & Visitor CentreSooke Region MuseumUniversity of VictoriaVictoria Butterfly GardensWildPlay Element Parkssee ad pg. 26

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54

6

7

89

11

10

12

1516

1314

1918

17

2021

22

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24252627

ACCOMMODATIONBest Western Premier PrestigeOceanfront Resort

Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa

Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa

Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa

Comfort Inn & Suitessee ad pg. 26

Howard Johnson Hotel & Suitessee ad pg. 26

Oak Bay Beach Hotelsee ad inside front cover

DISTANCE CHART ANDDRIVING TIMES

1 km = .6 miles

VICTORIA TO:Sooke 37 km 40 minPort Angeles (via car ferry) 95 minPort Renfrew 107 km 2 hr 30 minDuncan 60 km 55 minChemainus 70 km 1 hr 15 minLadysmith 88 km 1 hr 30 minNanaimo 111 km 1 hr 42 minPort Alberni 195 km 3 hrUcluelet 291 km 4 hr 28 minTofino 316 km 4 hr 51 minParksville 147 km 2 hr 15 minQualicum Beach 158 km 2 hr 20 minCourtenay 219 km 3 hr 22 minPowell River* 246 km 4 hr 37 minCampbell River 264 km 4 hr 3 minPort Hardy 502 km 7 hr 48 min*Includes 1hr 15 min (27km) ferry ride from Comox (west of Courtenay)

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17A

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1

1

1

H

H

H

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5 kilometres

3 miles

© Page One Publishing Inc. 2012

N

Campbell River

AnacortesPacificOcean

GoldRiver

VANCOUVERISLAND

WASHINGTONSTATE

BRITISHCOLUMBIA

Squamish

Whistler

VICTORIA

Nanaimo

San Juan Islands

GulfIslands

Ladysmith

QualicumBeach

PortAlberni

Parksville

DuncanChemainus

Port Renfrew

Bamfield

Sooke

Port Angeles

Anacortes

PortHardy

PortAlice

Seattle

Tofino

Ucluelet

PowellRiverGold

River

Vancouver

Campbell River

Courtenay

99

5

14

19

19

19A

4

1

1

N

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

34

33

29

14

Page 22: 2012 Tourism Victoria Travel Trade Guide

22 www.tourismvictoria.com/traveltrade

20

99

3

101

17

1

19

1

101 2

19

19

19

7

14

28

28

19A

19A

19

19

19

1

4

101

1

1

1

1

97

97

5

1

1A

101

101

5

5

5

99

99

1

7

5

Golden EarsProvincial Park

GaribaldiProvincial Park

Birkenhead LakeProvincial Park

StrathconaProvincial Park

Mt. Washington

Mt. Cain

Schoen LakeProvincial Park

Cape ScottProvincial Park

Brooks PeninsulaProvincial Park

TweedsmuirProvincial Park

ManningProvincial

Park

Carmanah-Walbran Pacific Park

Pacific Rim National ParkWest Coast Trail

Juan De Fuca Marine Trail

Skagit

Skagit

Fraser

Fraser

Fraser

Chilcontin

Thompson

Washington StateUSA

British Columbia

Vancouver Island

QueenCharlot te

Sound

Queen Charlot te Strai t

Strai t of Georgia

Pacific Ocean

Juan de Fuca Strait

Cowichan Lake

Nitinat Lake

Great Central Lake

Buttle Lake

Long Beach

Quatsino Sound

Kyuquot Sound

Nootka Sound

Barkley Sound

Sproat Lake

Kennedy Lake

Puget Sd.

Goose Bay

Cox I.Lace I.

Malcolm I.

Broughton I.

Gilford I.

Turnour I.

Hardwicke I.W.Thurlow I.

Thurlow I.

Sonora I.

Maurelle I.

Quadra I.

Cortes I.

Hernando I.

Lasqueti I.

Texada I.

Gabriola I.

Meares I.Vargas I.

Flores I.

Nootka I.

Valdes I.

Galiano I.

San Juan I.Lopez I.

Shaw I.

To Seattle

Orcas I.Lummi I.

Guemes I.

Mayne I.

Saturna I.

Pender I.

SaltSpring I.

Hornby I.

Denman I.

Nigei I.

ColvertIsland

Port Angeles

Neah Bay

Forks

Langford

West Vancouver

ColwoodSookeJordan River

Port Renfrew

DuncanLake Cowichan

Chemainus

Ladysmith

AgassizParksville

Qualicum BeachGibsons

SecheltFanny Bay

Halfmoon Bay

Union BayBritannia Beach

Earls Cove

Comox

SquamishBrackendale

Boston BarLund

Tofino

Cumberland

Gold River

Black Creek

Tahsis

Zeballos

Lytton

Pemberton

Spences Bridge

Lillooet

Cache Creek

Clinton

Bloedel

Sayward

Port Alice

Courtenay

Port Neville

Port McNeill

Coal Harbour

Port Hardy

Wadhams

Rivers Inlet

Whistler

View Royal

Saltery Bay

Harrison Hot Springs

Holberg

Metchosin

Cobble Hill

Anacortes

Crofton

Honeymoon Bay

DeltaTsawwassen

Harrison MillsLantzville

Sproat Lake ErringtonCoombs

Egmont

Wilson Creek

Bamfield

Hot Springs Cove

Nootka

Merville

Woss

Fair Harbour

Jackson Bay RoyWinter Harbour

Kyuquot

Youbou

Telegraph Cove

Alert Bay

Nanoose Bay

Malahat

Mill Bay

Kingcome Inlet

Knight Inlet

Kildonan

Cowichan Bay

Brentwood Bay

Bowser

Ucluelet

Mount Vernon

Sidney

White Rock

AbbotsfordLangley

Port Alberni

Hope

Powell River

CampbellRiver

Everett

SurreyChilliwackNanaimo

Port Coquitlam

North Vancouver

Richmond

BurnabyVancouver

Seattle

Victoria

Main HighwayPaved RoadGravel RoadCar & Passenger FerryPassenger-Only FerryAirportPark

LegendUnited States

CanadaHudson Bay

Gulf Of Mexico

ArcticOcean

PacificOcean

AtlanticOcean

Vancouver

Whistler

Victoria

YellowknifeWhitehorse

SeattlePortland

Edmonton

CalgaryRegina

Iqaluit

Winnipeg

Detroit

TorontoOttawa

Montreal

New York

Washington D.C.

Chicago

Minneapolis

San Francisco

Los Angeles Phoenix

Anchorage

DallasAtlanta

BritishColumbia

VancouverIsland

ALASKA

Alberta

Manitoba

Ontario

Quebec

NorthwestTerritories Nunavut

YukonTerritories

Saskatchewan

Denver

USA

NorthAmerica

vancouver island

Page 23: 2012 Tourism Victoria Travel Trade Guide

TRAVEL TRADE PLANNER 23

20

99

3

101

17

1

19

1

101 2

19

19

19

7

14

28

28

19A

19A

19

19

19

1

4

101

1

1

1

1

97

97

5

1

1A

101

101

5

5

5

99

99

1

7

5

Golden EarsProvincial Park

GaribaldiProvincial Park

Birkenhead LakeProvincial Park

StrathconaProvincial Park

Mt. Washington

Mt. Cain

Schoen LakeProvincial Park

Cape ScottProvincial Park

Brooks PeninsulaProvincial Park

TweedsmuirProvincial Park

ManningProvincial

Park

Carmanah-Walbran Pacific Park

Pacific Rim National ParkWest Coast Trail

Juan De Fuca Marine Trail

Skagit

Skagit

Fraser

Fraser

Fraser

Chilcontin

Thompson

Washington StateUSA

British Columbia

Vancouver Island

QueenCharlot te

Sound

Queen Charlot te Strai t

Strai t of Georgia

Pacific Ocean

Juan de Fuca Strait

Cowichan Lake

Nitinat Lake

Great Central Lake

Buttle Lake

Long Beach

Quatsino Sound

Kyuquot Sound

Nootka Sound

Barkley Sound

Sproat Lake

Kennedy Lake

Puget Sd.

Goose Bay

Cox I.Lace I.

Malcolm I.

Broughton I.

Gilford I.

Turnour I.

Hardwicke I.W.Thurlow I.

Thurlow I.

Sonora I.

Maurelle I.

Quadra I.

Cortes I.

Hernando I.

Lasqueti I.

Texada I.

Gabriola I.

Meares I.Vargas I.

Flores I.

Nootka I.

Valdes I.

Galiano I.

San Juan I.Lopez I.

Shaw I.

To Seattle

Orcas I.Lummi I.

Guemes I.

Mayne I.

Saturna I.

Pender I.

SaltSpring I.

Hornby I.

Denman I.

Nigei I.

ColvertIsland

Port Angeles

Neah Bay

Forks

Langford

West Vancouver

ColwoodSookeJordan River

Port Renfrew

DuncanLake Cowichan

Chemainus

Ladysmith

AgassizParksville

Qualicum BeachGibsons

SecheltFanny Bay

Halfmoon Bay

Union BayBritannia Beach

Earls Cove

Comox

SquamishBrackendale

Boston BarLund

Tofino

Cumberland

Gold River

Black Creek

Tahsis

Zeballos

Lytton

Pemberton

Spences Bridge

Lillooet

Cache Creek

Clinton

Bloedel

Sayward

Port Alice

Courtenay

Port Neville

Port McNeill

Coal Harbour

Port Hardy

Wadhams

Rivers Inlet

Whistler

View Royal

Saltery Bay

Harrison Hot Springs

Holberg

Metchosin

Cobble Hill

Anacortes

Crofton

Honeymoon Bay

DeltaTsawwassen

Harrison MillsLantzville

Sproat Lake ErringtonCoombs

Egmont

Wilson Creek

Bamfield

Hot Springs Cove

Nootka

Merville

Woss

Fair Harbour

Jackson Bay RoyWinter Harbour

Kyuquot

Youbou

Telegraph Cove

Alert Bay

Nanoose Bay

Malahat

Mill Bay

Kingcome Inlet

Knight Inlet

Kildonan

Cowichan Bay

Brentwood Bay

Bowser

Ucluelet

Mount Vernon

Sidney

White Rock

AbbotsfordLangley

Port Alberni

Hope

Powell River

CampbellRiver

Everett

SurreyChilliwackNanaimo

Port Coquitlam

North Vancouver

Richmond

BurnabyVancouver

Seattle

Victoria

Main HighwayPaved RoadGravel RoadCar & Passenger FerryPassenger-Only FerryAirportPark

LegendUnited States

CanadaHudson Bay

Gulf Of Mexico

ArcticOcean

PacificOcean

AtlanticOcean

Vancouver

Whistler

Victoria

YellowknifeWhitehorse

SeattlePortland

Edmonton

CalgaryRegina

Iqaluit

Winnipeg

Detroit

TorontoOttawa

Montreal

New York

Washington D.C.

Chicago

Minneapolis

San Francisco

Los Angeles Phoenix

Anchorage

DallasAtlanta

BritishColumbia

VancouverIsland

ALASKA

Alberta

Manitoba

Ontario

Quebec

NorthwestTerritories Nunavut

YukonTerritories

Saskatchewan

Denver

USA

NorthAmerica

Page 24: 2012 Tourism Victoria Travel Trade Guide

24 www.tourismvictoria.com/traveltrade

777 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC V8W 2B5tel 250-388-5111 toll free 1-800-663-7001email [email protected] www.executivehouse.com

The Executive House Hotel is located in the heart of Victoria, across the street from the Victoria Conference Centre and steps from the inner Harbour; an unrivaled location that opens the door to restaurants, shops, museums, float plane tours, whale watching, and much more. Featuring spectacular views overlooking Victoria and the olympic mountains, Executive House Hotel offers 181 well- appointed guest rooms and suites. Equipped with full kitchens and living rooms our spacious suites provide the perfect (pet- friendly) home- away- from- home! Enjoy live entertainment at Bartholomew’s English- style Pub, or fresh steak & seafood at Barkley’s Dining Room. Complimentary wireless internet, spa tub, fitness studio and laundry. Specialists in the Travel Trade Group Tour, F.i.T. and Leisure Traveller, we are Full- Service and user- Friendly with Competitive Net Pricing and Value- Added Programs.

ExECuTiVE HouSE HoTELcaPacity: 181 GuEST RoomS

655 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC V8V 29Ptel 250-386-1312 toll free 1-800-663-7007email [email protected] www.qvhotel.com

The Queen Victoria Hotel and Suites is the right choice to accommodate your group tour needs. We offer elegance, comfort, affordability and location. The Hotel is located across the street from the Royal BC museum, and only steps away from the inner Harbour and Beacon Hill Park.

The majority of our spacious guest rooms have two queen beds – perfect for group tours. Guests may also enjoy our indoor pool, sauna, whirlpool and fitness area. We offer complimentary internet, business centre and local phone calls. Group meals are accommodated in our restaurant, “Samuel’s by the Park.”

QuEEN ViCToRiA HoTEL & SuiTEScaPacity: 146 GuEST RoomS

Page 25: 2012 Tourism Victoria Travel Trade Guide

TRAVEL TRADE PLANNER 25

740 Burdett Avenue, Victoria, BC V8W 1B2tel 250-382-4221 fax 1-800-663-5891email [email protected] www.chateauvictoria.com

Book your tour anywhere in Victoria and your customers will remember our great destination. Book your tour at the Chateau Victoria and they will remember the tour operator that took the time to find the most personalized hotel experience for their guests.

The personal touch…

• 49 twin double bed traditional rooms

• 10 king bed traditional rooms

• 11 queen bed suites with full kitchens and hideabeds

• 36 king bed suites with hideabeds (18 with convenience kitchen facilities)

• 63 suites with two queen beds (some with hideabeds)

• 1 deluxe 1-bedroom Penthouse

• 7 deluxe 2-bedroom Penthouses

• 1 amazing roof top restaurant, vista18.com

• 1 award winning bar, clivesclassiclounge.com

CHATEAu ViCToRiA HoTEL & SuiTEScaPacity: 177 GuEST RoomS

Port Angeles

CANADA

USA

Vancouver Island

Olympic National Park

Vancouver

Seattle

TacomaSea-Tac Airport

Puget Sound

Victoria

COHO

The most

direct route between

Victoria, BC and

the US430 Belleville Street, Victoria, BC V8V 1W9tel 250-386-2202 fax 250-386-2207web www.cohoferry.com

Black Ball Ferry Line operates a scenic 90-minute vehicle and passenger service between downtown Victoria and Washington State, providing a convenient link in the “circle route” between Seattle, Victoria and Vancouver, BC. Along the way, visit olympic National Park, a uNESCo World Heritage Site boasting nearly 1 million acres of parkland.

Passengers arrive in the heart of Victoria’s inner Harbour with unparalleled views of the city’s Parliament building, marinas and landmark architecture. The terminal is steps away from downtown hotels, shopping and sights. To book your group, tour or FiT travel onboard the mV Coho, visit www.cohoferry.com or call 1-250-386-6035.

• Fastest Bus Route from SeaTac to Victoria

• Economical Rates for Tour Groups and Bus Transportation

• onboard Amenities include: Duty Free Shopping, Gift Shop, Cafeteria, Viewing Decks

• Efficient Border Crossing minimizes Wait Times

BLACK BALL FERRY LiNEcaPacity: 1000 PASSENGERS, 110 VEHiCLES

Page 26: 2012 Tourism Victoria Travel Trade Guide

26 www.tourismvictoria.com/traveltrade

101 island Highway, Victoria, BC V9B 1E8tel 250-388-7861 toll free 1-800-661-4043 fax 250-388-7862email [email protected] www.comfortinnvictoria.com

The Comfort inn & Suites is perfectly located. Tucked away on Victoria’s picturesque Gorge Waterway, minutes from downtown and major attractions with easy access to Highways 1 and 17. Amenities include complimentary deluxe continental breakfast.

ComFoRT iNN & SuiTEScaPacity: 106 GuEST RoomS

4670 Elk Lake Drive, Victoria, BCtel 250-704-4656 toll free 1-866-300-4656email [email protected] www.hojovictoria.ca

Victoria’s full service hotel features 100 luxuriously finished guest rooms and suites offering superb amenities such as queen beds, soaker tubs, microwaves, fridges and coffee makers in all rooms. other highlights include a heated seasonal outdoor pool, indoor hot tub, and an on-site restaurant and lounge. Superbly located for maximum convenience, the hotel boasts close proximity to:

Butchart Gardens • Butterfly Gardens • Victoria international AirportBC & Washington State Ferries • Shopping & Dining • Golfing & Hiking

HoWARD JoHNSoN HoTEL & SuiTEScaPacity: 100 GuEST RoomS

don’t miss me …

Woolly MaMMoth Chilling out in the iCe Age

Natural History Gallery

675 Belleville Street, Victoria, BC V8W 9W2tel 250-356-RBCm (7226) toll free 1-888-447-7977fax 250-387-5674email [email protected] www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

Like a good story? You’ve come to the right place. Slide back in time to the ice Age for a visit with our Woolly mammoth. See how the fur trade changed the lives of BC’s First Peoples. Climb aboard Captain Vancouver’s ship anchored in Nootka Sound. And stroll through our forest for a cougar or grizzly bear encounter. TripAdvisor’s “top-rated” Victoria attraction.

RoYAL BC muSEum

Nanaimo: 35 Nanaimo River Rd, Nanaimo, BCtoll free 1-888-716-7374Victoria: 15-1767 island Highway, Victoria, BCtoll free 1-888-856-7275web www.WildPlay.com

unforgettable outdoor adventures are a climb, zip, jump, and swing away. Breaking-free from typical travel plans is easy with WildPlay’s monkido®, Bungy Jump, King Swing, and Canyon zip line Elements. Adults, teens, and kids of all fitness (and bravery) levels love conquering our primal fun and games!

WiLDPLAY ELEmENT PARKSGrouPs uP to: 200 GuESTS

Page 27: 2012 Tourism Victoria Travel Trade Guide

1-888-434-2229 250-389-2229 www.bigbusvictoria.com811 Government Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1W8Open 7 days/week, 9am to 5:30pm, April-October

Hop on the Big Bus!

Call now to book

your tour group!

Butchart Gardens

Inner Harbour

Chinatown

Victoria Sightseeing TourDiscover the sights of Victoria on one of our open-air buses or classic turn-of-the- century trolley bus. Whether you are visiting for just a few hours or a few days, our 90-minute sightseeing tour with on-board commentary gives you a quick way to see the main attractions of our beautiful city. You can hop on and off at any of our 22 stops, giving you the opportunity to see the sights at your own pace. Book a Tour Combo to include a trip to Butchart Gardens, whale watching, and more! Whether you want to visit major attractions, spend time shopping, or visit one of many fine restaurants — Big Bus is on the route!

City Tour with over 20 stops including:Victoria’s Inner Harbour • Chinatown • Craigdarroch Castle Rockland • Oak Bay Village • Beach Drive ...and so much more!

Page 28: 2012 Tourism Victoria Travel Trade Guide

Choose an Adventure to Suit Your Clients!•Youchoose~spacious,coveredOceanCruisersoropenZodiacs•PersonalizedMeet&GreetServicesforGroupTours•Friendly,fun&Award-winningCrew•Yourclientswillbethrilledseeingmammalsintheirnaturalenvironment•Victoria’s#1rated“ReturnActivity”.Don’tmissout!

19 Years of Professional Group & FIT Travel

SpringTide Whale Tours1119 Wharf Street, Victoria, B.C. V8W [email protected] SpringTideCharters.com

Whale WatchVictoria’s

Must Do Activity

Reserve Your Adventure Now!3 Hour Tours, Departing Daily

800.470.3474250.384.4444

SpyhoppingMarine Life Close Encounters

Sea . More

Harbour Tours and Fishing Charters. Downtown Departures.