Royal British Columbia Museum

675 Belleville Street
Victoria B.C.

This is one place that I can personally recommend as a "must see" attraction when in Victoria. I have visited several of the other major tourist attractions in the area, and none can compare in value! This is not your typical museum with a bunch of stuffed animals and other artifacts displayed in cases around a room. This place is huge! It contains a mine with working water wheel, a fish cannery, a ship, an old town, a forest and seashore, a sawmill, plus more; all with sounds and smells to make visitors believe they are experiencing these things for real.
The museum also features two movie theatres (3 if you count the silent-movie theatre in the old town) and a whole lot more. Plan to stay at least 2 hours if you just want to breeze through. If you read all the information and watch all the videos and slide shows, I doubt you will make it in one full day! Bring a lunch or enjoy their cafeteria for a full-day outing.

Mailing Address:
Royal British Columbia Museum
PO Box 9815 Stn. Prov. Govt.
Victoria, B.C.
Canada V8W 9W2

Internet:
http://rbcm1.rbcm.gov.bc.ca home page

Phone:
General Information (250) 387-3701
Recorded Information (250) 387-3014
Toll-free from Canada & the USA 1-800-661-5411
Eco-Tours Information (250) 387-5745
Group Bookings (250) 387-2944

Fort Street - Antique Row

This well known area between Blanshard and Cook Streets is home to dozens of antique shops, rare coin and stamp shops, and auction houses. Very worthwhile if you are an avid collector of just about anything.

Government House

Come and stroll the beautifully maintained gardens of British Columbia's Lieutenant Governor. The gardens include a formal rose garden and are open to the public. Government House is located on Rockland Avenue.

Marine Drive - Scenic Drive

This is our favorite way to leave the city and head back to the ferry terminal. Start at Dallas Road and head east past Beacon Hill Park, old stately neighborhoods, the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, Oak Bay, Cadboro Bay, and Gordon Head. Follow the "scenic drive" signs and head all the way around to the west side of Saanich Peninsula along West Saanich Road.

Parliament Buildings

Over a century old, the British Columbia Legislative Buildings dominate the Inner Harbour. Guided tours of the Rattenbury built buildings are available. Young Francis Rattenbury also built the Canadian Pacific Steamship terminal (now the Royal London Wax Museum) and the Empress Hotel.