Visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens or the lush and exotic Butterfly Gardens and see how Victoria earned the nickname "The City of Gardens."

Explore Victoria's history on a Grand City Drive. Visit the awe-inspiring Craigdarroch Castle with its 39 rooms and five stories of stained glass and end the day with high tea at the world-famous Fairmont Empress Hotel.

For a sporting adventure and wildlife experience, play a round of golf at the Olympic View Gold Club. Be forewarned, you may find it difficult to concentrate on your game - the course has two magnificent waterfalls, an amazing view of the Olympic Mountains and is lined with forests where black-tailed deer are often spotted.

Victoria is a great culinary hotspot. In addition to the abundance of fresh seafood, its mild climate lends itself to a variety of locally grown produce. For a complete culinary experience, be sure to try a glass of wine from one of Victoria's award-winning wineries.

In Canada, the Canadian dollar is the official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted and often offer a good exchange rate. In all of Canada, a 5% Goods & Services Tax must be paid on all transportation, accommodation, restaurant meals, and just about anything else you purchase, right down to a pack of gum.