A buzzing city with a proud heritage. Galleries and museums. A delightful harbour district. A 130 acre country estate. Zodiac trips to watch marine wildlife. All just a quick ferry trip from Vancouver.

Whatever time of year you’re planning to visit Vancouver, take time out – even just a couple of days – to visit British Columbia’s capital. Victoria is famed for its balmy, climate. So you can expect agreeable temperatures…and spectacular sights. Butchart Gardens, for example, offers you a country estate with 50 acres covered in fragrant flowers, arranged throughout delightful themed gardens, lily pools and twinkling streams. Victoria is also famed for its superb coastal setting that – as well as endless photographic opportunities – offers you the chance to go on marine wildlife safaris aboard Zodiac boats. Orcas, minke and grey whales, porpoises and harbour seals are regular sightings on the safaris, whilst sea kayaking in shallow passages means you’ll see a variety of smaller marine life, close up. And in Victoria itself you’ll be able to explore the cultures of its native and transplanted citizens, via the Royal British Columbia Museum – and the storefronts of historic Government Street.