The Splendor of Victoria Will Transform You

When it comes to planning a getaway, the world is the limit, literally. There are so many incredible, magical places to visit and explore, that it would take many lifetimes over to experience them all. Certain destinations are not only must-see places, but are worth returning to over and over again. Victoria, British Columbia, is one such a place.

Victoria is not only the Capital of British Columbia, it is one of the oldest cities in all of the Pacific Northwest. Situated at the southern end of Vancouver Island, Victoria is just a stone’s throw away from the United States, making it an easy international destination to visit. Victoria’s past has been well preserved in the charming and classic architecture of the Victorian and Georgian eras.

The city was named in honor of Queen Victoria, and has become affectionately known as the Garden City, with the plethora of beautiful gardens to be found there. As a port city, Victoria has long attracted a wide range of people. From the Coast Salish First Nations People, who were in the area long before the settlement was begun, to students, retirees and artists, this gorgeous city truly has an international flavor as it has progressed into a top economic center for technology and tourism.

There are several “Must-Do” experiences to enjoy when you travel to Victoria BC. Among them are:

·         Butchart Gardens- A National Historical Site in Canada, with distinctive

floral gardens, a quaint Tea House and plenty of photo opportunities.

·         Victoria Butterfly Gardens- a popular indoor refuges for 75 species of butterflies, along with birds,

fish, amphibians and more.

·         Museums: Royal British Columbia Museum, Maritime Museum of British Columbia, British Columbia Aviation Museum- all of these provide a stellar experience, highlighting the history and culture of the region.

·         Beacon Hill Park- Acres and acres of beautiful parkland right in the city, including gorgeous garden landscapes.

·         Historical Buildings- British Columbia Parliament, Christ Church Cathedral Empress Hotel

·         Chinatown- the second oldest Chinese neighborhood in North America

·         Market Square- Shopping, eating and entertainment galore

·         Art Gallery of Greater Victoria- Featuring art from cultures around the world

·         Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre- on the Saanich Peninsula just north of Victoria

·         Fisgard Lighthouse- the oldest lighthouse on Canada’s Pacific Coast

·         Hatley Castle- Turn of the Century Tudor style Manor house and gardens

In addition to all these incredible places to visit in Victoria, BC, there are other activities and

experiences you may not be aware of, which are worth checking out during any adventure to Victoria. Some examples include:

·        The best way to arrive is via the Victoria Clipper, the daily ferry which travels between Seattle and Victoria. You will enjoy stunning views on the water, perhaps even some whales, and entering the harbor into Victoria is a must-see viewpoint.

·         Eat along Fisherman’s Warf. This area is home to many who live on houseboats, but there are top quality restaurants here too.

·         If you are a rugby fan, as the Headquarters for Rugby Canada, chances are you can find a game to watch.

·         Other sports you can enjoy include hockey, curling, rowing and motorsports.

·         Get in touch with the majestic natural beauty of the region with any of the following recreational activities: cycling (in town or on mountain trails), golf, hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, trekking.

·         Double Decker Buses are a Victoria BC icon, and make for a fun and easy way to tour the city. You can take the city bus or get a ‘Hop on- Hop off’ daily bus ticket for the 24-hour Grey Line double decker tour bus, ready to take where ever you want to go around Victoria.

·         Whale Watching- The waters off Victoria are home to both Humpback Whales and Orcas, along with 5 other species of dolphins. A special day on the water to catch a glimpse of these magical creates is highly recommended. Book your tickets before you go- these tours fill up fast throughout the year.

If you are ready to get away to Victoria BC for a relaxing weekend in a beautiful part of the Pacific Northwest, now is a great time to book your trip! You can also join a C.P. Trips agent on a hosted trip to Victoria BC, through our Classy Ladies Getaways (& Couples Too!) travel program.  Coming up, June 1^st, June 4^th, 2017, we will explore the Splendorsof Victoria. Space is limited for this small group tour, call or email us to reserve your spot.

The agents of C.P. Trips are here to help you plan a vacation full of transformative memories. Enjoy a worry-free journey with the support and care of a local Travel Professional*. Visit our website, cptrips.com to explore the latest in travel ideas, promotions and more. Call us at (503) 658-5646 or email us at cptrips@aol.com today- Keep Calm and Travel On.

 *We are excited to have the chance to help you with your vacation plans! We understand that you have many options to choose from when it comes to travel. Our standard fee policy is noted below for your reference.
With the time and expertise we give in our researching travel options and destinations for clients and potential customers, along with our continuing education and training, we have non-refundable fees of $ 30.00 for domestic travel research & planning and $ 75.00 for International travel research & planning. This research fee is applied to your vacation package when purchased through C.P. Trips, Inc.In addition to our research fee, there is an airline ticket/service fee: $30 per person/ticket for US flights, $65 per person/ticket for International flights. Other fees for certain additional requested bookings such as, but not limited to: lodgings, excursion activities, and destination specialty requests will be applied ($15.00 - $45.00) depending on type of booking completed.  Initial Research/Planning fee due prior to trip planning; all other fees due at time of invoicing. Thank you, we look forward to helping you make your vacation dreams a reality!