We had the good fortune to go to Victoria a couple of weekends ago;  I wanted to share a few old and new favorites in Victoria.  Yes, the inner harbor is mobbed with tourists during the summer season, but with only a little effort you can escape the crowds and find some truly unique experiences.

Recommended B&B: Abbeymoore Guest House

The rooms and breakfast at Abbeymoore Manor Bed and Breakfast are excellent.  (We discovered it because the Abbeymoore received a five star traveler rating on Tripadvisor; once again TripAdvisor came through with accurate reviews.)

It’s located in a quiet residential neighborhood essentially across the street from the gardens of Government House (see below), but is only five minutes from downtown Victoria and the water.

Whale Watching

We had a remarkable Orca watching trip with Springtide Charters; watching the pod swimming together and dining on Salmon we got a real sense of the social structures of the pod.

(Viator offers a 20% discount on whale watching tickets.)

Government House

Skip the crowds at Butchart Gardens and enjoy the beautiful gardens at Government House.  (Click on the map below for a description of all of the different parts of the garden.)  There is no charge for admission.  The gardens.  In addition to the gardens, there is also a beautiful Garry oak meadow and view of the water behind the house.

Recommended Restaurant: Camille’s

We have been going to Camille’s for years and always enjoy it.  Here’s how the owners describe their restaurant:

Our restaurant is a unique combination of fine dining with a comfortable, casual atmosphere. The menu is diverse, with many specials including vegetarian food, fresh seafood, and wild game. We are proud to utilize as many fresh local ingredients as possible and we prepare our dishes in a health-conscious full flavored style. Candlelight, soft blues and jazz and a talented staff supply the atmosphere. For those who love wine, our list is extensive with truly great and affordable wines.