Victoria Express

Captain James Cook was the first Anglo man to set foot in what is now referred to as Victoria British Columbia. Victoria is Western Canada’s oldest city. The city began to grow and develop in 1843, when the city was chosen as a Hudson Bay Trading post.

Today with a growing regional population, a moderate climate and scenic setting, Victoria has retained a very comfortable quality of life. Victoria is proud of its rich heritage, its First Nations totem poles, its fine homes and neighborhoods, its historic and attractive downtown, the flowers and parks and, of course, its Inner Harbor with scenic vistas toward the famous Empress Hotel and the Parliament Buildings. Visit Victoria and find out for yourself!

The city is bustling with art and culture. Experience live theater, art exhibits, music concerts, summer festivals and films.

The Belfry Theater

Housed in an old church, The Belfry Theater is a lovingly refinished heritage state. The Belfry has garnered international acclaim for its outstanding productions of new comedies, dramas and musicals. The Belfry produces nine shows each year in its intimate setting and hosts a variety of concerts.

McPherson Theater

Opened in 1914, the 825-seat theater is at the heart of Victoria’s community arts scene and also hosts many professional theater and concert performances. The McPherson lobby is home to The Gallery at the MAC, a showcase for local and regional visual art.

The Chemainus Theater

The Chemainus Theater offers professional live theater that is always entertaining and engaging. Producing year-round, this regional theater company stages a wide range of world classics, musicals and new plays featuring professional guest artists from across North America. For the complete Victoria Art evening, before the theater enjoy dinner in the Playbill Dining Room and browse in The Gallery, a showcase of over 100 British Columbia artisans.

Langham Court Theater

The original buildings of the Langham Court Theater, dating back to 1880 were the carriage house and barn of the Robert Ward family estate. In 1938 when the buildings began their transformation into a fully-functional theater known as The Victoria Little Theater and Dramatic School. The name was changed in 1950 to the Langham Court Theater and the buildings were joined in 1951. The last half-century has seen many improvements, renovations and expansions, making this Victoria landmark a quaint and intimate neighborhood theater.

Royal Theater

Known as Victoria’s “home of the stars”, the 1,445-seat Royal Theater opened in 1913 and is a not-to-miss piece of architectural beauty. The Royal is host to the Victoria Symphony, Pacific Opera Victoria, as well as being a showcase for a diverse selection of cultural events.

The Port Theater

Located on the breathtaking waterfront along Front Street next to the Coast Bastion Inn, The Port Theater has multipurpose function that brings in a variety of local and top touring performing arts groups. Expect to see music acts, drama, comedy, symphony, musical theater, children’s theater as well as conferences and symposia.

I hope we have given you a few ideas about where to visit during your visit to Victoria in Canada. Look for more information on Victoria soon!

Victoria is often called the “city of gardens”, and there are lots of oppurtinities for British Columbia Sports & Recreation. One of the most popular destinations for sea kayaking in Victoria is Discovery Island Marina. Popular with both visitors and residents, the area is accessible from Cattle Point, just north of the Oak Bay Marina.

Kayakers paddling between Oak Bay and Discovery Island will be delighted by the wildlife they witness as they glide along. The route leads you through a sensitive seabird nesting area and ecological reserve. Sightings of seals, sea lions, otters and Bald Eagles are common around the park. Paddlers should be aware that these waters can be dangerous during strong currents and winds. Crossings are best made at slack tide in calm weather.

Whale Watching on the way to Discovery Island

Discovery Island is a popular kayaking and camping destination for school groups and kayak instruction groups, who have experienced guides on hand. The park features a large, open field, southwest of Pandora Hill, where campers can set up a tent. The only facilities provided are a pit toilet, information shelter and picnic tables. Campfires are not permitted on Discovery Island.

A hiking trail system runs from the lighthouse on Sea Bird Point to the western shore of the park, where hikers can hike up Pandora Hill for sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains and surrounding area. In the spring, a colourful array of wildflowers blooms in the woodlands and meadows. This is just one example of the many reasons to visit Victoria Canada.