Victoria Express

Victoria's Chinatown

Are you feeling like catalogs and box stores just aren’t offering the perfect gifts for your friends and family? If so, travel to Victoria BC to explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods and shops.

There is no shortage of neighborhoods to explore. Be sure to wear good walking shoes and head to Antique Row and Chinatown, Lower Johnson Street and Cook Street Village. You’ll find an eclectic variety of shops where you are sure to unearth at least one treasure.

On Lower Johnson Street, you’ll find a row of colorful Victorian shops full of fashionable boutiques. This is the place to look for unique clothing items, as many of the stores showcase products made by local designers. If you are adventurous enough to squeeze into some of these tiny storefronts (claustrophobes beware!) you’ll be amply rewarded.

Look for exotic fruits and vegetables, and an enormous selection of Chinese imports in the shops and markets of Chinatown. Start on Fisgard Street, but be sure not to miss Fan Tan Alley, where you’re likely to find the perfect gifts for the young, spirited travelers in your life.

The place to search for antiques and collectibles is Fort Street, between Blanshard and Cook. If European high fashion is more your cup of tea, head to Trounce Alley; this pedestrian-only space between Government and Broad streets is reminiscent of Europe. Three-tiered Market Square is a good place to find a wide variety of shops featuring everything from toys to imports to local art.

You are guaranteed to work up an appetite, so it’s a good thing there are so many excellent restaurants, pubs and cafes in downtown Victoria. It has been said that Victoria has more restaurants per capita than any other city in North America, with the exception of San Francisco. If you are hungering for a particular type of food, you are sure to find it in Victoria.

While you plan your itinerary in downtown Victoria, let Victoria Express take care of getting you there and finding your lodging. We’ll arrange your travel and book your hotel. We are also offering a number of interesting overnight travel packages through January 2, 2010.

Call 360-452-8088 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .