Victoria Express

Spring is the perfect time for romantic getaways to Victoria. Take advantage of the Victoria Express 20th anniversary special, and travel round trip from Port Angeles to Victoria for only $20 ($10 one way). Our 2010 season starts May 28th.

There are so many fantastic hotels right in the heart of downtown Victoria that it can be hard to decide where to stay. Each one has something unique to offer guests. Read on for two examples.

The Hotel Grand Pacific offers live smooth jazz by pianist Jan Stirling on Friday and Saturday evenings. She is situated in the dining room, but you can also hear the music from the lounge, and it creates a lovely ambiance. Hotel Grand Pacific also offers a delicious West Coast Afternoon Tea, featuring wild salmon lox, smoked albacore, poached wild spot prawn brochettes, and truffles. Mmmm.

Traditional English Tea is a century-old tradition at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, overlooking Victoria's Inner Harbour. Pastry Chef D'Oyen Christie's creations will melt in your mouth. You'll want to explore Victoria, of course, but you may have trouble tearing yourself away from this luxurious hotel. Restore yourself in the spa. Enjoy a cocktail on the Veranda, and savor the amazing curry buffet in the Bengal Lounge.

It's not hard to think of reasons to visit Victoria. It is hard to come up with reasons to stay home. Don't bother trying - just call Victoria Express at 360-452-8088, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it today.

Travel between the United States and Canada requires a passport or enhanced driver's license. Visit our ID Requirements section for information.

Laughter is good for us. It is said that laughing makes us healthier; it uses core muscles, lowers blood pressure, boosts immunity, and reduces stress. The best part? It feels good to laugh.

In fact, the only thing better than laughing is laughing in Victoria.

The Cody Rivers duo will be in Victoria for one night only, at the Metro Studio (1411 Quadra Street, Victoria). According to The New York Theatre Wire, "The closest experience to it would be seeing 'Waiting for Godot' performed by Chinese acrobats."

Does that pique your curiosity?

Bring your spouse, your children and your mother. The Cody Rivers duo is based in Bellingham, Washington, and has developed a serious following in Victoria. The 30th will be the Canadian premiere of new show, Right Back Where We Finished.

Sammie Gough, from Intrepid Theatre, spoke with the duo's Andrew Connor about the new show. He promises "high-spectacle dances" and "intellectual haziness," among other things. Intriguing...

Since you are traveling to Victoria, you may as well extend your trip and take in some of what the city has to offer. The Metro Studio is in the heart of downtown Victoria, where there are innumerable restaurants, pubs and cafes. Offset the zany, acrobatic, intellectually fuzzy Cody Rivers Show with a sedate, sophisticated Afternoon Tea at the Empress Hotel.

The team at Victoria Express will happily make all arrangements for your Victoria BC travel. Let us organize transportation to and from the island, and find the perfect lodging for you. We offer a number of exciting travel packages to Victoria. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 360-452-8088 for more information.

Please see our ID Requirements to learn what is necessary for travel between the United States and Canada.

Take advantage of the Hood Canal Bridge closure to travel on the Victoria Express, explore Victoria, and get to know your neighbors to the north. Riding the Victoria Express is a great, inexpensive way to travel to one of the most beautiful cities on the west coast.

We are fortunate to be so close to a city that is steeped in British traditions. One of the most charming of these traditions is Afternoon Tea. Historically, Afternoon Tea in Britain is served before 5pm, and includes a small selection of sandwiches and little cakes. It is served at small tables in the parlor or outside, not in the dining room. If Afternoon Tea is skipped, Brits traditionally take High Tea after 5pm. This is served at the dining table, and includes a variety of hot foods

Tea at the Empress

Consider signing up for one of the Victoria Express Afternoon Tea specials. A reminder of British Columbia’s English roots, Afternoon Tea at The Empress Hotel has been one of Victoria’s traditions for almost a century. You haven’t had a scone until you’ve eaten one of award-winning Pastry Chef D’Oyen Christie’s freshly baked raisin scones with heavy cream and strawberry preserves. It is the perfect accompaniment to a cup of the hotel’s secret Tea at The Empress blend in the Library. You will transported to another era.

For a different setting, try Afternoon Tea at the Gardens -Butchart Gardens, that is. This is a melange of Afternoon and High Tea traditions, serving warm sausage rolls (made from Vancouver Island pork) and quiche in the afternoon. Lemon Poppy Seed loaf or chocolate Grand Marnier truffles guarantee that those with a sweet tooth will not be disappointed. These are of course accompanied by a large pot of tea of your choice.

Victoria Express Afternoon Tea Special – Includes round trip ferry tickets from Port Angeles to Victoria aboard the Victoria Express, Afternoon Tea at the Empress Hotel. $93 per person.

Victoria Express Afternoon Tea at the Gardens – Includes round trip ferry tickets from Port Angeles to Victoria aboard the Victoria Express, Afternoon Tea at Butchart Gardens. $116.50 per person

Don’t forget that United States Citizens will need a passport or an enhanced driver’s license to travel to Canada after May 31, 2009.