Victoria's Maple Leaf Secret | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Travel

Victoria's Maple Leaf Secret

Visiting British Columbia's Victoria Island

41
Victoria's Maple Leaf Secret
Photo by Vancouver Spectacular by Nature

Who doesn't love Canada? It has great food, amazing people, impeccable air, and well Justin Trudeau. Vancouver of course is a fantastic, innovative city growing by the day. However, in evolving into a first class country, Canada is also home to one of most antique and historical landmarks in the continent. The island of Victoria, named after the late Queen Victoria, gives its visitors a piece of Europe for less flying miles, close proximity, and an unforgettable road trip if you dare to cross the California-Oregon- Washington trail.

Victoria Island: The British island of Canada

photo by TripAdvisor

Victoria Island is home to one of Canada's most beautiful islands. The Island is a British common wealth, and renders tribute to the Queen of England, Elizabeth. Victoria Island is home to an estimated 350k people of a median age of about 43. If you are planning of visiting Victoria, keep in mind this travel spot is one of curiosity, European coffee spots and pubs, to Parliament.

Finding a place to stay? How about the haunted Fairmont Empress Hotel?

photo by Rocio Flores-Villa

The Fairmont Empress Hotel is home to one of the most lavish and luxurious interiors. The staff welcomes their guests in elegant tuxedoed attire at the foot of the entrance. The interior contains an old Hollywoodesque eerie style, with tales of ghosts haunting the corridors of each floor dressed in early 1900 attire. The Empress contains one of the best cuisines within its restaurants, and elegant coffee and tea resting places for its guests. The experience of staying at the Empress resembles that of the Beauty and Beast castle.

The Parliament Building

photo by Rocio Flores-Villa

Walking about in Inner Harbour mid-day, in a cold, rainy environment certainly invites the the need for a hot cup of tea and scones in the very lavish Parliament Building. Within its walls is the many portraits of the tribute of Queen Elizabeth, and ancient European architecture.

China Town

photo by Bielousov

Many great cities have a China Town adding to the cities' cultural diversity. However, the China Town of Victoria Island has been crowned as the second oldest and best China Town behind the infamous one in San Francisco. What makes this China Town so unique is the greatness of its buildings and the jewel of culture in it. This China Town is less about commercialism and more about embracing Chinese culture.

Aboriginal Culture

photo by Yiling Liu

What makes Canada so unique its is respect for its indigenous culture. While the majority of the country has grown along with its European influences, people have brought with them the respect for those who lived in the land before them. The Royal BC Museum, offers its visitors a tour of the origins of Vancouver and the evolution of indigenous lands into European colonies.

Whale Whale Whale, is that an orca?

photo by Viator

One could argue they've seen many orcas at Sea World shows, but have you seen one 5 feet away from you, while on an inflatable boat? Probably not. The experience is not only exhilarating, but also something worth adding on you bucket list.

Bastion Square

photo by Dacardoso

Bastion Square is one that combines European vibes with Canadian pride. It offers alleys of risk pubs, quality coffee and pastries, and the best cuisines you will ever experience. The architecture and small shops are a definite shot for your new instagram post, and the people you will meet are one of the friendliest and interesting individuals you will meet.

Craigdarroch's Castle

photo by Rebecca Bollwitt

Built by Baron Dunsmuir in the late 1890's, this Scottish architecture proves to be one of the most eerie and bone chilling tours in the Island. It has been rumored to contain the spirits of those who habituated the household. The many wooden floors in the building take you a a scene back in time, with the intact items and clothing of the owners. It is a must see attraction when visiting Victoria.

I am in Vancouver.. How do I get to Victoria Island?

photo by Rocio Flores-Villa

What if I told you you and your car could be taken from across the ocean in a humongous ferry? Tourists drive into the port, where a titanic ferry awaits them. All you have to do is drive into the ferry, and climb overboard to enjoy a hot latte and pastry, while the violent Canadian winds push against you. This scenic sail is a must, showcasing small islands and picture worthy packs of forests along the path.

Things to prepare for as you plan your trip to Victoria Island

photo by British Columbia's Travel Guide

1. Take a heavy jacket and umbrella.. the rain is unpredictable and well depending on the season, it could even snow

2. Make note of the currency exchange, not everyone accepts US dollars

3. Make a list of sights you want to visit, too many, not enough tours

4. Bring tons of energy, get ready to walk for miles

5.Get ready to see Queen Elizabeth's face everywhere

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190196
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14884
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457855
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26616
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments