Flowers, flowers, everywhere
by Dabs
Even if you don't get a chance to visit Buchart Gardens, flower lovers will not be disappointed as the center of Victoria is a giant outdoor garden, filled with vibrant magenta flowers spilling out of hanging baskets, more flowers lining the sidewalks, surrounding the inner harbour and accenting the statue of Queen Victoria.
My favorite flower photo was the one I took outside the Empress Hotel of the ladies of the Red Hat Society in their purple dresses. For those of you not familiar with this club, it is for ladies over 50 year old and the sole purpose seems to be just having fun. But I also loved the floral designed orca emerging from a bed of flowers.
And Rob, for all the flower photos you take, you'd think that you'd know the name of SOME of them LOL
Well, if you are Spanish...
by -deja.Ismael
Well, if you are Spanish (European, in general) probably you have seen enough monumental cities. What makes Canadá different? I think it is the countryside: visit the forests, the coast, mountains ...
Our CLIMATE
by Lady_Mystique
Located in a sub-Mediterranean zone, Victoria boasts the mildest climate in Canada.
Victoria receives an average of 2,183 hours of sunshine each year, with flowers in bloom year-round and an eight month frost-free season.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must when visiting Victoria; this resort-style city is made for strolling, with downtown hotels, restaurants, shops and parks within close proximity of one another.
Spring arrives as early as February and is mild.
Summer is comfortably warm and dry with temperatures from 18? to 32?C (65? to 90?F). Victoria has a very low humidity ratio and almost constant offshore breezes, which keep summer days from becoming too hot and summer evenings cool. A sweater or light jacket is recommended if you are going out at night.
The average monthly rainfall in summer is less than 2.5 cm (1"). Victoria often enjoys a warm, sunny September with fall arriving late in the month. Deciduous trees turn the city to gold, but lawns and golf courses are green and lush throughout the winter.
The average annual rainfall for Victoria is 66.5 cm (26.2"), which is substantially less rain than both Vancouver and Seattle receive. Victoria receives rainfall during January, February and March, but rarely snow. The average monthly rainfall in winter is 5 cm (2") and the average temperature in January is 3?C (38?F).
Although winters are mild and rarely include snow, warmer clothing is recommended between the months of November and March.
For anyone new to Victoria,...
by ldahl
For anyone new to Victoria, the visitor information center right on the corner of Wharf street across from the Empress, can be a great help. There are lots of brochures you can look through as well as people there to help answer your questions. If you are interested in any of the things I have mentioned on this page, the info center can tell you how to get there.
British Columbia's crest
by Dabs
I saw the former British Columbia crest at least two places while in Victoria on the top of Parliament and on one of the stained glass windows in the Parliament Building which was created during the time of Queen Victoria. Like the current crest, it features a stag and a ram, representing the (former) British Colonies of Vancouver Island and British Columbia, a Union Jack (the flag of Britain), the sun, blue and silver bars representing the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains, topped with the Royal Crest of a lion.
What is different about the crest is the placement of the sun, if you look at the photos at Parliament, you'll notice the sun is on top of the Union Jack. This was changed in 1906 so that the sun was below the Union Jack as it was contrary to the popular saying that the "sun never sets on the British Empire".
The photo taken of the gates at the Lieutenant Governor's mansion has the current crest.
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Lochside Trail from Intersection w Galloping Goose
Great Blue Heron and Observatio Platform in Park
Various Goodies on Display at Origin Bakery
Totem Poles and Family House Poles
