Victoria, British Columbia, known as the Garden City, holds on tightly to its British roots. From its dedications to its roses, to its double decker buses and collection of tea rooms, if you look hard enough, you can find a bit of small-town England here.
As this Victoria Taste of England tour includes walking through the city, it is, of course, enjoyed best in fine weather. But with a bit of planning for the climate, you can take part in this British style tour year-round.
10:00 a.m.
The Empress Hotel 721 Government Street
(250) 384-8111
Have brunch at Kiplings in the Empress Hotel. Then make your way to the Inner Harbour
Form the inner Harbour, catch a No 11 bus (uplands) or a No 14 bus (University) to Joan Crescent then walk up the hill.
12:30 p.m.
Craigdarroch Castle 1050 Joan Crescent
(205) 592-5323
The castle was built by a Scottish Immigrant Robert Dunsmir. Enjoy the history of the building by taking a tour with one of the volunteers. Then admire the city views from the upstairs rooms.
2:00 p.m.
Return to the Inner Harbour on the bus.
2:30 p.m.
Wander down Government Street to Fort Street. Turn right.
Browse through the antique shops.
3:30 p.m.
James Bay Tea Room 322 Menzies Street
250-382-8282
Have tea at one of the many Tea Rooms in the city.
Try the James Bay Tea Room located behind the Provincal Parliment Buildings just a short walk from the Inner Harbour. This turn of the century house now plays host to high tea on Saturday & Sunday. The Tea Room is open from 7:00am - 5:00pm Monday to Saturday and 8:00am - 5:00pm on Sunday. So walk in and have some tea in this classic house.
5:00 p.m.
Murchie's 1110 Government street
Walk down Government Street to Murchie's. This 100-year old company provides the Empress with tea.
Wander through the shops.
6:00 p.m.
Continue along Government Street until you reach Yates Street. Turn right. Stock up on your English sweets.
The English Sweet Shop
738 Yates Street
(250) 382-3325
or
British Candy Shoppe
635 Yates Street
(250) 382-2634
7:00 p.m.
Continue along Yates towards the water. Turn left into Bastion Square. Stroll through the square. It's the oldest part of the city and the original site of Fort Victoria.
7:30 p.m.
Garricks' Head Pub 69 Bastion Square
(250) 384-6835
Enjoy a good English pub meal and drink at Garricks' Head Pub. Located at the Bedford Hotel.
10:00 p.m.
Wander back along Government Street to the Inner Harbour and your hotel. Enjoy a piece of your English candy along the way.
Insider Hotel Tips! 
Rain
Good weather
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Taxi suggested
Can walk there
Car needed
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Relaxed
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