Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the leading historic art figures in British Columbia (BC). Aside from Carr's swirling
nature canvases, you'll find an ever-changing array of temporary exhibitions. Check
online for a lively roster of events, including tours, lectures, presentations and film
screenings.
The gallery is close to Craigdarroch Castle, handy if you want to combine your vis-
its. And if you're on a budget, entry on the first Tuesday of the month is by donation.
ROBERT BATEMAN CENTRE
GALLERY
(
www.batemancentre.org
;
Steamship Terminal Bldg, 470 Belleville St; adult/child $12.50/6;
10am-6pm Sun-Wed, to 9pm Thu-Sat Jun-Sep, reduced hours off-season)
Worried locals
wondered what would become of the grand Inner Harbour building that had housed a
creaky old waxworks museum for many years. But most were delighted when a new art
center celebrating the work of arguably Canada's foremost nature painter moved in. Ex-
pect plenty of beady-eyed artworks on display, plus the chance to buy your own on the
way out.
Check the events calender online before you visit: if you're really lucky, Bateman
himself will be here to give a talk.
BEACON HILL PARK
PARK
Fringed by crashing ocean, this dramatic park is perfect for weathering a wild storm -
check out those windswept trees along the cliff top. You'll also find one of the world's
tallest totem poles, a Victorian cricket pitch and a marker for Mile 0 of Hwy 1, along-
side a statue of Terry Fox, the one-legged runner whose cross-Canada trek gripped the
nation (
Click here
)
.
If you're here with kids, head for the children's farm to hang out with its baby pigs
and wandering peacocks. There are also goat races twice daily.
BUTCHART GARDENS
GARDENS
(
www.butchartgardens.com
;
800 Benvenuto Ave; adult/youth/child $30/15/10.30, reduced prices
off-season; 9am-10pm mid-Jun-Aug, reduced hours off-season; 75)
If you're driving
back to the ferry en route to Vancouver, detour to this hugely popular, perfectly mani-
cured garden attraction. It's especially worth a visit in summer when it hosts regular
evening concerts and fireworks events (included with admission). A year-round
