Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MAP
GOOGLE MAP
(
www.leg.bc.ca
;
501 Belleville St; tours 9am-5pm)
This handsome confection of tur-
rets, domes and stained glass is the province's working legislature, but it's also open to
history-loving visitors. Peek behind the facade on a colorful (and free) 30-minute tour led
by costumed Victorians, then stop for lunch at the 'secret' politicians' restaurant. Return
in the evening, when the elegant exterior is illuminated like a Christmas tree.
Robert Bateman Centre
GALLERY
(
www.batemancentre.org
; 470 Belleville St; adult/child $12.50/8.50; 10am-6pm Sun-Wed, to
9pm Thu-Sat)
Victoria's newest cultural attraction isn't just a gallery showcasing the
photo-realistic works of Canada's most popular nature painter, it's also a testament to
Bateman's commitment to environmental issues. Start with the five-minute intro movie,
then move through a series of small exhibit areas with 160 achingly beautiful paintings
and prints showing animals in nature from BC and beyond.
Victoria Bug Zoo
ZOO
(
www.bugzoo.com
; 631 Courtney St; adult/child $10/7; 10:30am-5:30pm Mon-Sat, 11am-5pm
Sun)
The most fun any kid can have in Victoria without realizing it's educational. Step in-
side the brightly painted main room for a cornucopia of show-and-tell insect encounters.
The excellent young guides talk about critters like frog beetles, dragon-headed crickets
and the disturbingly large three-horned scarab beetles, and there are plenty of chances to
snap shots of your kids handling the goods (under supervision).
Beacon Hill Park
PARK
(
www.beaconhillpark.ca
;
Douglas St)
Fringed by crashing ocean, this waterfront park is ideal
for feeling the wind in your hair - check out the windswept trees along the cliff top.
You'll also find a gigantic totem pole, a Victorian cricket pitch and a marker for Mile 0
of Hwy 1, alongside a statue of Canadian legend Terry Fox. If you're here with kids, con-
sider the popular children's farm as well (
www.beaconhillchildrensfarm.ca
).
Craigdarroch Castle
MUSEUM
(
www.thecastle.ca
;
1050 Joan Cres; adult/child $13.75/5; 9am-7pm)
An elegant turreted
mansion built by a 19th-century coal baron with money to burn, this handsome 39-room
landmark is dripping with period architecture and antique-packed rooms. Climb the
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