Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PeninsulatowardfamousButchartGardens.Alongthelatterroute,theroadpassesthrough
Mount Douglas Park, which extends from the summit of Mount Douglas to the calm wa-
terofCordovaBay.Walkingtrails dominated bytoweringDouglasfirandcedartreeslead
to the park's 260-meter (850-foot) summit and down to a sandy stretch of beach.
GORGE WATERWAY
This natural canal leads north from the Inner Harbour to Portage Inlet, a small saltwater
lakebesideHighway1.Atthefarendofthewaterwayare Craigflower Manor and Craig-
flower Schoolhouse, two historically important buildings that are not open to the public
but may be easily viewed from outside the grounds. They were built in the 1850s on what
was the island's first farm. To reach Craigflower, take Gorge Road (Hwy. 1A) north from
downtown to the Craigflower Bridge (around 4 kilometers/2.5 miles). The schoolhouse is
on the left, and the manor is across the bridge on the right.
The best way to see the Gorge is from sea level, aboard a Victoria Harbour Ferry
(250/708-0201). This company runs funky little 12-passenger vessels (round-trip tour
adult $26,senior$24,child $14)toaturnaroundpointatGorgeParkbytheTillicum Road
Bridge.
MM Point Ellice House
Built in 1861, the restored Point Ellice House (2616 Pleasant St., 250/380-6506,
11am-5pm daily May to mid-Sept., adult $6, child $3) sits amid beautiful gardens along
the Gorge on Point Ellice, less than 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the Inner Harbour. The
house's second owner, Peter O'Reilly, a successful entrepreneur and politician, bought it
in 1868 and entertained many distinguished guests there. Original Victorian-era artifacts
clutter every nook and cranny of the interior, but the best reason to visit is to enjoy a tra-
ditional English afternoon tea served 11am-3pm ($25 per person). To get there from the
Inner Harbour, jump aboard a Victoria Harbour Ferry (10 minutes and $15 roundtrip), or
by road take Government or Douglas Street north from downtown, turn left on Bay Street,
and turn left again on Pleasant Street.
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