VICTORIA AND VANCOUVER ISLAND - British Columbia: Including the Alaska Highway - page 165

VICTORIA BUTTERFLY GARDENS
In the same vicinity as Butchart Gardens, Victoria Butterfly Gardens (1461 Benvenuto
Dr., 250/652-3822, 9am-7pm daily in summer, 9:30am-4:30pm daily Mar.-mid-May and
Oct., adult $15, senior $10, child $5) offers you the opportunity to view and photograph
some of the world's most spectacular butterflies at close range. Thousands of these beautiful
creatures—species from around the world—live here, flying freely around the enclosed gar-
dens and feeding on the nectar provided by colorful tropical plants. You'll also be able to
get up close and personal with exotic birds such as parrots and cockatoos.
Sidney
The bustling seaside town of Sidney lies on the east side of the Saanich Peninsula, overlook-
ing the Strait of Georgia. As well as being the departure point for ferries to the San Juan Is-
lands (Washington), Sidney has a charming waterfront precinct anchored by the impressive
Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa. It's a pleasant spot to explore on foot—enjoying the many outdoor
cafés, walking out on to the pier, and soaking up the nautical ambience. Beside the hotel, at
the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre (9811 Seaport Place, 250/665-7511, 10am-5pm daily,
adult $15, child $7.50), the underwater world of the Strait of Georgia unravels itself through
aquariums, interpretive panels, and a marine education center. From the nearby marina, Eco
Cruising (250/655-5211, June-Sept., tours: adult $43, senior $33, child $23) runs two dif-
ferent tours daily—one around the harbor and the other to Piers Island. Back along the
main street, Sidney Museum (2423 Beacon Ave., 250/655-6355, 10am-4pm daily, dona-
tion) provides an interesting insight into the peninsula's earliest settlers.
TOURS
Carriage Tours
The classic way to see Victoria is from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage. Throughout
the day and into the evening, Victoria Carriage Tours (250/383-2207 or 877/663-2207)
has horse carriages lined up along Menzies Street at Belleville Street awaiting passengers.
A 30-minute tour costs $100 per carriage (seating up to six people), a 45-minute tour costs
$145, or take a 60-minute Royal Tour for $185. Tours run 9am-midnight in summer and
bookings aren't necessary, although there's often a line.
Bus Tours
Big red double-decker buses are as much a part of the Victoria tour scene as horse-
drawn carriages. These are operated by Gray Line (250/744-3566 or 800/663-8390,
www.grayline.ca ) from beside the Inner Harbour. There are many tours to choose from, but