Other sights in Victoria
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Butchart Gardens
With all the rugged natural beauty in British Columbia, it’s a bit ironic that one of the province’s top tourism draws is the 20 hectares of elaborate manicured foliage at Butchart Gardens, 21km north of Victoria in Brentwood Bay. With its year-round kaleidoscope of colors, the grounds are divided into separate garden areas – the tranquil Japanese Garden is a favorite. Summer can be crowded but the Saturday-night fireworks display (July and August) makes it all worthwhile.
reviewed
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A
Royal BC Museum
The excellent Royal BC Museum is the best in the province and should be a highlight of any visit here. It’s an evocative introduction to the prehistoric and human history of the region – the old woolly mammoth diorama still packs a punch. Don’t miss the museum’s stirring First Nations gallery and pioneer town re-creation.
reviewed
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B
Craigdarroch Castle
The Craigdarroch Castle is worth a stop. A handsome, 39-room landmark built by a 19th-century coal baron, this multiturreted stone mansion is dripping with period architecture and antique-packed rooms. Climb the tower’s 87 steps (checking out the stained-glass windows en route) for views of the snow-capped Olympic Mountains.
reviewed
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C
Parliament Buildings
The handsome, multiturreted Parliament Buildings offers history and an entertaining 30-minute tour, where costumed Victorians will regale you with plenty of quirky stories about the old dame. Consider coming back in the evening, when the building’s handsome exterior is lit up like a Christmas tree.
reviewed
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D
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
If her swirling nature-dominated canvases appeal, drive or take transit bus 11 to the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, where you’ll find many Carr paintings on display, along with a revolving roster of additional shows.
reviewed
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E
Emily Carr House
The Emily Carr House is the birthplace of British Columbia’s best-known painter, complete with re-created period rooms and displays on the artist’s life and work.
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