Page 18 of Canada Alaska and The Arctic by Audley Travel

whale watching from victoria victoria named for queen victoria this garden city is situated in the south of vancouver island and is the capital of british columbia compact and easily navigated it lends itself to discovery on foot in a horse-drawn carriage or thrillingly from a lowflying float-plane victoria is adorned with some lovely colonial architecture such as the parliament buildings while the empress hotel is an historic gem an excellent place to take afternoon tea the nearby butchart gardens are world-renowned as is the royal british columbia museum while other attractions include craigdarroch castle the home of artist emily carr and orca whales which visit the waters off the island in the summer ambrosiab&b victoria this intimate 1897 heritage bed and breakfast offers romance and relaxation ambrosia is located right in the heart of downtown victoria just three blocks from the inner harbour and an easy stroll to beacon hill park there are just four charming rooms all individually decorated to the highest standard in a mix of classic and contemporary designs each room has down feather beds and duvets large jetted baths and heated tile floors a four-course gourmet breakfast is included daily and your charming hosts gae and gavin will help make the most of your time in victoria ambrosia b&b laurel point inn victoria nestled in victoria s inner harbour on a two hectare peninsula the laurel point inn is surrounded by the ocean and a lush japanese garden but is still just ten minutes walk from the city s trendy bistros shops museums and art galleries each of the 200 guest rooms has a delightful water view and a private balcony with the best being the south wing studio suites featuring huge marble bathrooms and large balconies with patio furniture the café laurel serves breakfast and dinner whilst cooks landing lounge is the perfect water-front venue for lunch dinner or cocktails in addition there is an indoor swimming pool hot tub and complimentary valet parking whale watching from victoria the waters around victoria are home to three resident pods of orcas or killer whales famously savage but graceful these magnificent sea mammals can be seen from 14-metre ocean cruisers or inflatable zodiacs both fast and stable on trips that also often sight minke and grey whales porpoises and harbour seals with a commentary provided by on board marine biologists laurel point inn 18

[close]