2018 Victoria, British Columbia, Official Vacation Guide - 9

Victorian- and Edwardian-era mansions grace
many streets, but the best examples of British
influence are the Parliament Buildings -
home of the government of British Columbia
- or the nearby Fairmont Empress, where
more than a half million cups of tea are served
each year. That's more cups of tea than any
hotel in England!
British tea culture is so authentic here,
even Queen Elizabeth II would be impressed.
From the Big Muckle Giant Tea for Two at
White Heather, to the assorted sweets at the
Queen Anne-styled Pendray Tea House, to
the Empress' delightful strawberry preserves
gently scented with lavender grown in its
rooftop garden, your senses will be refreshed
and reinvigorated during afternoon tea.

ASIAN ANCESTORS
Discover Canada's narrowest street, Fan Tan
Alley, as you explore the magical atmosphere
of the country's oldest Chinatown. Wander
through the dozen locally owned shops, such

Get your camera ready to snap a shareworthy shot at the Gate of Harmonious
Interest, a masterfully crafted monument
built in 1981 to resemble China's famous
Dunhuang Caves. Learn more about the area's
history by taking a comprehensive guided tour
with Chinatown Walks.

TARTAN & TRADITION
Bagpipe lovers will swoon when the
annual Tartan Parade kicks off a 10-day
celebration of Scottish pride. The Victoria
Highland Games & Celtic Festival puts
on a spectacular show during the three-day
weekend of Victoria Day in May. Enjoy the
festival's music, arts and outstanding feats of
athleticism. Grab your clubs for the Kilted
Golf Tournament, raise a pint at the Titled
Pub Crawl and watch as clan representatives
take their lit torches to the legislature lawns
and form a Scottish Saltire. And by all
means, make sure to pack your tartan.
DAVE HUTCHISON

STEEPED IN HISTORY

as Whirled Arts to buy a piece of jewellery for
a special souvenir or gift; The Umbrellatorium
& Canery for the perfect umbrella; or indulge
with a decadent tea-inspired spa treatment,
such as a green tea facial, at Silk Road Tea.

DAVE NICHOLSON

LEANNA RATHKELLY

BRANDON MCGEACHIE

plan to attend the Aboriginal Cultural
Festival in June.

clockwise from left
Bastion Square, Downtown
Victoria; Fantan Alley
Stores; Dancers at Victoria
Highland Games

Raised as a
harbour town
on the Pacific Ocean,
we coexist on
ancient First Nations
territories and strive
for a culture that
embraces a creative,
sustainable lifestyle.
tourismvictoria.com | 9



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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2018 Victoria, British Columbia, Official Vacation Guide

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