Upload
others
View
0
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 2
A TRAVEL GUIDE TO EXPLORE VANCOUVER AND VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
EXPLORE VANCOUVER BY PEDAL BIKE
CROSS THE SALISH SEA (GEORGIA STRAIT) BY FERRY
ENJOY A SCENIC DRIVE ACROSS THE SAANICH PENINSULA
VISIT THE BEAUTIFUL WORLD RENOWNED BUTCHART GARDENS
DISCOVER VICTORIA BY FOOT
A FOUR-DAY ROUND TRIP
BY
Tourguide Canada ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Tourguide Canada / Josette Prinsen
Copyright This itinerary (document) is protected by copyright under international conventions. Any reproduction, distribution, republication, and/or retransmission of the contents (including maps/images) of this document is prohibited without the prior written consent of Josette Prinsen as Tourguide Canada.
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 3
Contents Tour Itinerary and Map overview round trip Vancouver – Victoria, BC ....................................................... 5
Day 1 Explore Vancouver by pedal bike .................................................................................................. 6
Day Itinerary .............................................................................................................................................. 6
Proposed Time Schedule ........................................................................................................................... 6
The Highlights ........................................................................................................................................... 7
Map 1.1 Vancouver pedal biking route ............................................................................................... 8
Map 1.2 Downtown Vancouver .......................................................................................................... 9
Biking Directions ................................................................................................................................... 9
Map 1.3 ................................................................................................................................................... 10
Additional Information............................................................................................................................ 11
Other Attractions .................................................................................................................................... 11
Brochures ................................................................................................................................................ 11
Vancouver’s history in a nutshell ............................................................................................................ 12
Day 2 Crossing the Salish Sea ................................................................................................................ 13
Day Itinerary ............................................................................................................................................ 13
Proposed Time Schedule Vancouver to Victoria ..................................................................................... 13
Services along the Route ......................................................................................................................... 14
The Highlights ......................................................................................................................................... 14
Map 2.1 Vancouver to Tsawwassen ferry terminal .......................................................................... 15
Driving Directions ................................................................................................................................ 16
Map 2.2 Swartz Bay ferry terminal to Butchart gardens .................................................................. 17
Driving Directions ................................................................................................................................ 17
Map 2.3 Butchart Gardens to Mount Douglas .................................................................................. 18
Driving Directions ................................................................................................................................ 18
Map 2.4 Swartz Bay to Mt Douglas ................................................................................................... 19
Driving Directions ................................................................................................................................ 19
Map 2.5 Scenic route Mount Douglas to Victoria ............................................................................. 19
Driving Directions ................................................................................................................................ 19
Additional Information............................................................................................................................ 20
Other Attractions .................................................................................................................................... 21
Brochures ................................................................................................................................................ 21
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 4
Day 3 Discover Victoria ......................................................................................................................... 22
Day Itinerary ............................................................................................................................................ 22
Proposed Time Schedule for a day of sightseeing Victoria ..................................................................... 22
Map 3.1 Overview: Victoria by foot .................................................................................................. 23
Map 3.2 City walk Victoria part 1 ...................................................................................................... 23
Walking Directions .................................................................................................................................. 23
Map 3.3 City walk Victoria part 2 ...................................................................................................... 23
Walking Directions .................................................................................................................................. 23
Highlights of Victoria ............................................................................................................................... 24
The Essence of Victoria’s Past ................................................................................................................. 27
Day 4 From vintage Victoria to modern-day Vancouver ...................................................................... 28
Day Itinerary ............................................................................................................................................ 28
Proposed Time Schedule Victoria to Vancouver ..................................................................................... 28
Services along the Route ......................................................................................................................... 28
The Highlights ......................................................................................................................................... 28
Map 4.1 Victoria to Butchart Gardens .............................................................................................. 31
Driving Directions ................................................................................................................................ 31
Map 4.2 Butchart Gardens to Swartz Bay ferry terminal .................................................................. 33
Driving Directions ................................................................................................................................ 33
Map 4.3 Tsawwassen ferry terminal to downtown Vancouver ........................................................ 34
Driving Directions ................................................................................................................................ 34
Additional Information............................................................................................................................ 34
Other Attractions .................................................................................................................................... 34
How to Use the Road Trip Maps ................................................................................................................. 35
Sources ........................................................................................................................................................ 36
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 5
Tour Itinerary and Map overview round trip Vancouver – Victoria, BC
Day 1 - Explore Vancouver by pedal bike
Day 2 - Cross the Salish Sea and scenic drive to Victoria
(optional visit to the Butchart Gardens instead of day 4)
Day 3 - Discover Victoria by foot
Day 4 – Visit the Butchart Gardens and sail in between the Gulf Islands to return to Vancouver
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 6
Day 1 Explore Vancouver by pedal bike The best way to experience Vancouver is by pedal bike. You can pretty much explore the whole
city in a day, all highlights included.
The total distance of the biking route is 27.6 km/17.1 mi and is divided into three sections.
This itinerary is complementary to the YVR (airport) to downtown Vancouver / downtown
Vancouver to YVR (airport).
Day Itinerary
Sightseeing downtown Vancouver including
Chinatown,
Gastown,
Yaletown,
Granville Island, and
Stanley Park.
Proposed Time Schedule
AM
10 bike rental shop
10.30 -11.30 biking part 1
11.30-12.30 Granville Island
PM
12.30-2.30 biking part 2
2.30 – 4.30 biking part 3
5 return rental bike
pedal biking is fun for the whole family
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 7
The Highlights
Holy Rosary Cathedral
Since its founding in 1885, the parish has played an important role in the growth of the Catholic
faith and culture of Vancouver.
more info in the paid version
Library Square
Library Square opened on May 26th 1995. It’s exterior resembles the Colosseum in Rome, Italy.
Moshe Safdie and DA Architects designed the nine-storey building.
Besides the Public Library, the one-square block includes retail shops, restaurants, offices and
an underground parking. The rooftop garden is –
unfortunately- not accessible for public.
Yaletown
This former warehouse district has experienced some
serious revitalization since its rebirth as host of Expo
'86.
more info in the paid version
View from the south shore of False Creek towards Yaletown
Aqua Bus
The aquabus takes pedestrians across False Creek. Some take bikes as well. With eight stations,
you can cross Falls Creek pretty much wherever you are. You can even do a mini-cruise!
Departure is every 15 minutes. Check for fares and schedule David Lam Park to Granville Island
(included in the city-tour). Please pay the exact fare, cash.
more info in the paid version
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 8
Map 1.1 Vancouver pedal biking route
Here will be shown a link to the online interactive map
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 9
Map 1.2 Downtown Vancouver
Here will be shown a detailed map including a link to the online interactive version
of the map
Biking Directions
Bold printed names refer to the described highlights of Vancouver (page 7-12)
Part 1: 5km /3.1 mi-turquoise coloured line
From the bike rental shop - Denman St.
Left on Haro St.
Right on Burard St.
Left on Nelson St.
etc..
Take the Aqua Bus to cross False Creek, destination Granville Island
Alternative biking route instead of Aqua Bus: destination Granville Island
From the end of Richards St. turn right at Beach Cresent. Continue onto Beach Ave. – etc..
Part 2: 10 km /6.2 mi – light blue coloured line
Exit Granville Island and turn left as soon as you can: Island Park walk.
Follow ....
more info in the paid version
Part 3: 12.6 km/ 7.8 mi – dark blue coloured line
From the totems continue along the sea wall around Stanley Park – Lions Gate Bridge
etc..
more info in the paid version
Right at Denman St. – rental bike shop
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 10
Map 1.3
example link to a random map :
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1y_o4tAUM2KNxrF3K2n7p1gwGb
LE&ll=52.33964984306368%2C-119.05958750000002&z=8
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 11
Additional Information
The selected biking route uses mostly separated bikeways that are part of the AAA Network.
All streets (except for Haro St, which is a quiet neighbourhood street) in the selected downtown
route, have painted bike lanes.
! Please study the ‘symbols to know’ section on the official cycling map of Vancouver
http://vancouver.ca/files/cov/map-cycling-vancouver.pdf
Other Attractions
The Vancouver Art Gallery
Presents exhibitions of work by artists ranging from historic masters to leading-edge
contemporaries.
Check the current exhibitions
http://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/the_exhibitions/current_exhibitions.html
Museum of Anthropology
Excellent exhibit to experience BC’s natural history and aboriginal art.
Web: http://www.moa.ubc.ca/
Vancouver Aquarium
Located in Stanley Park, 5 minutes from downtown Vancouver. Holding treasures from the BC
coast to the Amazon rainforest. The Vancouver Aquarium is not only a major tourist attraction;
it creates and operates various research projects in order to gain knowledge necessary to
enhance environmental conservation.
Web: http://www.vanaqua.org/
Bard on the Beach – Sheakespeak Festival
Annual summer festival in Vanier Park.
Visit website http://bardonthebeach.org/ for more details
more info in the paid version
Brochures
Official cycling map of Vancouver http://vancouver.ca/files/cov/map-cycling-vancouver.pdf
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 12
Vancouver’s history in a nutshell
Early human presence
Early human presence dates back at least 12.000 years ago, when people from Asia crossed the
–then frozen- Bering Strait and spread over the North American continent.
The native people of western Canada used the rivers to travel by dugout canoes. As the rivers
also carried an important food source –salmon-, plankhouse settlements used to be located
along the riverbanks.
First white explorers
Although human presence dates back thousands of years ago, the first European explorers
landed in western Canada late 18th century.
In 1792, George Vancouver sails down present day Burrard Inlet (which is named after a good
friend of him). His mission was, in service of the British Crown, to map the west coast.
In 1808, Simon Fraser is the first white man who reached the area over land. The Rocky
Mountains were a huge challenging barrier and prevented early contact.
Trade
By establishing the first Hudson Bay Company trading post in 1827, trade started in the area.
Fur and salmon were the most valuable trade products. In return, native people received
modern products like pots and pans, sugar, alcohol, blankets, tobacco, and guns.
Gastown
The land was covered with immense trees. It’s 1867 when
Edward Stamps builds a mill on the south shore of Burrard
etcetera..
more info in the paid version
present day Gastown
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 13
Day 2 Crossing the Salish Sea
Day Itinerary Departure Vancouver
Drive to Tsawassen ferry terminal
more info in the paid version
Drive the scenic ocean side route to BC’s capital city Victoria
Proposed Time Schedule Vancouver to Victoria
AM
9.15 Departure Vancouver
more info in the paid version
PM
5.30 Arrival Victoria
The sunken garden at the Butchart Gardens
Recommended arrival time at ferry terminal: 30-45 minutes before departure
Ferry crossing Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay: 1 hour 35 minutes
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 14
Services along the Route Gas stations
Vancouver
Hwy 17A (Butchart Gardens to Mt. Douglas)
Victoria
Groceries
Vancouver
Victoria
Restaurants along the route
Cafeteria at the ferry
Butchart Gardens
The Highlights
BC Ferries
After passing the tollbooth at Tsawwassen ferry terminal, the Tsawwassen Quay Market offers
plenty of retail and food shops to keep you busy while waiting for boarding. If you leave your
vehicle, make sure to keep your ears open for the announcement when to get back to your car.
The announcement will mention something like ‘all passengers for Swartz Bay return to your
vehicle for boarding’. Boarding starts about 25 minutes before departure.
Crossing the Salish Sea often leaves unforgettable memories.
more info in the paid version
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 15
Map 2.1 Vancouver to Tsawwassen ferry terminal
Link to the online interactive map will be included
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 16
Driving Directions
From downtown Vancouver (Howe Str. X Georgia Str.) to Tsawwassen Ferry
Terminal
Go south onto Howe St/BC-99 S (signs for British Colombia 99/Tsawwassen/Seattle/Airport/BC
Ferries)
more info in the paid version
Approximate driving time
Downtown Vancouver to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal: 45 minutes
A sunny crossing with BC Ferries
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 17
Map 2.2 Swartz Bay ferry terminal to Butchart gardens
A link to the online interactive map will show in the paid version
Driving Directions
Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal to Butchart Gardens
From the ferry follow the signs to Victoria (Patricia Bay Hwy/Hwy 17)
more info in the paid version
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 18
Approximate driving time
Swartz Bay to Butchart Gardens: 20 minutes
Map 2.3 Butchart Gardens to Mount Douglas
A map and link to the online interactive map will show in the paid version
Driving Directions
Leave the Butchart Gardens by Benvenuto Ave
Turn right at the first intersection onto Wallace Dr
etcetera...
After 500 m/0.3 mi turn right onto Churchill Dr and drive uphill to the end of the road
A gorgeous 360˚viewpoint can be reached by walking up the short trail on your right hand side.
Approximate driving time
Butchart Gardens to Mt Douglas: 25 minutes
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 19
Map 2.4 Swartz Bay to Mt Douglas
A map and link to the online interactive map will show in the paid version
Driving Directions
Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal to Mount Douglas
From the ferry terminal drive south onto Hwy 17 for 22 km / 13.6 mi....etcetera.......
onto Churchill Drive. Continue uphill for 1.5 km/1 mi
Map 2.5 Scenic route Mount Douglas to Victoria
A map and link to the online interactive map will show in the paid version
Driving Directions
Scenic route from Mt Douglas to Victoria’s Inner Harbour
Drive down Mount Douglas. At the bottom (Cedar Hill Rd) turn
etcetera..
Public parking on you left hand side.
From here it’s a 3 minute walk to Victoria’s inner harbour.
Approximate driving time
From Mt Douglas via Beach Drive to downtown Victoria: .. minutes
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 20
Additional Information
Saanich Peninsula
Saanich -originally ẈSÁNEĆ-, means emerging land or emerging people. The first inhabitants of
this area, the Salish People –known as the salt water people- , had their winter homes on this
peninsula. During summer months, they inhabited the protected bays and inlets of the Gulf
Islands and San Juan Islands.
Due to the temperate climate and the rich ocean, the area offered many different food sources
for the Native people. As a result, they lived a relatively easy life (compared to the tribes in
colder and/or drier regions). They had time for cultural events and arts.
By late 1700 the first white explorers (Spanish and British) set foot ashore, changing the Salish
lives forever.
etcetera
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 21
Other Attractions
Butterfly Gardens
The Tiger Swallowtail, Green Moss Peacock, Blue Morpho, Caribbean Flamingo, Orange
Winged Amazon Parrot, and Gin Rin Koi are just a few of the species to discover at the Tropical
Butterfly Gardens.
Located only 5 minutes from the Butchart Gardens
Check the Butterfly Gardens’ website http://www.butterflygardens.com/
Gowlland Tod Provincial Park
Just 5 minutes apart from the Butterfly and Butchart Gardens, the 1,280 hectares Provincial
Park offers hiking-, horseback-, and biking trails. There are scuba diving, canoeing, swimming,
and wildlife viewing opportunities in this Park. Enjoy your sandwich at one of the picnic areas.
Visit this park at BC Parks website
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/gowlland_tod/
Brochures
Mount Douglas Park
http://www.saanich.ca/assets/Parks~Recreation~and~Culture/Documents/Parks~Parks~Trails~
and~Amenities~Find~a~Park/Mount-Douglas-Park.pdf
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 22
Day 3 Discover Victoria
The best way to explore Victoria is by foot. A 4 km/ 2.5 mi city walk covers most of Victoria’s
highlights and history.
Day Itinerary City walk Victoria
Stroll along the inner harbour walkway
Visit to the Royal BC Museum
or
Join a free tour of the Parliament Buildings
Proposed Time Schedule for a day of sightseeing Victoria
AM
9 start your city walk
Lunch
PM
1.30-5 filled out in paid version
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 23
Map 3.1 Overview: Victoria by foot
A map and link to the online interactive map will show in the paid version
Map 3.2 City walk Victoria part 1
The bottom part of the full map (see previous page) zoomed in
A map and link to the online interactive map will show in the paid version
Walking Directions
Bold printed names refer to the described highlights of Victoria (page 40-48)
Start your walk at the Coat of Arms on Menzies Street (corner Quebec Street).Continue
towards the inner harbour, the Parliament Buildings are on your right.
etcetera
Map 3.3 City walk Victoria part 2
Top part of the full map zoomed in
Link to access the interactive maps online
Walking Directions
(Continued from page 37) One block after passing the HBC Relic, turn right onto Bastion
Square.
Straight ahead, pass the Maritime Museum towards Government Street.
Watch out for the HBC Memorial at the intersection with Government Street.
Turn left onto Government St. and left again onto Yates St.
etcetera..
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 24
Highlights of Victoria
The 4 km/2.5 mi city walk covers all highlights described below.
Each point of interest is marked in the enclosed map.
Start your walk at Canada’s Coat of Arms along Menzies Street, at the corner with Quebec
Street. Follow the marked route on the map clockwise.
Read the description of the highlights either from this paper copy or from accessing the map
online with your mobile device. Clicking each icon in the online map will provide the same
description as on the paper copy shown below.
Canada’s Coat of Arms
The design of the arms of Canada reflects the
royal symbols of Great Britain and France (the
three royal lions of England, the royal lion of
Scotland, the royal fleurs-de-lis of France and
the royal Irish harp of Tara. On the bottom
portion of the shield is a sprig of three Canadian
maple leaves representative of Canadians of all
origins.
Canada’s Coat of Arms
The ribbon says: "Desiderantes Meliorem Patriam". (They desire a better country).
The arms of Canada show a royal helmet, which is a barred helm of gold looking outward and
draped in a mantle of white and red which are the official colours of Canada.
On the royal helmet is the crest. This symbol consists of a wreath or ring of twisted white and
red silk on which stands a crowned gold lion holding in its right paw a red maple leaf. The lion is
a symbol of valour and courage.
The crest is used to mark the sovereignty of Canada. It is now the symbol used on the Governor
General's Standard.
When James VI of Scotland became James I of England in 1603, he chose one lion and one
unicorn as the supporters of his royal shield. Canada adopted the same pattern and used a lion
on the shield's left holding a gold pointed silver lance from which flies the Royal Union flag, and
a unicorn with gold horn, mane and hoofs, on the shield's right. Around its neck is a gold and
chained coronet of crosses and fleurs-de-lis. The unicorn holds a lance flying a banner of
royalist France, namely three gold fleurs-de-lis, on a blue background. The two banners
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 25
represent the two principal founding nations that had established Canada's most enduring laws
and customs.
Canada's motto "A Mari usque ad Mare" (From sea to sea) is based on biblical scripture: "He
shall have dominion from sea to sea and from the river unto the ends of the earth (From Sea to
sea) – Psalm 72:8".
At the base of the arms are the floral emblems associated with the Canadian Monarchy: the
English rose, the Scottish thistle, the French fleur-de-lis and the Irish shamrock.
On top of the "achievement of the arms of Canada" is the imperial crown, which is indicative of
the presence of a monarch as Canada's Head of State.
Above description of Canada’s Coat of Arms is a summary of the Canadian Heritage - National
Symbols description of the Government of Canada. For the complete description, please go to
http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1444070816842
Provincial and Territorial crests
Behind Canada’s Coat of Arms, the 10 Provincial and 3 Territorial Coats of Arms are
displayed. Each crest states the year the specific province/territory joined the Canadian
Federation.
Parliament Buildings
British Columbia’s (BC) Government assembles here to pass law and to make decisions that
decide the future direction of the province of BC.
The Parliament Buildings are designed by Francis Rattenbury in 1893. They were completed at
Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897 and officially opened in February 1898.
During construction Francis Rattenbury and his crew used mainly local materials, resources and
expertise. The granite rock foundations, site facades, brick, lime and fir were brought in from
Vancouver Island and its surrounding Islands. It was important to both Government and
Rattenbury to support local businesses.
Free tours are available throughout the year. Check for details https://www.leg.bc.ca/learn-
about-us
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 26
Francis Rattenbury (1867 – 1935)
Francis Mawson Rattenbury (born in Leeds, England), designed Victoria’s Parliament
Buildings, the Bank of Montreal building (1200 Government Street -now the Irish Times
Pub), as well as the Empress Hotel.
In 1898 Rattenbury married his first wife Florence. After 27 year of marriage, he divorced
Florence after commencing a scandalous affair with a much younger woman named
Alma. Shunned by their friends, the new couple married. To escape the criticism Francis
and Alma moved to England where Alma soon fell in love with their 19-year-old
chauffeur, George Stoner. Growing increasingly jealous, Stoner took a carpenter’s mallet
and clubbed Rattenbury to death! Though charges against Alma were dropped during the
dramatic murder trial, she committed suicide by stabbing herself and falling in a river.
Stoner was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Thunderbird Park
Thunderbird Park is located at the side of Royal BC Museum. The cedar building with a large
native motif amidst a number of totem poles is Wawadit’la (Mungo Martin House), a smaller
replica of a Kwakwaka’wakw big house. In First Nations’ culture, the human and supernatural
worlds are strongly connected. The house is currently used as a centre for First Nations spiritual
gatherings where, by flickering firelight, masked dancers bring the spirit world to life.
Helmcken House
Helmcken House is built in 1852 and the original family home of Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken,
the first doctor in the city and an important figure in pioneer Victoria. The antique instruments
he used are displayed in Helmcken House. When the doctor’s life drew to a close, his daughter
Dolly would play the piano late into the night to comfort her father. It’s said that at night the
sound of the piano can still be heard and Dolly is sometimes seen floating past the attic
windows...creepy eh!
In the paid version 27 more highlights are described
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 27
The Essence of Victoria’s Past
Thousands of years before white men arrived, this part of Vancouver Islands was home to the
‘Salish people’, or people of the land of the wind.
The land and surrounding ocean offered an abundance of food. The local people lived of berries
and other plant parts, and of various animals such as whales and salmon. As finding food was
relatively easy for the native people, there was quite some time left to spend on arts and social
events.
The first white explorer: 1778
The first white explorer who set foot onto the Island was Captain James Cook. Cook and his
crew set foot ashore Nootka Sound in 1778 in order to carry out some repairs and to trade
goods with the local native people. Nootka Sound is located approximately 300 km/200 mi
north-west (bird’s eye view) of Victoria.
Fort Camosun
The Hudson’s Bay Company founded the city of Victoria in 1843 by establishing Fort Camosun
as a depot for the northern Pacific trade.
The depot was located close to the site of the present Empress hotel, at the location the First
Nations called "Camosack" meaning "Rush of Water."
Hudson’s Bay Company
King Charles II founded the HBC in 1670. The Hudson Bay Company is Canada’s oldest
company from European origin. The HBC traded goods with the local native people. The
HBC offered goods such as sugar, blankets, pots and pans, guns, and alcohol in return for
salmon and fur like sea otter- and beaver pelts.
As of 2013 the HBC operates 320 stores like ‘The Bay’, ‘Home Outfitter’ and ‘Zellers’. Since
2008, NRDC Equity Partners, a US company, owns the HBC.
British Colony
Vancouver Island becomes a British colony in 1849. It is leased out to the HBC for $0,70 a year.
More history in the paid version
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 28
Day 4 From vintage Victoria to modern-day
Vancouver
Day Itinerary Departure Victoria
etcetera
Proposed Time Schedule Victoria to Vancouver
AM
9 Departure Victoria
Drive to downtown Vancouver
3.45 Lookout tower
Services along the Route
Gas stations
Groceries
Restaurants along the route
The sunken garden at the Butchart Gardens
The Highlights
Butchart Gardens
No matter what season, you’ll love to explore the amazing colourful Butchart Gardens.
Close to 300.000 bulbs emerge in spring. The colourful Roses, Delphiniums, Begonia, Fuchsia,
and Hydrangea attract hummingbirds during summer. Witness the turning of leaves of
Japanese maples and the vibrant colours of the Dahlia in fall. Enjoy Crocuses, Snowdrops,
Helleborus and the Christmas decor -throughout the indoor facilities- in wintertime.
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 29
It all started as a limestone quarry and cement plant by the Butchart family in 1904. As Mr.
Butchart exhausted the deposits, Mrs. Butchart brought in rich top soil and created the ‘Sunken
Garden’. In the following years the Butcharts created a Rose, Italian, and Japanese Garden.
After WWII, their grandson Ian Ross transformed the home and gardens into an internationally
famous destination.
Open: year round. Check hours http://www.butchartgardens.com/visit/hours
Admission: check for rates http://www.butchartgardens.com/visit/rates
BC Ferries
Wildlife viewing opportunities
The Salish Sea forms together with the Pudget Sound and the Strait of Georgia a huge
estuary system. Hundreds of rivers and creeks flow into these waters, creating a
biologically rich marine ecosystem. Approximately 3000 marine species inhabit these
waters! To name just a few species: seals, porpoises, sea lions, humpback whales, sockeye
salmon, white sturgeon, bald eagles, and puffins call the Salish Sea home.
Mount Baker
On a clear day you’re able to see Mount Baker towering above Washington State, US.
This -snow capped- strato-vulcano is situated in the Cascade range, and can be seen from
the ferry. Look in eastern direction for the 3,286 metres/10,781 feet high giant.
International waters
Passenger services on board
Click the link to check your schedule and fares.
Reservations are recommended during high season and
Holidays.
Mt. Baker, US-WA
Enjoy the superb 360˚ view of downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park, the Pacific Ocean, and North
Shore Mountains. On a clear day, you’re even able to see as far as the Olympic Peninsula
Mountains (USA).
A glass elevator launches you skywards to the observation deck at an altitude of 168 m/553 ft.
Interpretive displays present interesting facts about Vancouver’s history, unique attractions and
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 30
landmarks.
Admission tickets are valid all day.
Revolving Restaurant
Consider having diner in ....etecetera .
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 31
Map 4.1 Victoria to Butchart Gardens
Link to the online interactive map
Driving Directions
From downtown Victoria (Inner Harbour) to Butchart Gardens
Head south on Government St towards the Parliament Buildings
Turn left onto etcetera
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 32
Turn left at exit 18 onto Keating Cross Rd. Keating Cross Rd becomes Benvenuto Ave. The
Butchart Gardens are located at the end of Benvenuto Ave
Approximate driving time
Victoria to Butchart Gardens: 25 minutes
From downtown Victoria (Inner Harbour) to Swartz Bay ferry terminal
Head south on Government St towards the Parliament Buildings
Turn left onto etcetera
Approximate driving time
Victoria to Swartz Bay ferry terminal: 50 minutes
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 33
Map 4.2 Butchart Gardens to Swartz Bay ferry terminal
A map and link to the online interactive map will show in the paid version
Driving Directions
Butchart Gardens to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal
Drive back via ... Ave and Cross Rd towards Hwy 17
Turn left onto Hwy 17
Follow the Hwy for 14.5 km/ 9 mi to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal
Approximate driving time
Butchart Gardens to Swartz Bay: 50 minutes
Recommended arrival time at ferry terminal: 30-45 minutes before departure
Ferry Terminal
A sunny crossing with BC Ferries
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 34
Map 4.3 Tsawwassen ferry terminal to downtown Vancouver
A map and link to the online interactive map will show in the paid version
Driving Directions
Tsawwassen to downtown Vancouver
Exit the Ferry Ramp and continue onto BC-17 for 7.40 km/4.6 mi
Take exit 7 for British Columbia 17A
Merge onto BC-99 N via the ramp to Richmond/Vancouver
After 14.4 km/8.9 mi turn left onto Park Dr (signs Hwy 99N)
After 0.8 km/0.5 mi turn right onto Granville St/BC-99 N
At Granville Bridge, keep the right lane onto Seymour St
After 0.54 km/0.34 mi turn right onto W Cordova St
Approximate driving time
Tsawwassen to downtown Vancouver: 45 minutes
Additional Information
paid version
Other Attractions
Butterfly Gardens
The Tiger Swallowtail, Green Moss Peacock, Blue Morpho, Caribbean Flamingo, Orange
Gowlland Tod Provincial Park
Just 5 minutes apart from the Butterfly and Butchart Gardens, the 1,280 hectares Provincial
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 35
How to Use the Road Trip Maps Access the online map by clicking on the provided link, located underneath each days’ map.
Layers A map contains several layers. Check or uncheck the box of each layer to show or hide its layer.
Place marks and icons Points of interest are place-marked at the most accurate position in the map. The icon visualizes the nature of the site. Click an icon for details such as a picture, an address or description.
Zoom Zoom in to enlarge a region. The zoom in/out icon is located at the left bottom.
Change map view You can change the map view to satellite or map.
Search Search for any destination by clicking the magnifier
Add star By adding a star you can access each map with your Google Maps account: my places-maps.
Hold and drag Hold and drag to move around on the map.
Use the maps offline You can use the maps offline with GPS. Although you can’t use them for navigation, you can use them to see your own position on the route.
Navigation on your phone Use an offline navigation program to save data. The “Offline Maps & Navigation” app, works really well. In this app, start with downloading the map of Canada (use WIFI to save data). While on the road, you can then enter and search offline for any Canadian destination. Directions will be offline as well.
PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria
Preview by Tourguide Canada © page 36
Sources
Chapter 1 –Explore Vancouver by Bike
Vancouver Lookout Tower
Statistics Canada weather conditions Capital cities
Chapter 2 – Vancouver to Victoria
First Voices
The Butchart Gardens, the story
Chapter 3 – Discover Victoria by Foot
Hidden in plain sight; heritage and art features on Victoria streets and sidewalks
HBC Heritage
Chapter 4 – Victoria to Vancouver
BC Ferries
Georgia Strait Alliance