Victoria, B.C.

British culture and island informality collide in Victoria. This sophisticated seaside city is full of historic sites, parks and gardens. Take a walking tour - many of which begin at Parliament Buildings at Victoria's Inner Harbor. Combined with majestic Empress Hotel, these monumental buildings give the city a regal European feel. See equally impressive modern structures, such as Royal British Columbia History Museum, or replicas of large, native Northwest Indian houses at Thunderbird Park. Unique attractions include Undersea Gardens, Miniature World, Maritime Museum, Chinatown and Royal London Wax Museum. A memorable places to visit is world-famous Butchart Gardens, with 5,000 fauna varieties. The dazzling gardens on Saanich Inlet are beautiful at night, when hundreds of lights sparkle along winding paths. Additional gardens in Victoria include Crystal Garden and the gardens surrounding Government House and near Craigdarroch Castle, a towering Victorian mansion complete with a tower and turrets. Tour this city in a horse-drawn carriage.

Salt Spring Island

Salt Spring Island is located just east of Vancouver Island. According to the 2011 Census, it was reported an estimate of 10,234 inhabitants are currently residing in the area. There is so much see and do in Salt Spring Island, enjoy a visit to the Cheese Company where you will learn about the process and even have the chance to taste homemade cheese and jam. There are also plenty of sightseeing tours, water activities and other walking tours that take you across town to visit the abundance of wineries in the area.