British Columbia, Canada - Getting Around

Victoria Express is the fastest ferry to get here; no cars allowed so you can make the trip in less than half the time it takes one of the larger ferries. It also docks in Victoria's Inner Harbour, just a few blocks from the restaurants and shops of downtown. I recommend the Brazilian restaurant just across the street from the Customs building you go through at the Inner Harbour (all martinis are standard 3 oz. and the deep-fried cheesecake is to die for); also, farther downtown on Government Street, there is a fantastic Irish pub where you can wash down a lamb burger with a pint of Guinness from the tap. You won't need a car to get around Victoria; I've backpacked and walked each of the 4 times I've visited. Taxis and rental scooters and bikes are abundant. If you plan on staying overnight, though, I recommend making reservations ahead of time, as the hotels here fill up rather quickly. Within walking distance of the harbor there are several museums, lots of shopping including a mall with a liquor store, and so much history evident in the gorgeous architecture. Taxis are available if you wish to venture out a bit farther to visit the famed Butchart Gardens (which, during the summer, have a fireworks show every Saturday) and Craigdarroch Castle.