You can't book for the trip straight across, only if you are stopping at one of the islands. For Foot passengers, there are buses and taxis available for the landing. On the ferries are cafes, and bathrooms and comfortable lounges. Check out the log fish!! They can be up to 40 foot long and float in the tidal change. Chances are you will see Dohl dolphins in huge pods and whales as the Strait of Georgia is the migratory path for whales.

A 40 foot log fish!

Expect a series of immaculate gardens, including the very tranquil Japanese garden.These gardens are full of surprises around every corner and if you're lucky a flock of Canada geese may even fly in! You won't find a weed anywhere. Fifty gardeners work full time and it shows. Find the garden shop, it's fantastic. You can purchase any of the seeds of the plants you saw, and garden ornaments in huge variety. Good pathways, easy walking, and nice places to sit make this an attraction everyone can enjoy.Entrance fees are C$11.50 adults and it is open from 9 until dusk every day.

The Empress Hotel

Crystal Gardens

The Royal British Columbia Museum is worth a stop. Allow several hours if you are interested in the history of Canada's first inhabitants, which they call 'the first nation'.The models and exhibits are extremely realistic and you'll find unbelievable Indian art work.The masks and baskets are particularly impressive. Entrance fee is $C8.00 open 9-5.

Outside the Museum, look for the tiny Thunderbird Park and it's large totem poles. They stand regally by the entrance of the Thunderbird Park carving studio where young artists are learning the skill of traditional carving. Using an enormous tree which had been splintered into smaller pieces they create great modern and traditional carvings.

There is much to do so start by heading for the Harbour, in lower Victoria in the Government Street block.
The Empress Hotel is a magnificent looking building which dominates the harbour alongside Parliament Buildings. The huge Welcome sign in the flower beds, gives you a clue to how you will feel in this city ~ its wonderful and feels safe.

Behind the Empress Hotel look for the Crystal Gardens. They are hot, humid, subtropical gardens with flamingoes, macaws, a butterfly house and a variety of animals. This is where you will find the smallest monkey in the world! Believe it or not they are as small as an adult finger. Entrance fee is C$7.00

Underneath the Empress Hotel is the Miniature World. It is fantastic! It will take 3 - 4 hours to see it all as there is so much to see. Model Railways, Fairy Stories, Nursery Rhymes, Second World War themes, times in history are all modelled in miniature with incredibly fine details.Commentaries and interactive displays add to the interest and it very absorbing.
Entrance fee is C$8.00 open 9-5.

Parliament Buildings

Harbour view

Parliament Building is lit up at night and looks spectacular, buskers add to the atmosphere with their music and entertainment. Take a horse and carriage, or bike taxi around the lower harbour. Sit and listen to the music, watch the magicians, enjoy the rock and roll buskers or the quartets in a bustling place full of diversity.