Victoria by Land, Sea and Air: 3 Unique Ways to Get Around BC’s Beautiful Capital

Forget cramming yourself onto dark, underground trains or standing for hours at rain-drenched bus stops: BC’s beautiful capital offers some truly unique ways to get around. Be it by land, sea or air, be prepared to be amazed by impressive architecture, glistening harbours and soaring mountains as you discover this gorgeous city…

Land: Clip Clop Away

One of the most beautiful – and most romantic – ways to explore Victoria’s stunning architecture and atmospheric streets is to hop aboard a horse-drawn carriage. Exploring the sights of the buzzing Inner Harbour, the classic grace of Beacon Hill Park or the historic charm of James Bay as you snuggle up in a blanket with a loved one in a horse-drawn carriage really is a treat. Some of the city’s carriage operators will even pick you up at your hotel or restaurant. Check out Tally Ho Carriage Tours, which has been serving Victoria since 1903.

Sea: Hop on Board

Launching this month, the stylish new V2V service is a cruise service that will link downtown Vancouver with downtown Victoria. With daily departures, the three-hour journey aboard the luxurious 254-seat V2V Empress will transport you across the Strait of Georgia, through the unforgettable beauty of the Southern Gulf Islands – the views of Mayne, Galiano, Salt Spring, Saturna, and North and South Pender Islands are simply stunning – and right into Victoria’s historic Inner Harbour. What a spectacular way to arrive! You might even spot a whale or two along the way.

Air: Up, Up and Away

There’s no better way to get up close and personal with the towering peaks of the Olympic Mountains or the beautiful bays of Vancouver Island than by seaplane. You don’t get any more ‘West Coast’ than that! Harbour Air offers some great trips. Check out their popular 30-minute ‘Victoria Panorama’ flight-tour over Victoria and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, or the luxurious ‘Fly ‘N Dine’ tour, which includes a scenic flight into the gardens’ private dock, dinner and limousine back to Victoria.

If you’re looking for a hotel in Victoria, the Best Western PLUS Carlton Plaza is a great option. Take a walk down Government Street from this AAA Three Diamond heritage hotel and in seven minutes you’ll find yourself in the heart of all the action at the Inner Harbour and the Legislature Buildings.