Victoria

[scottbee]

Anyone have a fav. sushi place in Victoria or been to Butchart Gardens (is the Gardens worth the trip?).

 

Compared to Vancouver, Victoria doesn't really have any decent sushi. However, if you're looking for something quick and different, "The Noodle Box" is an excellent choice...

[The Nice Family]

Compared to Vancouver, Victoria doesn't really have any decent sushi. However, if you're looking for something quick and different, "The Noodle Box" is an excellent choice...

 

I second that - Noodle Box is great! Do they have 2 locations now? We always go to the one on/near Pandora when we're in Victoria.

 

Don't suppose the sushi-seeker's heading up-Island? Nanaimo's got a stellar sushi place - our Vancouver visitors rave about it. Unless the ship is stopping in Nanaimo, though, I'm thinking that it's not worth the 3 hour round trip and car rental necessary to partake....

[Denise&Paul STL]

What is the best way to get to Butchart Gardens? I have heard there are car rentals, and a bus. We have a group of about 8-12. Any thoughts?

[Yuprules]

What is the best way to get to Butchart Gardens? I have heard there are car rentals, and a bus. We have a group of about 8-12. Any thoughts?

 

Oh, I can answer that one as I've been researching the "new stops" on my May 24th cruise. There is a bus that takes you DIRECTLY there, bus #75, but you'll need to get to downtown first (not far, if you walk it's 15 minutes, or cab it for like 5 minutes). Are you on the same cruise as we are?

 

http://www.transitbc.com/regions/vic/schedules/schedule.cfm?line=75&

 

By the way Click the SOUTH to get the schedule BACK to downtown (it doesn't look like a link, I got confused on the page too).

 

Be sure to TAKE A BUS THAT GOES to the gardens, NOT ALL "depatures" go to the Butchart Gardens so follow from the LEFT of the page to the RIGHT.

 

Also, there are no car rental places at the dock, so you got to cab it to the rental place (ugh).

 

The bus ride is 49 minutes (it's quite far).

 

scottbee and The Nice Family

Oooh that noodle place looks good! I might do that instead of Sushi!

[Putterdude]

Oh, I can answer that one as I've been researching the "new stops" on my May 24th cruise. There is a bus that takes you DIRECTLY there, bus #75, but you'll need to get to downtown first (not far, if you walk it's 15 minutes, or cab it for like 5 minutes). Are you on the same cruise as we are?

 

http://www.transitbc.com/regions/vic/schedules/schedule.cfm?line=75&

 

By the way Click the SOUTH to get the schedule BACK to downtown (it doesn't look like a link, I got confused on the page too).

 

Be sure to TAKE A BUS THAT GOES to the gardens, NOT ALL "depatures" go to the Butchart Gardens so follow from the LEFT of the page to the RIGHT.

 

Also, there are no car rental places at the dock, so you got to cab it to the rental place (ugh).

 

The bus ride is 49 minutes (it's quite far).

 

scottbee and The Nice Family

Oooh that noodle place looks good! I might do that instead of Sushi!

 

If you have a good part of the day in Victoria then transit will work but if you are a 6 pm arrival you may want to reconsider.

Any of the car rental co's will be very happy to pick you up at the peir and shuttle you to their downtown location then shuttle you back to the pier when you are done. Over the years I have had great success with the local Budget people; they just may have an 8 person van available.

[Luckysll]

I'd agree with Putterdude about getting to Butchart's using BC Transit. If you have a lot of time, it's fine, but otherwise I'd recommend going with either the ship's excursion or renting a car/van.

 

Also, the buses require exact change. In Canada we have $1 and $2 coins, not bills, and the buses aren't equipped to accept bills, so you'd have to have a lot of US change.

[Denise&Paul STL]

Thank you for the help. I will look into Budget. I wasn't aware they would pick us up - that is terrific. A bus would be good if we didn't some older folks with us who won't do well on a long bus ride and steps getting up into and out of it.

 

That reminds me, I have sent an e-mail to Butchart but had no reply yet about wheelchairs for getting around the gardens. Does anyone know if there is any kind of trolley that takes you through them or at least wheelchairs for rent? That may just be the deal breaker anyway. thanks,

Denise

[Putterdude]

DW has MS and needs the use of a wheelchair for any distances; we have never had a problem borrowing one from the ship for shore junkets...at least on Princess.

[cruiseryyc]

Thank you for the help. I will look into Budget. I wasn't aware they would pick us up - that is terrific. A bus would be good if we didn't some older folks with us who won't do well on a long bus ride and steps getting up into and out of it.

 

That reminds me, I have sent an e-mail to Butchart but had no reply yet about wheelchairs for getting around the gardens. Does anyone know if there is any kind of trolley that takes you through them or at least wheelchairs for rent? That may just be the deal breaker anyway. thanks,

Denise

 

Wheelchairs are available at Butcharts - they used to be free of charge, don't know if they still are. When you drive through the gates, just let the person taking your money that you require a wheelchair. They will direct you to handicap parking and a smiling young person will show up with a chair for your use.

[cruiseryyc]

Just found this on the Butchart's website. Hope it answers your question

 

"There is a limited number of wheelchairs available, free of charge (but requiring a $10 refundable deposit), on a first-come, first-served basis. The refundable deposit may be paid with cash, debit or credit card. We do not take reservations at any time of the year, nor can we provide an escort/assistant to help push the chair. Only motorized or standard wheelchairs are permitted. "

[cruisldy]

We are on the June 14 revised itineary coming to Victoria, arriving at noon and leaving at 10PM. I have been researching ship's excursions for doing Buchart Gardens and a city tour, however I have always heard about and wanted to also see the Empress Hotel and possibly do the High Tea. I have read that if you do the tea on your own, not with a ship sponsored excursion, that the dress code is more formal. Can anyone tell me if this is true. I understand, even if we took the ship tour to do this I would dress more dressy than I would if I were just going sightseening, but if we did this on our own, would I have to dress more dressy than dressy? I hope someone can understand what I mean.

 

Also can you tell me what the tea cost is if done on one's own? I could research this myself, but it is so nice to have local's answers, as you live there and probably know more up to date information than the printed word.

 

I am really excited about seeing this city, as I have wanted to visit and now because of circumstances I will get to.

 

Thank you kindly for any info.:)

[Putterdude]

The last price that I recall seeing for afternoon tea at the Empress was about $55pp. Here is a link to it, note that dress is just smart casual.

http://www.fairmont.com/empress/GuestServices/Restaurants/AfternoonTea.htm

[GeezLouise1]

We are on the June 14 revised itineary coming to Victoria, arriving at noon and leaving at 10PM. I have been researching ship's excursions for doing Buchart Gardens and a city tour, however I have always heard about and wanted to also see the Empress Hotel and possibly do the High Tea. I have read that if you do the tea on your own, not with a ship sponsored excursion, that the dress code is more formal. Can anyone tell me if this is true. I understand, even if we took the ship tour to do this I would dress more dressy than I would if I were just going sightseening, but if we did this on our own, would I have to dress more dressy than dressy? I hope someone can understand what I mean.

 

You might be interested to know that there are a few other options for "Tea" with wonderful traditional scones, cream, cress sandwiches, etc. One is the James Bay Tearoom.http://jamesbaytearoomandrestaurant.com/ I haven't been for a few years, but their tea is delicious. It does not have the "cachet" or the ambiance of the Empress, but it isn't nearly the price either. There is an other tea room in Oak Bay called "The White Heather". Again, no ambiance, but the baking is wonderful. Have a great visit whatever you decide to do. PS Victoria is a very casual town. More dressy than dressy just isn't expected. Nice pants, skirt, blouse etc. will take you anywhere. In June you will probably need to remember an umbrella also, just in case.

 

It is possible to buy packages of specially blended Empress Tea, Butchart Gardens Tea, Royal Roads Tea, etc. from an historic store on Government Street called Murchies. It is a great stop to shop for all things coffee and tea. They also have a sandwich shop attached.

[cruiseryyc]

Another tea alternative is to have it at Butchart's - it's cheaper than the Empress and quite frankly, much nicer ambience.

[GeezLouise1]

Another tea alternative is to have it at Butchart's - it's cheaper than the Empress and quite frankly, much nicer ambience.

 

Yes, as a local, I agree totally. :)

[tkleinheinz]

Greetings -

 

I am part of a group of about 12 people that have now been rerouted from the Mexican Riviera to Victoria and Vancouver. If anyone can point to some fun activities in either spot, I'd greatly appreciate it. No offense to those that enjoy shopping or going to the Gardens, but I was hoping to find some different things. Thanks in advance.

[GeezLouise1]

Is the group of 8-10 people here just for the evening also? If you have a whole day and don't want to go to the gardens or shopping there is lots to do. You can rent kayaks in the inner harbour and explore the coastline. If you have a whole day, rent bikes and go for a picnic. Victoria has kilometers of safe and well maintained bike trails that will take you off into the countryside - perfect for a picnic or coastal sightseeing.(http://www.gallopinggoosetrail.com/) The trail also goes to the nearby town of Sidney - about 30Km from the ship - great little place to sightsee, watch the sailboats at the marina, have lunch, etc. With rented bikes you could ride the "seaside bike route" that will take you through neighbourhoods and great spots to go "tidepooling" if you are an inlander. That is exploring tide pools when the tide is out - full of crabs, anemones, etc. Take a taxi to Mt. Doug and spend an hour or two hiking to the top ( trail choices). At the top there is a wonderful lookout - check out the American Gulf Islands, Vancouver and Grouse Mountain and look west over the Malahat to the Pacific Ocean. Or go Salmon Fishing- lots of charters are available. East Sooke Park is a brilliant hike and you may see Orca whales or sea lions along the way. You'd have to rent a car to access this location for a day trip. But the scenery is worth it! If you have just a little time, children love the petting zoo at Beacon Hill Park - a nice walk from the ship.You could take a downtown tour by Kabuki Kab. Or try a horse drawn carriage. Fisherman's wharf is just around the corner from Ogden Point where the ship anchors. From here you can take one of the little water ferries and explore the inner harbour. It goes to the downtown area in front of the Empress Hotel, over to Ocean Point past the Blue Bridge ( designed by the same man who designed the Golden Gate Bridge), head right into the Selkirk Water for a look, then back out to the harbour to stop at Spinnakers Brew Pub for some local beer, pick up another little harbour ferry to take you back to Fisherman's Wharf. These little tug boat style ferries are cute, cheap and the captains on each one will tell lots of local stories. Lots to see and do here.......:)

[smialette]

Can somebody help me with how safe Victoria is? Since our ship will be docking from around 6pm to midnight in June, I think most of our exploring will be when it is dusk or dark. How safe is it to walk around during the evening/night time to places like Beacon Hill Park or chinatown, or even the Inner Harbour? Thanks for your help!

[cruisldy]

Greetings -

 

I am part of a group of about 12 people that have now been rerouted from the Mexican Riviera to Victoria and Vancouver. If anyone can point to some fun activities in either spot, I'd greatly appreciate it. No offense to those that enjoy shopping or going to the Gardens, but I was hoping to find some different things. Thanks in advance.

 

There is another larger thread for your cruise at

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=685340&page=11

 

You might want to come on over and get some ideas and just say hello.

 

Sorry I didn't mean to interupt just wanted to help out a fellow June 14 cruise.

[cruisldy]

Please disregard my previous posting. I am so sorry that I guess I was having a Senior Moment as I just noticed that "tkleinheinz" is sailing on the Carnival Splendor, not RCI Mariner on the same date.

 

If I knew how to delete my message I would, but I waited too long.

[Putterdude]

Can somebody help me with how safe Victoria is? Since our ship will be docking from around 6pm to midnight in June, I think most of our exploring will be when it is dusk or dark. How safe is it to walk around during the evening/night time to places like Beacon Hill Park or chinatown, or even the Inner Harbour? Thanks for your help!

 

Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia and is rather a small town with a population of about 350,000. It is very clean, very tourist orientated and very safe. I might not care to go into Beacon Hill Park after dark (even thought it really is safe, but why tempt fate) but places like Chinatown, downtown and the Inner Harbour I would have no trouble with.

[Foxhill]

We plan to fly into Victoria airport and would like to rent a car for our stay on the island. Renting the car in downtown Victoria is less expensive than renting one at the airport.

 

Our question is: How can we get from the airport into downtown Victoria? Are there buses that go between the airport and downtown on a regular basis?

 

Would it be feasible to take a taxi from the airport to the rental car location? What cost are we looking at with that choice?

[btorlv]

I am a little confused. When I called the busline, they said to catch the #31 bus and take it to the end and then take the #75 to Butchart Gardens? Is that the correct route if the ship docks at Ogden Point? Do I really need to take the #31 or is it easier to just walk the 15 min. to downtown and catch the #75? Thanks for your help.

[Yuprules]

Really sorry folks, I made a huge error in my reading of the Transit Map of Victoria.

 

It isn't 15 minutes away of a walk, it's 50 minutes of a walk! I thought the 75 bus route was closer, but it is NOT. Do not attempt to walk to the #75 bus, take the #31 from the pier to the bus #75, be sure to read the #75 schedule properly as NOT all departures go to the Gardens.

 

As you can see, it is not really walkable...maybe if you have an hour to kill and don't mind walking from the pier to downtown :)

 

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Ogden+Point&daddr=Hillside+Ave+%26+Nanaimo+St,+Victoria,+Capital+Regional+District,+British+Columbia,+Canada&hl=en&geocode=FZvH4gIdPzil-CGtJPw3zckYzw%3BFdAd4wIdBJul-ClBZlh4f3OPVDEyhTycMyhHow&mra=pe&mrcr=0&dirflg=w&sll=48.427702,-123.377245&sspn=0.041804,0.11158&ie=UTF8&ll=48.42715,-123.376122&spn=0.041805,0.11158&t=h&z=14

[cruiseryyc]

We plan to fly into Victoria airport and would like to rent a car for our stay on the island. Renting the car in downtown Victoria is less expensive than renting one at the airport.

 

Our question is: How can we get from the airport into downtown Victoria? Are there buses that go between the airport and downtown on a regular basis?

 

Would it be feasible to take a taxi from the airport to the rental car location? What cost are we looking at with that choice?

 

There are lots of shuttle buses at the airport that will take you downtown. A taxi would probably cost around $50 CDN.