It is so nice to relax in Victoria. On my list of favorite places.... We stayed at Vanessa's Gingerbread Cottage in 2003 which I highly recommend with all the friendly kitties, parrots, and delicious breakfasts, teas and all day baked goods to sample. Sampling is better, because as James found out there can be too much of a good thing.

Vanessa, who is wonderful, also sells her goodies and recipes! I bought her recipe book!

Staying here enabled us privacy of location and we were within walking distance to downtown Victoria. She also has (free) bicycles for those who would rather ride! Or you could take a horse drawn carriage!

During our trip in 2005 we stayed at the Anderson House It was a little more formal (not necessarily my cup of tea), but it had a Jacuzzi and a great view of the area. We were delighted to find that it also was in a fantastic location! We stayed in the top floor rooms in the front, which include the windows that are visible in the photo. They provide a wonderful treetop view of the parliament buildings as well as the sound of horse drawn carriages passing by.

I recommend the Andersen House for its location and beauty!

The Captains Apartment is great for a family of 4 or even 5 as there are extra rooms/beds and a small kitchenette! The new best thing to do is to go to Lush and get a bath bomb for the jetted tub, it's crazy bubbly!

Our first outing was to the Butchart Gardens. Very pretty, but not my style at all. It is a perfect example of what it is, is how it was described to us by a Victoria resident.

Krista would describe it as sitting there most of the year, and then it barfs flowers.

The grounds of the Hatley Castle Gardens were full of beautiful hundred year old (and older) trees and plants. This includes the hundred year old Wisteria vines climbing the stones and pillars of the Italian Garden. A dozen or more peacocks loudly inhabit the grounds.

The Abkhazi Gardens are kept by The Land Conservancy This is the best place (that I have been to) to have an informal cup of tea and scones for a reasonable price. There is however a suggested donation to enter the gardens. It has some of the largest Rhododendrons and Azaleas that I have seen.

We also visited the Government House Gardens, the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (pictured) and several local parks.