If you want a little taste of Europe without the plane trip, you can find it within this B.C. city. This spot is known for its British roots and charming streets that will transport you across the pond.
We turned to Narcity Canada’s Facebook page, asking readers which Canadian cities feel like they’re in another country. With hundreds of responses, this B.C. city stood out for its U.K. vibes.
Victoria has been dubbed the “most British city” in Canada, with it’s hidden alleyways, cobblestone streets, and historical sites. There’s lots of British vibes here, and even two different castles that look like they could belong to a royal family.
The West Coast city also has old ties to the British Royal Family, being named for Queen Victoria in 1843 and full of Victorian period architecture. According to the city’s tourism website it’s also “hosted several Royal Visits, including Queen Elizabeth and, most recently, William and Kate, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, during their Royal Tour in September 2016.”
There’s lots to do in the city that will make you feel like you’re on a trip to England, but a visit to Hatley Castle might be the most magical of them.
It’s a Edwardian mansion just outside of the city, located in Colwood, and you can wander around the beautiful grounds here or go and explore inside on a guided tour. The castle was built in 1908 and was used as a dorm and mess hall for Royal Roads Military College cadets, but now it’s an administrative centre for the Royal Roads University. There’s also a small museum here with exhibits and artifacts that you can check out.
The immaculate gardens here feel like they’re out of a storybook, with a Rose Garden, Japanese Garden and a formal Italian Garden. It’s so picturesque that it’s actually been used as a set for a few movies, including X-Men and Deadpool.
Victoria is also home to another castle called Craigdarroch Castle, adding even more Victorian-era charm to the city. Craigdarroch Castle is a beautifully restored mansion that was built in the 1890s and is now a National Historic Site of Canada.
It’s open to the public, so you can go tour around it and learn more about the history it holds. It’s also conveniently located close to downtown.
If you want to stick to the city you don’t have to go far to find some more British influence. The Fairmont Empress Hotel looks like a castle perched along the waterfront, and even serves up a traditional English afternoon tea service.
The hotel is famous for its teatime, having served it for “well over a century,” according to the website.
On the menu, you’ll find lavender grown on the hotel’s rooftop garden, fresh honey, and local produce. It’s an elegant affair that makes for a fun afternoon.
The hotel is the place to stay in the city if you want a luxurious getaway, and one that’s fit for royalty. It’s actually also designated as a National Historic Site thanks to the national significance of the Chateau style architecture.
After sipping on some tea you can wander around Victoria’s inner harbour, which features a pathway that hugs the water. It’s as scenic as it gets, and you can watch as seaplanes take off, boats come in and out, and even take tours from here. Also alongside the harbour is the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, which is a trademark of the city.
Around the city you’ll also spot small alleyways filled with hidden treasures and shops.
There’s even a bright red telephone booth that looks like it was plucked from the streets of London. Make sure to head to Nootka Court to see it while you’re wandering around the city.
You’ll also pass by historic buildings throughout the downtown area, as well as a bunch of local boutiques and shops. The city isn’t that big, compared to Vancouver, but it’s lively and has streets lined with cozy coffee shops, colourful storefronts, and some incredible award-winning restaurants. It’s actually also known as the “brunch capital of Canada,” so you’ll want to make some reservations while there.
If you’re a history buff you can also visit the Royal BC Museum here, which has an array of exhibits you can check out.
Keeping with the fairytale vibe of the city is the famous Butchart Gardens, set just outside of the city.
Sprawling 55 acres, the garden is full of beauty and is over 120 years old. It’s yet another National Historic Site in this city that’s ready to be explored. You can stroll around the gardens, following the pathways that will bring you past colourful blooms, picturesque fountains and serene ponds.
There’s multiple gardens within the park, including a Japanese Garden, an Italian Garden, and the famous Sunken Garden. Each one offers it’s own distinct beauty, and feels like a peaceful oasis away from the bustle of downtown Victoria.
From tea time to wandering castle grounds, it’s not hard to feel like you’re somewhere far away while on a visit here.
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