If you want to enjoy a European summer, there’s no need to leave the country — Canada is home to several charming cities and towns with European flair that will whisk you abroad.
For those looking for an English-inspired trip, you can head to Canada’s “most British city,” which is full of landmarks, historical sites and more that will make you feel like royalty.
To be transported across the pond, head to Canada’s West Coast. Located on the water on Vancouver Island lies Victoria, Canada’s most British city.
Originally known as Fort Victoria, a settlement named for Queen Victoria in 1843, Victoria holds ties to the British Royal Family, and you’ll find Victorian period architecture, landmarks, heritage and British tradition across the city today.
There are tons of things to do here that will transport you abroad. Here are just a few that’ll make you feel like you’ve left Canada for England this summer.
Explore historic castles
You can explore Victorian castles in the city that will transport you to the U.K.
Hatley Castle is a stone Edwardian mansion with beautiful gardens and a small museum at Royal Roads University in the municipality of Colwood.
During the summer months, you can enjoy guided tours of the castle and free tours of the stunning gardens.
Victoria’s other castle, Craigdarroch Castle, is a beautiful historic Victorian-era mansion built by the same family as Hatley Castle.
You can explore the castle on a tour and see its exquisite stained glass windows, intricate woodwork and Victorian-era furnishings.
Enjoy afternoon tea
Victoria has been rich with tea culture since the 1840s, when the British first introduced the practice.
The tradition is alive and well in the city today. You can enjoy afternoon tea in stately tearooms, shops, gardens and cafes across the city.
One often-praised spot is the Fairmont Empress Hotel, where you can enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea.
Wander the inner harbour
Known as one of the “most beautiful harbours in the world,” Victoria’s harbour is where you can watch ships, embark on whale-watching tours, and catch seaplanes landing and taking off.
Overlooking the inner harbour is the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, an unmistakable feature in Victoria’s cityscape.
The inside of the building is just as impressive as the outside, and can be viewed on a free guided tour.
See thousands of roses at a public garden
Victoria’s Butchart Gardens are a must-see during any visit and will make you feel like you’re walking through a garden in the English countryside.
The site is home to 55 acres of gardens, including a rose garden where you can view 280 varieties of the flower, and a charming courtyard that’s home to more than 80 varieties of plants.
Stay at the Fairmont Empress
A trip to Victoria wouldn’t be complete without a stay at the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Sitting at the head of Victoria’s inner harbour, the hotel is an early-20th-century stone hotel constructed in a Chateau style that has been designated as a national historic site.
You’ll feel like royalty with the hotel’s chic accommodations and amenities. However, even if you don’t stay, it’s still worth a visit to check out the hotel’s afternoon tea or lunch.
Enjoy!
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
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