Weekend in Victoria, British Columbia, one of three ways: on a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Trip tips: The capital city of British Columbia enjoys a mild climate, making it a top destination for outdoor fun and adventure. The town's Inner Harbour is one of the world's most picturesque, and the shoreline is the hub for summer festivals, concerts and shows. On weekend evenings from June to September, stroll the Ship Point Night Market for dining and entertainment (6-10:30 p.m.). Walk to the end of the 600-foot pier for incredible city views. This rugged southern tip of Vancouver Island offers an abundance of trails, green spaces and flowers galore. Visit downtown's 200-acre Beacon Hill park and the famous Butchart Gardens with its 55 acres of year-round gardens. www.tourismvictoria.com/things-to-do/gardens-parks.
Getting there: A fast and convenient way to reach Vancouver Island is from Seattle aboard the high-speed Victoria Clipper passenger ferry; $130-$149 round-trip, per person. Save by packaging ferry and Victoria hotels. www.clippervacations.com. One-way rates to Seattle on Spirit (via LAX) start from $152; from $199 on Frontier (via Denver). There are a number of ways to reach Victoria from downtown Vancouver or from the Vancouver Airport, www.tourismvictoria.com/plan/getting-here. Round-trip rates on connecting service to Vancouver from $286-$368, based on 14- to 21-day advance ticket purchase with most major airlines.
BUDGET
Stay: The Best Western Plus Carlton Plaza Hotel is a short walk to Market Square with more than 35 shops, restaurants and clubs in the town square. Craigdarroch Castle, a Scottish baronial mansion, is located about a mile from the hotel. Rates from $85 include complimentary Wi-Fi and loaner bikes, from $85. 642 Johnson St., Victoria. 250-388-5513, www.bestwestern.com.
Eat: Stop into Red Fish, Blue Fish, a restaurant created on a wooden wharf pier from a cargo container. Choose from an array of fresh fish, or tacones — hand-rolled flour tortillas with fish, coleslaw, pea shoots, sauce and lemon-pickled onions (from $4 for one; $7.50 for two); tempura-battered fish and chips (from $7.50), sandwiches, or grilled fish, $10-$12. 1006 Wharf St., Victoria. 250-298-6877, www.redfish-bluefish.com.
Experience: Bike Tours Victoria is led by an award-winning tour guide who shares unique city stories and history highlights on the 3-3.5-hour tour (7.5 miles). Enjoy Olympic Peninsula vistas along the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the downtown core into historic Chinatown on the fun ride. The "Highlight Tour" from $52; $33 with your own bike. www.biketoursvictoria.com.
MODERATE
Stay: The boutique Oswego Hotel is located steps away from the Inner Harbour and the Royal British Columbia Museum. Features of the open concept studio suites include a kitchenette, dining table, soaker tubs, and plush robes, from $137. Suites with a separate bedroom from $160. 500 Oswego St., Victoria. 250-294-7500, www.oswegohotelvictoria.com.
Eat: A husband-and-wife cooking team from Guangdong, China, prepare comfort food, Cantonese-style at the Cozy Place. Watch the team prepare authentic and artistic dishes at the open kitchen. Menu prices to $15. 1692 Douglas St., Victoria. 250-382-3123.
Experience: Five Star is Victoria's longest-running family-owned and -operated whale watching company (since 1985). Get on board the Supercat for a thrilling experience from April 15-Oct. 15. The double-hulled catamaran accommodates 45 passengers and features a washroom, covered seating and elevated viewing platforms, $80 adult; $52 child. 645 Humboldt St., Victoria. 250-388-7223, www.5starwhales.com.
SPLURGE
Stay: Recently refreshed guest rooms at the AAA 4-Diamond Magnolia Hotel & Spa feature large floor-to-ceiling windows, poster beds, and marble bathrooms. Through April 30, the two-night "Bikes, Beans & Blooms" package includes use of bikes, helmets and a curated map for a self-guided tour, from $152 per night to April 30, and from $197 per night May 1-June 30. 623 Courtney St., Victoria. 250-381-0999, http://magnoliahotel.com.
Eat: You'll be inclined to Instagram your dinner presentation at Restaurant Matisse, "Where Food is Art." A three-course prix fixe menu is $36 ($59 with wines). Other classic entrees from lake duck breast, local fresh fish to steaks and foie gras, $22-$29. 512 Yates St., Victoria. 250-480-0883, www.restaurantmatisse.com.
Experience: Spend a full day on the Cowichan Wine Tour. While wine is the focus of this adults-only tour, the day also features cheese, charcuterie, balsamic vinegar, jams, a seaside village visit with a sommelier and photo stops. The picturesque Cowichan Valley, 40 minutes from Victoria, offers a scenic route through a temperate rain forest, mountain vistas and farmlands. $110 per adult with Victoria hotel door-to-door service. 250-477-3322, www.islandtimetours.com.
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