Hello Victoria! - Visiting Victoria, British Columbia (and loving every moment).

Not too long ago, my boyfriend and I ventured up to Seattle, Washington to explore some potential moving options, and I mentioned that we should take a trip to Victoria or Vancouver while we were so close. I had fond memories of both these cities while I was growing up. Having gone numerous times while on family vacations, I was anxious to see these places again in order to solidify the fading memories of childhood. So it was decided, we would take the ferry and go up to Victoria for a week, and I'm happy to say it was more wonderful than I remembered it being in years past. Yes, I am a lover of Canada (or for the purpose of this Hub, a lover of Victoria, BC). And here's why:

We took the Victoria Clipper and clipped our way straight from Seattle to the Garden City, Victoria, BC. We stepped away from our ride, onto a beautiful deep green cityscape. With quite the English feel, Victoria is the kind of place you visit for the first time, yet immediately it feels like home. The quaintness of this city enveloping you in a safe bubble (where you certainly don't mind staying for awhile.)

Victoria is the capital of British Columbia, located peacefully on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. As stated on the Victoria tourism webpage:

"Victoria has been blessed with a wealth of natural and and man-made riches, including stunning heritage architecture framed by ocean views and mountain vistas. It is the rare juxtaposition of heritage charm, scenic backdrop and modern city-scape that makes Victoria one of the most uniquely special places in Canada."

• Bring comfy shoes for your arrival in this lovely city. You can walk everywhere in Victoria. From the coastline to Chinatown and beyond, there's plenty of ground to be covered, and you won't be alone. The streets seem to always be filled with people. If you enjoy meandering as I do, (In my opinion it's the best way to get to know a new place: by wandering and letting it surprise you.), you're in for a treat.
• Victoria has been described as a dining town, and who could argue considering all the fresh seafood available. Take a walk through downtown and you'll find it impossible to turn a corner without being greeted by the tasty smells of a fresh breakfast, lunch or dinner. (See below for my, unique and unexpected, favorite recommendation for lunch!)
• Arts and culture: Victoria is submerged in it. Victoria has a massive art and music culture with a history that traces back to the town's first days. For more information about Victoria's interesting music history, click here. On the same note, one of the best things about visiting this town were the endless number of festivals. Many that you just run into simply by roaming around the main part of the town. Click here for a full list of festivals and events links by month; complete with links and descriptions!

• Take a stroll along the coast.

The air is crisp and the ocean beautiful. Take a walk to the coast just outside of the main downtown area in Victoria. Giant stair cases will take you down to the rocky waterfront.

• Eat one fish or two fish at Red fish, Blue fish.

Nestled in a sort of shack on a pier in Victoria's Inner Harbor, this place knows what fresh seafood is all about. Get there early to wait in line since they're only open for a few hours at lunch time. The line stretches nearly into the ocean by opening hour. If you're early enough you'll enjoy some of the most delicious fish and chowder imaginable.

• Spend some time at the Royal BC Museum and IMAX theater.

This museum was fun, interactive, interesting, and just plain amazing. There's something new around every corner. I recommend it no matter what your age. Seeing a movie in the IMAX theater is a great way to spend an afternoon. We were lucky enough to see Born to be Wild, on the screen so big, it really does take you to another world.

• Chinatown

With the elegant Gate of Harmonious Interest beckoning you inside, Victoria's Chinatown is the first in Canada. It my appear small, covering only two blocks, but it's overflowing with shops, studios and restaurants worth exploring. If you're in for a tight squeeze, check out Fan Tan Alley, famous for it's narrowness.

• The Inner Harbor

Plenty was happening each day in Victoria's Inner Harbor. Street performances, art, and food all with a picturesque backdrop of boats sailing along the blue sea. The Inner Harbor also contains several of the cities best known landmarks, such as the Empress Hotel, Parliament Building and, as mentioned above, the Royal BC Museum.

Enjoy!