Victoria BC Bed and Breakfasts - Something for Everyone

Victoria BC has a diverse range of appealing attractions and activities so it naturally draws a wide range of visitors who stay at equally diverse bed and breakfasts. There's something for everyone to do and somewhere for everyone to stay.

This tiny part of BC on southern Vancouver Island offers a microcosm of the province including ocean beaches, pretty lakes, rainforest parks and mountain vistas. There are first rate attractions too such as the Butchart Gardens, the Royal BC Museum, Craigdarroch Castle and the Inner Harbour. Visitors enjoy enthralling activities such as whale-watching, kayaking, sailing, fishing, golf, biking and hiking - there are 48 regional, provincial and federal parks in Greater Victoria.

A moderate Mediterranean climate makes Victoria BC a year-round vacation destination, with substantially less rain than either Vancouver or Seattle. Summers are pleasantly hot and winters surprisingly mild (a flower count is held in the last week of February - there were over 3.9 billion blossoms in 2000!). The relaxed lifestyle and safe environment have also helped to Victoria a top world travel destination.

As well as the usual selection of hotels, resorts, motels, vacation rentals, campgrounds and RV parks there are literally hundreds of Victoria BC bed and breakfasts. These are delightful places to stay - you can choose from a heritage home, waterfront guest house, country manor house, lakeside lodging, elegant inn, country cottage, a farm or a woodland retreat. Some are in peaceful country settings near the Butchart Gardens, others in Cordova Bay a small community just 15-20 minutes from downtown Victoria, the ferries and the airport. All include a full breakfast so their rates are highly competitive.

Other area attractions near Greater Victoria BC bed and breakfasts include the Horticulture Centre of The Pacific, the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory/Centre of the Universe and Saanich Commonwealth Place (a swimming and recreational centre of Olympic standards). Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park is popular for swimming, rowing, windsurfing, fishing, walking and horseback riding. Nearby you can stroll on an ocean beach or hike through woodland and lakeside trails, tour wild marine parks, visit wineries and sample BC wines, or snack on local fruit at roadside stands.

Your B&B hosts will gladly provide insights into all these attractions and activities. Their hospitality extends beyond providing bed and breakfast needs, they can pass on travel tips, restaurant recommendations and local secrets to enhance your visit. Regard this as a bonus - the chance to acquire local knowledge whilst chatting at the breakfast table. They will help "tailor-make" your visit so that you make the most of your stay in this lovely area.

About the author: Martin Vernon, and his wife Linda, have operated a Victoria Bed and Breakfast in British Columbia, Canada for nine years. The Gazebo has been selected as one of "Victoria's Finest Bed and Breakfasts": see http://www.gazebo-victoria.com