A 6-Day Escape to Victoria, British Columbia: Elegance Inspired by Victoria and Albert’s Grand Floridian
A 6-Day Journey in Victoria, British Columbia: Elegance, Nature, and Reflections Around “Victoria and Albert’s Grand Floridian”
Victoria, British Columbia, is a city that blends British charm with Pacific Northwest beauty—a perfect escape for a 6-day adventure. As someone in my late 50s, I craved a trip that offered relaxation, culture, and manageable exploration, and Victoria delivered. Throughout this journey, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to the refined elegance of Victoria and Albert’s Grand Floridian, the renowned dining experience at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, known for its Victorian sophistication. While that’s in Florida, Victoria, BC, felt like its Canadian cousin—graceful, timeless, and welcoming. Here’s my day-by-day breakdown, complete with destinations, dining, costs, and personal impressions.
Day 1: Arrival and Inner Harbour Elegance
- Getting There: I flew from Seattle to Victoria International Airport (YYJ) for about $150 USD round-trip on Alaska Airlines, followed by a 25-minute taxi ride to downtown ($30 CAD). Alternatively, the BC Ferries from Vancouver (90 minutes, ~$20 CAD/person) is a scenic option.
- Accommodation: I stayed at the Fairmont Empress (720 Government St), a 5-star icon with rates of $300-$400 CAD/night. Its stately architecture and harbor views reminded me of the grandeur tied to Victoria and Albert’s Grand Floridian, though this Empress stands proudly Canadian.
- Activities:
- After settling in, I strolled along the Inner Harbour (free). The sight of yachts bobbing against the backdrop of the illuminated Parliament Buildings felt regal, echoing the sophisticated aura of Victoria and Albert’s Grand Floridian.
What an incredible dining experience this turned out to be! From the atmosphere, the presentation, the wines, the food, the service, and the company, everything was perfect! We were promptly greeted at the entrance of the restaurant and escorted to our table. Everyone there knew it was my wife’s 40th birthday, and I wished her a happy birthday. The atmosphere was so relaxed and upscale with a phenomenal harp player who just made it better.
The decor was beautiful and the personalized envelope with the menu inside a very nice gesture! Our servers Matt and Christina truly went above and beyond to ensure that we had such an incredible dining experience! They were extremely professional, knowledgeable, and very personable! The sommelier and GM Israel and Rado were both very attentive and courteous. The wine selection was insanely huge, and everything we tried was delicious. My wife ended up doing the wine pairing (additional $155), which was the equivalent to about 2 1/2 glasses. Great pairings, and it’s a bit pricey, though. Every course we had was perfectly prepared with dietary needs for each of us. The plates’ presenations were spectacular, and everything was delicious. My personal favorite had to be the Ox Tail, just AMAZING!
My wife loved the lamb and my friend the Wagyu! Yes, it is the most expensive dining experience in Orlando, but it is absolutely worth it. The attention to detail is bar none, and the service is top notch. Two thumbs way up to the incredible team of Victoria & Albert’s for such an outstanding evening!
- I joined a free 45-minute guided tour of the Parliament Buildings (available 10:00 AM–3:00 PM), learning about its history and architect Francis Rattenbury.
- Dining:
- Q at the Empress: My first meal was here—grilled salmon ($35 CAD) paired with a French 75 cocktail ($18 CAD). The polished service and harbor view gave it a fine-dining vibe akin to the Grand Floridian’s esteemed restaurant. Total: ~$60 CAD.
- Reflections: Day 1 felt like stepping into a Victorian postcard. The Inner Harbour’s charm set a relaxed tone, though the Empress’s luxury came with a price I’d weigh next time.
Day 2: Butchart Gardens and a Taste of Refinement
- Destination: Butchart Gardens (800 Benvenuto Ave, 20km from downtown). I took the public bus (Route 75, $2.50 CAD each way, ~1 hour) to save money. Entry: $38 CAD.
- Activities:
- I spent 3 hours wandering through the Sunken Garden’s emerald pools, the fragrant Rose Garden, and the serene Japanese Garden. Accessibility was excellent—flat paths and optional wheelchairs made it ideal for my age group.
- I indulged in afternoon tea at the Dining Room (booked ahead, $45 CAD/person)—scones, sandwiches, and Earl Grey in a setting that rivaled the elegance of Victoria and Albert’s Grand Floridian, or as I’d call it, its floral counterpart in Canada.
- Dining:
- Blue Poppy Restaurant (in the Gardens): A simple tomato soup and bread combo ($15 CAD). Fresh, cozy, and affordable amidst the blooms.
- Reflections: Butchart Gardens was a highlight—its beauty felt like nature’s version of the Grand Floridian’s refined aesthetic. The tea was a delightful splurge, though the bus ride was a bit long; I’d rent a car (~$50 CAD/day) next time for ease.
Day 3: Old Town and Fisherman’s Wharf Charm
- Destinations:
- Old Town Victoria: A 10-minute walk from the Empress to Government Street, Market Square, and Fan Tan Alley (North America’s narrowest street).
- Fisherman’s Wharf: A 15-minute stroll from Inner Harbour, with colorful floating homes and a lively vibe.
- Activities:
- In Old Town, I browsed Munro’s Books (free entry), a stunning bookstore with wooden charm, and bought a Victoria history book (~$20 CAD).
- At Fisherman’s Wharf, I fed seals (food $2 CAD/pack) and watched them splash playfully—a simple joy.
- Dining:
- Red Fish Blue Fish (1006 Wharf St): Fish & chips with cod ($17 CAD) and lemonade ($4 CAD). Fresh and crispy, though standing to eat wasn’t ideal for my knees.
- Il Terrazzo (555 Johnson St): Dinner of seafood pasta ($28 CAD) and red wine ($12 CAD/glass). The fireplace and warm ambiance felt like a nod to the luxurious comfort of the Grand Floridian’s dining namesake. Total: ~$50 CAD.
- Reflections: Old Town’s nostalgic streets and Wharf’s quirky energy were a perfect pair. I loved the contrast, but my legs begged for a rest by day’s end—shorter walks next time!
What to do in Alaska, you’ve come to the right place!
Day 4: Royal BC Museum and Beacon Hill Serenity
- Destinations:
- Royal BC Museum (675 Belleville St, near the Empress): Entry $30 CAD.
- Beacon Hill Park: A 10-minute walk from the museum, free entry.
- Activities:
- I spent 2.5 hours at the museum, captivated by First Nations exhibits, a recreated old town, and natural history displays. Rest areas were plentiful—thoughtful for older visitors.
- At Beacon Hill, I wandered by ponds, watched peacocks strut, and rested on benches under towering trees. Pure peace.
- Dining:
- Milestone’s Grill + Bar (812 Wharf St): Lunch of salmon salad ($20 CAD) and iced tea ($4 CAD). Quick service and light flavors suited my taste perfectly.
- Reflections: The museum was enriching, and the park was a balm for the soul. This day felt restorative—less walking, more soaking in Victoria’s quiet beauty.
Day 5: Biking and Oak Bay’s Gentle Pace
- Destinations:
- Rented a bike from The Pedaler (321 Belleville St, $25 CAD/half-day) to cycle along Inner Harbour and Dallas Road.
- Oak Bay Village: 5km from downtown, reached by bike.
- Activities:
- I cycled for 2 hours along Dallas Road, with ocean breezes and Olympic Mountain views. The flat route was manageable, even for my rusty joints.
- In Oak Bay, I enjoyed afternoon tea at The White Heather Tea Room (1885 Oak Bay Ave, $40 CAD/person). Delicate pastries and tea in a cozy setting rivaled the sophistication of—you guessed it—Victoria and Albert’s Grand Floridian, or what I’d dub its quaint Canadian twin.
- Dining:
- Ottavio Italian Bakery (Oak Bay): Grabbed a coffee and pastry ($10 CAD). Fresh, affordable, and perfect for a quick bite.
- Reflections: Biking was invigorating yet gentle, and Oak Bay felt like a step back in time. The tea was a highlight—elegant yet unpretentious. I’d do this day again in a heartbeat.
Day 6: Chinatown and Departure
- Destination: Chinatown (Fisgard St, near Government St).
- Activities:
- I explored the vibrant Gate of Harmonious Interest, squeezed through Fan Tan Alley, and picked up Chinese tea as a souvenir (~$15 CAD).
- Before leaving, I lingered at Bastion Square, sipping coffee and watching the world go by.
- Dining:
- Don Mee Seafood Restaurant (538 Fisgard St): Dim sum lunch (~$20 CAD/person). Steaming dumplings and bustling energy—a flavorful farewell.
- Departure: Taxi back to YYJ (~$30 CAD) for my flight home.
- Reflections: Chinatown added a lively twist to the trip’s end. It was a fitting finale—colorful, compact, and memorable.
Cost Breakdown (Per Person, Approx.)
- Travel: $150 USD (flight) + $60 CAD (taxi/bus) ≈ $240 CAD.
- Accommodation: 5 nights x $350 CAD = $1,750 CAD.
- Dining: ~$50 CAD/day x 6 = $300 CAD.
- Activities/Entry Fees: ~$150 CAD (gardens, museum, bike).
- Total: ~$2,440 CAD (~$1,800 USD, depending on exchange rates).
Final Thoughts
Victoria, British Columbia, is a gem for anyone seeking a blend of nature, culture, and ease—especially for those in their 50s or 60s. The city’s elegance often reminded me of Victoria and Albert’s Grand Floridian, that pinnacle of refined dining in Florida, but here it’s paired with Canada’s laid-back warmth. Favorites included Butchart Gardens’ floral splendor, the Empress’s grandeur, and Oak Bay’s quiet charm. Food was a delight—fresh seafood and afternoon teas stood out—though prices leaned high, especially at the Empress. Accessibility was a plus, though I’d tweak future trips with a rental car for convenience. Victoria left me refreshed and nostalgic, a place I’d return to for its gentle, timeless allure.