Fairy Tale Castles and Victorian Homes in Victoria
Do you want to see the most picturesque views of Victoria, British Columbia (BC)? Victoria may be the prettiest small city in Canada. This classic drive explores fairy tale castles, Victorian homes, glorious coastal views, and even a volcano. You did not know there was a volcano near Victoria? Wait until you see it.
Author & Photographer: George Mitchell
Our advice below is not based on a couple of tourist trips. Our recommendations are based on our extensive experience living in Western Canada. We are avid hikers, nature lovers and photographers (all photos are my own).
All of our recommendations are top-rated by Google Maps Ratings, which is based on everyone, not just tourists. Each place recommended in our custom CA Victoria Map is appended with a Google Maps Rating (G0 to G5).
Craigdarrock Castle
We came to Craigdarroch Castle late in the day and were rewarded with beautiful lighting on the front and side of the castle. The stained glass, cast iron, and stone work are very special.
This National Historic Site was built by wealthy coal baron, Robert Dunsmuir. How would you like to take care of 39 rooms and over 25,000 square feet (2,300 sq m)? But Robert Dunsmuir never saw his circa $500,000 castle! He died 17 months before the castle was completed in 1889. According to the inflation calculator that castle would have cost $13,321,740 in today’s dollars!!!
Foul Bay Road
921 Foul Bay Road was not on the list of heritage homes. There was just something photogenic about this timber frame house on a hill. Wow, what does it cost?
From here you could visit Abkhazi Garden already discussed in Vibrant Victoria – Experience these Magic Moments and Hidden Gems.
Water & Flower Vistas
Chinese Cemetery Vista
Chinese immigrants were barred from cemeteries many years ago. So the same organization that built the Chinese School, the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, purchased Harling Point and established the Chinese Cemetery in 1903. Actually, Chinese used to ship their remains to their home village. But the Second World War and Communist revolution ended that practice. There are 13 mass graves that hold the remains of circa 900 Chinese immigrants.
Trafalgar Park Vista
Trafalgar Park is the next stop heading east into a much quieter part of the city. From here continue along the coastal Beach Drive and through the Victoria Golf Course.
Oak Bay Marina Vista
Oak Bay Marina provides another viewpoint and that summer it came with a piano. In the Oak Bay neighbourhood you can find atmospheric, turn of the century homes. We found web pages that provided specific addresses to see, such as Victoria’s Best Heritage Homes and Oak Bay Heritage Properties. Just southwest of the Oak Bay Marina, you can visit James Stewart Clark House on 1086 St Louis St. with gabled brackets, Doric columns, and leaded windows.
Glenlyon Norfolk School
Located at 1701 Beach Drive, this set of buildings dates from 1897 to 1910. Note the leaded glass windows, Oriel windows, and magnificent stone work. The school buildings are just to the right of these residences.
Mount Tolmie Park Vista
Continuing along Beach Drive, stop off at Cattle Point. Drive west on Lansdowne Rd. then north. At the top of Mount Tolmie is a parking lot with a view. Crossing the road and climbing over a hill, there was a wide flat concrete platform. It turns out this is a remnant of defenses from World War II.
Mt. Baker Vista
There in the distance was Mt. Baker in Washington state. So what if it is in another country. It is only 77 km by air or 123 km by road. That’s close! This volcano may be the biggest threat to Vancouver and Southern BC.
This would be a spectacular view if Mt. Baker ever erupted.
From Mount Tolmie we visited Finnerty Gardens at close-by University of Victoria. It had mainly trees rather than flowers.
Mt. Doug Vista
We drove north on Shelbourne St. to a small parking lot on top of Mt. Doug. There is only a limited view from here. You have to climb the steep hills on either side of the road. On the south side the short trail climbs to the microwave tower offering views of the city and the Olympic Mountains.
The steep stairs and longer trail on the north side offer the more spectacular views above. There is something special about bays studded with islands. It turns out that these are Salt Spring, Pender, San Juan, et al. Islands. On the left, the Saanich Peninsula stretches to the horizon. The near sunset lighting was also special.
Final Comments on this Itinerary
This is a relaxing itinerary where you can experience the fairy tale sights of Victoria.
Subscribe
Get travel tips and advice delivered directly to your inbox. The best part is that it is free.
What things fascinate you? How long is your trip? What questions do you have? If you have been to Victoria, share your experiences with us.
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Itinerary Map & Resources
Google Maps Ratings
Google Maps provides a rating from 0 to 5 for all sights, hotels and restaurants (but not cities). All of our recommendations are appended with the rating (prefixed with a G) from Google Maps. As it is based on feedback from tourists and locals, it is much more reliable than travel booking websites. We consider a score of 4 to 4.39 to be Very Good; 4.4 to 5 to be Excellent.
Other Places to Add to Your Itinerary
Victoria, the capital city of BC, has the best climate. This is the city of flowers and gardens, views and volcanoes! It’s one of our favourite places. Victoria may just be the best small city to visit in all of North America.
Canada FAQ
The Exploring Canada post answers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) such as:
- How do you plan a trip to Canada?
- How safe is Canada?
- What is the best season for travel?
- Can I see everything in 3 or 3 weeks?
- What are the best places to see in Canada?
Terra Encounters 
Leave a comment