Victoria, Gay Vancouver Travel Guide

British Columbia’s capital city, Victoria, is located on the southernmost tip of spectacular Vancouver Island, just a short helijet, floatplane, catamaran or commercial flight from BC’s lower mainland region, Metro Vancouver, and Washington State. You can also reach this delightful, cosmopolitan island destination via car, coach, ferry, international flight, or even as part of an incredible whale watching adventure from downtown Vancouver with the Prince of Whales.

Victoria is known for its old-world charm, decidedly British flavour, world-class hotels, decadent dining, wine, seafood, and some of the best microbreweries on the west coast. The Great Canadian Beer Festival in early September attracts beer lovers from as far away as Australia and England. Other highlights include; unique European-style architecture, antique shopping, art galleries, great outdoor adventure travel, and gardens, gardens, gardens! A visit to the world-renowned Butchart Gardens is a must.

Victoria is also home to the Royal BC Museum, one of the foremost cultural institutions in the world. Housing British Columbia’s provincial museum and archives, the RBCM also offers a state-of-the-art IMAX Theatre, and will showcase Tornado Alley and Mission Impossible - the Ghost Protocol The IMAX Experience in early 2012.

The rainbow flag is flown proudly in Victoria, and Victoria has a small but active gay and lesbian scene. 2011 saw the addition of one new gay bar, and the Victoria Pride Festival will be bigger and better than ever as it celebrates 18 years in 2012.

Pride Week Victoria 2012
Parade: TBA (July)
Location: City Hall through Government Street to Fisherman's Wharf Park
Further information is available on the Victoria Pride Society website.

HeliJet
Clouds aren't the only thing rolling back this month...Helijet is rolling back fares too!

Stimulate your excitement and take off for a scenic fall getaway that won't break the budget.

Weekdays you'll find plenty of seats from $149 and on weekends for just $139 www.helijet.com

Sightseeing:

Prince of Whales ~ Whale Watching
World Famous "Ocean Magic" Amazing eco-friendly excursions between downtown Vancouver and downtown Victoria, and more. Fantastic adventure packages that will make your trip an experience of a lifetime. To top things off, charming, qualified professional hosts take care of you all the way. Look for Pink Whale Watching Tours and more during Pride season. 1.888.383.4884 www.princeofwhales.com

INFO:

What's New in Vicoria

Dining:

Cafe Brio
One must visit stop on your visit to Victoria is the fabulous Cafe Brio. We are certainly not alone in our opinion as you can see:

"Cafe Brio tries to satisfy rather than impress and ends up doing both." ..................CONDE NAST TRAVEL”
".........the pitch is perfect in Cafe Brio's kitchen." ........................................GOURMET MAGAZINE

Be sure to tell Greg and Silvia we sent you!
www.cafe-brio.com

Bon Rouge Bistro & Lounge
"Chic, yet relaxed, Bon Rouge offers French-inspired comfort food to indulge the senses". Rave reviews abound for this little slice of Paris, right in the heart of downtown Victoria. Showcasing fresh local produce, seafood, wine and microbrews, in an old world atmosphere. 611 Courtney Street, Victoria, BC, 250.220.8008 www.bonrouge.ca

Pescatore’s Seafood + Grill
If you’re looking for seafood while in Victoria, this is a great place to visit. Oysters Rockefeller, steamed local Dungeness Crab, and spring salmon tempura were on the fresh sheet at time of writing, and Michael told us they just opened a brand new Oyster Bar. Check it out. 614 Humboldt Street, Victoria, BC, 250.385.5562 www.theoysterbar.ca

Accommodations:

	Best Western Carlton Plaza Hotel Convenient location abouve Papaeazzi Nightclub 642 Johnson Street, Victoria www.bestwesterncarltonplazahotel.com
	The Coast Victoria Harbourside Hotel & Marina Prime Location on Victoria’s Inner Harbour 146 Kingston Street, Victoria, BC, V8V 1V4 1.800.716.6199 http://www.coasthotels.com/hotels/canada/bc/victoria/coast_victoria/overview

victoriamap2011

Gay Clubs and Lounges

Paparazzi Nightclub
Gay nightclub, DJs and dancefloor. Open 7 days a week. 642 Johnson St. (at Broad). Tel: 250-388-0505
The Ledge Lounge (The Bedford Regency Hotel). Newly designated LGBT-welcoming space near the entrance to Bastion Square. 1140 Government Street. Tel: 250-384-683
HUSH (Gay Friendly Club)
1325 Government Street, Victoria. Downstairs - Entrance on left side of Christmas Village. Tel: (250) 385-0566

Sauna

Steamworks
No membership & ID required. 582 Johnson St.

Travel Directory

Gay Friendly Vancouver:

Gay Friendly Canada:

Quick Shuttle Reservations: