A resort destination on Canada's Vancouver Island, Victoria combines old-world charm with many outdoor activities, including fishing, whale and dolphin watching and golf. Luxury hotels dot downtown Victoria and range from traditional five-star accommodations to more modern properties with balconies attached to every guest room. Accessible by ferry from Seattle and Vancouver, Victoria is about 30 minutes from the ferry terminal and is centered around the Inner Harbor. On the island, visit Butchart Gardens, a national historic site, that features an extensive rose garden within its gardens. Golf is plentiful and accessible on Vancouver Island and some hotels offer golf packages.
The Empress
A 5-star, luxury resort owned by Fairmont, the Empress is a Victoria icon. Set right on Vancouver Island's Inner Harbor, the hotel is an elegant, turn of the century property with lavish furnishings, a traditional high tea, a high-end spa, fine dining and extensive grounds. The hotel offers golf packages that include golf at Olympic View Golf Club, Cordova Bay Golf Course or Bear Mountain Golf & Country Club. The package includes either two rounds of golf or one round of golf and a spa gift certificate.
The Fairmont Empress
721 Government St.
Victoria, B.C.
Canada
V8W1W5
(866) 540-4429
fairmont.com/empress
Chateau Victoria
Located in the heart of downtown Victoria, with easy access to shopping and the Inner Harbor, the Chateau Victoria is an elegant, recently refurbished property. This green, 3-Diamond property is a find, featuring the area's only rooftop eatery, Vista 18, which has a martini and wine bar. The hotel has a workout room, an indoor pool and whirlpool, complimentary parking and conference space. Spacious guest rooms are luxuriously appointed and feature Deserving Thyme bath amenities. The hotel is located within easy driving distance of area golf courses, including Cedar Hill, Cordova Bay and The Ridge.
Chateau Victoria
740 Burdett Ave.
Victoria, B.C.
Canada V8W 1B2
(800) 663-5891
chateauvictoria.com
Hotel Grand Pacific
Selected the Top Hotel in Canada by Conde Nast Traveler in 2008, the Grand Pacific is a luxury hotel in the heart of downtown on the Inner Harbor. Luxuriously appointed guest rooms have balconies and many have harbor views. The hotel, which has its own gaggle of ducks in the garden, welcomes pets under 40 pounds for a one-time fee. There is an on-site luxury spa, extensive workout area, indoor pool and a selection of fitness classes, including yoga and pilates. The hotel is located within a half hour drive to local golf courses, including Cedar Hill, Cordova Bay and The Ridge.
Hotel Grand Pacific
463 Belleville St.
Victoria B.C.
Canada, V8V 1X3
(250) 386-0450
hotelgrandpacific.com
About The Author
J.D. Chi is a professional journalist who has covered sports for more than 20 years at newspapers all over the United States. She has covered major golf tournaments and the NFL as well as travel and health topics. Chi received her Bachelor of Arts in professional writing from Carnegie Mellon University and is working toward a master's degree in journalism.
