Five Hidden Attractions in Victoria, B.C

If people have heard of Victoria, B.C. they are likely to associate it with the world-famous and absolutely stunning Butchart Gardens, or afternoon tea at The Fairmont Empress. But the capital of Canada's westernmost province has many attractions that are hidden gems. Here I explore five of my favorites.

1) Feeding the sea lions at Oak Bay Marina. A 15 minute scenic drive on Dallas Road away from downtown Victoria, will take you through gorgeous neighborhoods and to Oak Bay, easily spotted by the fleets of sailboats. Park in the parking lot of the Oak Bay Marina and buy some frozen fish from the gift shop for a couple of bucks. Then just out the side door you will see a ramp to the moorings and likely a sea lion or two waiting for you to toss them some fish! Follow this up with coffee or soda on the deck of the Marina Coffee House and enjoy the view of Mt. Baker. This makes for a fun trip for young and old alike.

2) Lunch in DragonAlley. Back in town, the oldest Chinatown in North America is hard to miss. Filled with Chinese markets and home of the famous Fan Tan Alley, there is a surprising and true hidden attraction down one of the quieter alleys, Dragon Alley. Cucina is a tiny place serving just one or two entrées at lunchtime. The chef and owner, Mirjana, is something of a local legend and makes marvelous dishes. This is an expensive lunch but well worth it and definitely an adventure. She is closed on Sundays and there is no phone so you just have to go around lunch time and take your chances! If you miss her, the best dim sum in town is nearby at Don Mee's - you can't miss the restaurant's land-mark neon sign!

3) Walking in Finnerty Gardens. While Butchart gardens might arguably be the most beautiful gardens in the entire world and Victoria's best-known attraction, if you happen to miss it or don't want to pay the ticket prices or just want to avoid the crowds of tourists in the summer, consider going to The Finnerty Gardens located on the University of Victoria campus. The gardens boast a huge collection of rhododendrons, two water gardens and winding paths and benchs on six and half acres. Every bend brings new beauty, there is no admission fee and the gardens are often deserted. And to top it off, given the climate, the gardens are always beautiful no matter which season you visit. The rhododendrons are at their peak in April and May.

4) Kayaking in Brentwood Bay. Quite near Butchart Gardens is a small community that has a fairly new lodge, spa and resort, Brentwood Bay Lodge. Their marina offers hourly and daily kayak rentals in a setting that even the first time kayaker can enjoy given the calmness of the bay. Paddling in this setting calms the soul and renews the spirit. Choose a single or double kayak and bring your camera! From the towering pines to the iridescent purple starfish and bright orange octopi, there is natural beauty to behold both above and below water.

5) Swimming in the Sooke Potholes. About a 30 minute drive from downtown Victoria is a swimming spot that has made a number of "Best Of" lists. The potholes are part of the Sooke Potholes Provincial Park and are all public. With clear, sparkling water and smooth polished rocks and boulders, this is the perfect place to lay out, to splash around, to swim and to picknick.