Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the weather like in Victoria?
A. Victoria boasts the mildest climate in Canada and is one of its driest areas. With less precipitation than Vancouver or Seattle, summers are pleasantly warm but never too hot and winters are light. Average temperatures range from: 71F/22C in July to 45F/7C in December.

Q. Any suggestions for garden enthusiasts?
A. Victoria, The Garden City, is noted for its beautiful gardens. Butchard Gardens (www.butchartgardens.com) is the most famous. When visiting, be sure and make a reservation for their fabulous afternoon tea (half the price of The Empress Hotel and wonderful views of the gardens).
There are many other gardens to visit as well, including: Abkhazi Garden, The Glendale Gardens and Woodland, and Hatley Park Gardens at Royal Roads University.

Q. Are there places to walk or jog?
A. Besides the picturesque streets of Victoria there are paths and trails nearby. You can walk across the blue Johnson Street Bridge (1/2 block away), go to the left and follow a beautiful 5-mile trail right along the shoreline. Lovely landscaping, local waterfowl and benches with scenic views make this a wonderful way to get fresh air. A favorite restaurant of ours, The Spinnaker Restaurant, located midway along the walk, serves delicious food, tea or specialty beers from its own microbrewery. In other parts of town there are also lovely parks and gardens, including the Beacon Hill Park that you can enjoy for hours.
If you want water activities you can rent a kayak (www.oceanriver.com), canoe or a small powerboat from the Mermaid Wharf marina, situated just waterside of our building – which is also where the Harbour Ferry stops frequently. The Harbour Ferry (www.victoriaharbourferry.com) is a quick, inexpensive and fun way to get to Empress Hotel, the mainland ferries, or Fisherman’s Wharf.

Q. Where is the best place to change money?
A. Banks tend to give the most favorable rates. While some businesses may accept U.S. dollars, it is an inconvenience and much appreciated if you use Canadian money. Typical banking hours in Victoria are: M-F 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and (at TD Canada branches) Sat 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Q. Where is the closest ATM machine for quick cash?
A. An ATM machine can be found in Swan's Hotel and Brewpub located just a block away from Mermaid Wharf, at the corner of Store and Pandora. It is open from early morning to late night.

Q. Where would the closest grocery stores be located?
A. The Market on Yates at 903 Yates St. (tel 250-381-6000) has a wonderful array of food, deli and specialty items. Platters of veggies, appetizers, etc. can be ordered for entertaining or special occasions.
Various small stores can also be found a block away on Fisgard in Chinatown, with merchants on both sides of the street selling fresh fruits and vegetables.
Save On Foods Grocery Store is located just across the Johnson St. Bridge for a larger grocery store.
For the closest 24-hour convenience store: Petro-CAN at Douglas & Hillside.

Q. Where would the closest gas station be located?
A. Super Save Gas on Government Street, between Pembroke and Princess Street (about 4 blocks north of Mermaid Wharf condo building).