Welcome to Victoria, a charming seaside city known for its English-style customs, abundant gardens, and friendly people. On this walking tour, I’ll show you around our most famous landmarks and share the history of the people who were instrumental in the making of Victoria. You’ll hear about the Lekwungen First Nations, and Fort Victoria’s ties to colonization. I’ll tell you the scandalous tale of a famous architect who built British Columbia’s striking Legislative Assembly of British Columbia and Grand Empress Hotel, and other quirky tidbits involving pirates, public hangings, and Canada’s narrowest street. Along the way, you’ll become familiar with: • The Inner Harbour, where you’ll find the legislative building and the Grand Empress Hotel • Old Town Victoria, now a hip and trendy shopping district • Chinatown and the plight of the first Chinese immigrants to land in Canada • Victoria’s oldest shops, banks, and pubs This 90-minute tour begins and ends at the Inner Harbour. There are plenty of restaurants, pubs and shopping opportunities along the way if you have the time to stretch your day.

Hello! Congratulations on finding the best way to experience Victoria. Let me give you a brief overview of the tour. First, meet your friendly local guide at Sports Rent BC and get fitted on the most comfortable bikes in the city. Next we'll go over safety precautions and introduce ourselves, don't worry, the guide will have a few icebreakers to calm the nerves. We find that one of the best parts of our tours is meeting other like-minded travelers from around the world. Before you know it, the calm ocean breeze will be on your cheeks as we cruise through Victoria's Downtown. We'll make our way out of the downtown core through the inner harbor and then to Fort Street. This is a longer portion of biking but it gives us the opportunity to get comfortable on the bikes while on a smooth designated bike path. It will lead to a major highlight of the city, Craigdarroch Castle. You'll have the opportunity to rest from the hill we just climbed while taking pictures and listening to the history of the magnificent piece of architecture. Once we've caught our breath, we'll whistle our way down the residential streets to Government House. Here we can take a stroll through the Victorian Rose Garden and snap a few more shots for the gram. This 36 acre estate was founded in 1865 and is the official residence of the lieutenant governor. The gardens will amaze you as the hidden corners are filled with surprises. Through a few more residential streets and you'll be in Beacon Hill Park, this city is nicknamed the City of Gardens for a reason. Try to find moss lady amongst the nature filled park, and if that's to difficult say hello to a friendly peacock instead. Then, from amongst the trees, you'll see the World's Tallest Free-Standing Totem Pole at 127 feet. Next is the fun downhill to the waters edge. Dallas road carries us along the waterfront to meet our favourite Canadian; the Terry Fox Memorial. Here you will learn of the inspirational story that continues to wow Canada and the World. Terry Fox is a young man that was diagnosed with cancer, and well, I'll let the tour guide tell the rest. After a heart wrenching story you can let the ocean wind dry your tears as you make your when to Odgen Point, where you'll see the Ogden Point Sundial, The First Nations Breakwater Murals, and Breakwater Lighthouse. It's a quick ride through James Bay, a beautiful residential neighbourhood which takes you to Fishermans Wharf. Here, your guide will enlighten you with their top recommendations for the most delicious food available to you after the tour. This place is worth coming back to. The last leg of the tour will bring you back into Victoria's downtown where you'll have the opportunity to take pictures of the incredible architecture of the BC Legislature Building, Fairmont Empress, and the Johnson Street Bridge! Upon your return, say goodbye to new friends, and be sure to leave your guide with a tip & detailed review. We're excited to read all about it.