Victoria is an older city with a distinctly English flavor to it. Each street light is planted with flower baskets and gardens are everywhere. Much of the architecture resembles England and you see double-decker buses everywhere. Take a horse draw carriage on a tour of the city. The Empress Hotel reminds one of a fine hotel in England and the over all experience is very unique to Victoria.
Ships from Seattle will call on Victoria as the US cruise rules require they make at least one stop in a foreign port. Since Victoria is in Canada, it fills the requirement.
Victoria enjoys the mildest climate in all of Canada. Summers are especially mild and only a light jacket is needed in the evening time.
The cruise ship terminal in Victoria is about a mile or so from the downtown area. If your ship is offering a shuttle you should probably take it, as the way into town may be a tad confusing if you have not been to Victoria before. It is a very pleasant walk if the sun is shining and you have the time. The simplest way to make it to downtown is to leave the terminal area heading east about 2 blocks until you come to the street named Oswego. Follow Oswego to the north about ¾ of a mile until it hits the inner harbor on the other side of the peninsula. Turn right on Belleville, where Oswego terminates and you will see the downtown area. There are more scenic walks through Beacon Park but they are better suited for the return trip to the ship.
Head for the downtown area for great shopping. Head for Market Square in the heart of Old Town on Johnson Street is where you will find unusual arts and crafts of the area, jewelry, clothing, outfitting items and lots of interesting products. There are numerous small shops in addition and strolling the downtown area will uncover them to you.
Best shore excursion? Hands down a trip to Butchart Gardens. It is located some 15 miles north of the city of Victoria. The 100 year old, 55 acre gardens feature plants from all over the world and is an astonishingly beautiful sight.
Having afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel is another wonderful experience. The Fairmont Empress Hotel dates back to the nineteenth century and has been completely refurbished without losing any of her charm.