Victoria BC - Canada

[casil403]

Okay...so I am originally from Victoria...born and raised. I have a few faves there I like to go and visit that are off the beaten path when I go home.

One of my very favorite places is Royal Roads University(formerly a military college and previous to that it was the estate home of Robert Dunsmuir, a coal baron in the early part of the 20th century...he build his estate called Hatley castle there). The gardens there are spectacular in the spring/summer consisting of a Japanese garden, an Italian garden a sunken garden with waterfalls and a rose garden. There are several ponds and a beach as well. One of my absolute favorite places is hiking through the reserve area which happens to be really close to my folks home. Huge untouched acreage with a giant old growth forest of red cedars, hemlock and douglas fir. Also several beautiful meadows full of hummingbirds and blackberry. There are also tons of peacocks and quail that roam the area as well as deer. Every once in a while one of the peacocks gets out and roams around my folk's neighbourhood... and my Dad has chased away many a buck trying to steal the apples off his apple tree at night.

If you ever get out to the Island, I can't recommend going there enough...it is truly beautiful and not alot of people go there except for locals. You will be amazed at the diversity and the beauty.

Hatley Castle Victoria British Columbia

[Peter]

Casil403 I remember this area very well my Regiment had our family day at Royal Roads and we had a navigation course on the massive grounds. The gatehouse if still standing would also be a good shot. (And the rock wall). If I ever get back to Vic I think I will do the tour.