Excursion Historic downtown victoria and afternoon tea tour at Victoria

Take a full day to discover Victoria and enjoy a delightful High Tea. Your narrated tour is for active sightseers interested in learning about the history of Victoria. Initial stops include historic Mile 0 and Beacon Hill Park, and (after the pole at Alert Bay), the second tallest totem pole in BC. From here visit Victoria's grand Christ Church Cathedral and historic Craigdarroch Castle.

Now a National Historic Site, Craigdarroch Castle, was built by coal baron Robert Dunsmuir during the reign of Queen Victoria. Its four floors have been meticulously restored, giving visitors a glimpse of privileged life in the 1890s.

At Christ Church Cathedral, 20 steps lead upstairs to the Galley. Here one can marvel at the expansive stained-glass display that depicts Paradise. One can view the main floor of the Church and the magnificent organ. Guides are on hand with entertaining stories for those who do not wish to climb the stairs or take the elevator to the Gallery.

After the tour of the castle, relax at a historical home overlooking Victoria's Inner Harbor. Pendray Tea House offers a traditional English afternoon tea. Built in the Queen Anne style by a turn of the century industrialist, Pendray Tea House is known locally for its stained-glass windows.

Afternoon tea consists of an assortment of sandwiches, pastries and tarts, tea and a choice of cocktails from the specialty menu. Tickets to the Royal British Columbia Museum are issued to passengers after the tea. The shuttle bus remains available to pick up and drop off passengers along their leisure, or they can walk ten minutes along the waterfront to the Museum.

Return to the ship.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Victoria, Mile 0, Beacon Hill Park, Christ Church Cathedral, Craigdarroch Castle

Note

Please note: This excursion involves mostly optional walking over flat or paved ground. The Castle has multiple flights of stairs with no lift available, making parts of this tour inaccessible for guests with limited mobility. Passengers wishing to limit walking should choose the shuttle bus. Guests are requested to wear business casual dress for Tea House.