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Originally Posted by redforever
If you walk around the harbour by the Empress and the Leg Buildings, there are many microbreweries, lots of beer to sample.
Try some of the B&B's in that location for some great meals. They have a top notch museum close to the Empress and harbour, they change their exhibits much like the Glenbow does.
If you just want to walk along the ocean, head to the southern tip, there is a park where Cook landed.
And on the east side, you can walk all the way to the top of the highest hill or whatever, I think it is called Mount Baker, and get a great view of the surrounding area, kindof north somewhat of the old Oak Bay Beach hotel. This hotel has a pub that is worthy of spending some time at too.
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Oak Bay Beach Hotel was torn down a little over a year ago. They're building a new one but for the time being the lot is empty. Mount Baker is in Washington, but it is visible from a lot of the coastline in south Oak Bay (on a clear day I can see it from outside my house). I'm not sure what hill you're thinking of. Anderson Hill is the only one I can think of. For the best view of the whole city, Mt. Tolmie is the place to go, although it's not in Oak Bay.
As a local, I'm not really up on all the tourist attractions. I've never been to the Butchart Gardens (they're out in the sticks), never been to the Empress, never been to the Legislative Buildings, never been to the Wax Museum or Miniature World.
As bars/pubs go, the Sticky Wicket is still the place to go. The place is just great, a good time for tourists and locals alike. From the rooftop to the games room, lounge and clubhouse to Element nightclub in the basement, it really is the centre of Victoria's entertainment district.
As far as other places go, I agree that Irish Times is a tourist trap. But it's a really really nice tourist trap! I myself do not go there. Owned by the same people is the Penny Farthing Pub on Oak Bay Avenue, another really really nice place. The clientele is obviously quite a bit older being in Oak Bay, but it is still an enjoyable place to have an afternoon pint. There is a cold beer and wine next door too which sells its fares at government liquor store prices.
Not the nicest place in the world, but I really like Maude Hunter's Pub on Shelbourne. I also enjoy 1550's Pub and its $2 highballs on Tuesday nights. Fifth Street Bar and Grill is another good local haunt of mine. Christie's is another popular pub, although it's not my favourite.
My favourite haunt of all though is
Swans Brewpub on Wharf Street. This is where all the locals go. Good food, great beer, great building, great atmosphere. It's owned by the University of Victoria, and every Wednesday night has a de facto student night, where they have the cheapest pitchers of beer in town. You'll find me there most every Wednesday night. Live music every night too, and there are always a dozen or so middle aged people dancing away happily. Definitely my favourite place to go in the city.
Restaurants...Pagliacci's, Il Terrazzo, everyone loves Rebar, although I've never been. Tapa Bar in Trounce Alley is also a great place to eat. An underrated really cool place to eat is the Superior in James Bay. Kind of expensive, but the atmosphere alone is worth it.
As far as attractions go, as I said I don't really know a whole lot. The Royal British Columbia Museum is always a good time, and there is an IMAX theatre adjoined to it. Craigdarroch Castle maybe? I've never been. 20 minutes out of town is the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, home to the largest telescope in the country. They have tours running all day which I have always enjoyed. Beacon Hill Park is always nice, make sure to get some ice cream from the Beacon Drive-In. Whale-watching? Not my cup of tea, but it may be yours. Just a simple walk around the inner harbour is always nice.
I'd be happy to answer any other questions about the city. It's a wonderful place to visit, and an even nicer place to live.
