INNER HARBOUR-ENTERTAINMENT

Each evening throughout the summer months, the Inner Harbour Causeway comes alive with street entertainers and street merchants. Anyone can watch, however the entertainers do ask you to donate and they don't come around passing the hat!.

MARKET SQUARE

This charming mall has a courtyard that quite often is filled with free entertainment. It consists of a courtyard surrounded by three stories of shops and eating establishments. It is a Victoria-"must see".

BEACON HILL PARK

The Cameron Bandshell has entertainment scheduled throughout the summer. Check with the City of Victoria Parks and Recreation at 361 0364. Beacon Hill park also has a children's petting zoo that accepts donations, so it is almost free and there also is a putting green across from the petting zoo. Bring your own putter and balls. There also is a duck pond across from the zoo, however the parks staff ask that you not feed the ducks!

SHOPPING MALLS

Many of the larger Malls in Victoria have special shows, displays and entertainment. The only way to determine what is on is by calling the mall or by visiting. In addition, there is great shopping at these malls. Go to the bottom of the page and click on SHOPPING

PARK NATURE HOUSES

A number of parks have nature houses filled with displays and know legible staff. Whitty's Lagoon and Francis-King are two CRD parks (478 3344) and Goldstream Park is a Provincial Park. All in the Western Communities, a short trip from downtown. The Swan Lake/Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary has a nature house as well as a lake walk an plenty of places to bird watch! (479 0211). Located at 3873 Swan Lake Road in Saanich. All are well worth a visit if you are interested in nature!

DOMINION ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY - The Centre of the Universe

This observatory is open to the public during scheduled hours. Check by calling 363-8262 .

GARAGE SALES

To get a real taste of how Victorian's live, pick up any of our local newspapers (the Times Colonist or the Newsgroup) and check our the garage sale ads. On any given weekend there are hundreds of garage sales. You may find some great bargains or some interesting junk!

SWIMMING AT A LAKE BEACH

Elk/Beaver Lake and Thetis Lake Park are two popular local beaches where you can swim. Food concessions operate at both beaches. Thetis Lake has pay parking.

BEACH WALKS

Victoria has many excellent and scenic beaches. Check out some of the following: Dallas Road Cliffs, Willows Beach, Cadboro Bay, Whitty's Lagoon, Island View Beach...and there are more!

HIKING TRAILS

CRD Galloping Goose Trail, The Dallas Road Waterfront and Ogden Point Breakwater, Ocean Point Hotel to West Bay Marina, East Sooke Park...check with Saanich Parks and Recreation for their Trails Guide for more interesting trails...and if you are a serious hiker...check with the Provincial Government of BC for the Juan de Fuca Trail and with the Federal Government for the world famous "West Coast Trail" (this trail requires advanced booking).

BLACKBERRY PICKING

In August & September you can pick blackberries that grow wild throughout the Victoria region. They are great with ice cream. Country roads, institutional properties, road allowances and empty lots are great places to find berries. They have prickly vines so wear old clothes with long sleeve shirts.

GLASS BEACH-SIDNEY

On the water infront of the Hotel Sidney is a beach that has polished glass instead of sand. It was created by years of garbage dumping years and years ago. It is a small beach but a great place to explore and collect.

ANTIQUE WALK

A walk east along Fort Street from Douglas will take you past numerous antique shops.

GARDEN WALKS

Visit the University of Victoria and the Governors mansion on Rockland. Each has an excellent garden that you can tour for free.

CAPITAL IRON

Check out the "Junk" Section in the basement of this unique store.

NADEN DOCKYARD TOURS

These tours take place at HMCS Naden at the Naval Base for groups of 10 or more. Call 363 7060 for details and ask for Joanne.

VICTORIA RESIDENTS-HELP!

If you have any other great ideas for free activities for visitors, please refer to the "Guest Book"
below or e-mail: victourism@islandnet.com