Victoria BC

http://www.sealetter.com/Jun-98/doitvict.html

If you are really pressed for time, do at least enjoy the walk around the inner harbor seeing the Legislative Building and the Empress Hotel, visit the Royal British Columbia Museum - even if briefly, but certainly go and see the Butchart Gardens. If you and your spouse cannot agree on where to go, she could go to the Butchart Gardens, and he could visit Miniature World and the Maritime Museum, and then meet in the Charles Dickens Pub (grin).

With one notable exception, the most interesting sights in Victoria are within easy walking distance of each other downtown.

Royal British Columbia Museum
I'm not generally a fan of museums myself, but the Royal British Columbia Museum [Photo at right courtesy of Royal British Columbia Museum] is really outstanding, and I never miss an opportunity to visit when I am in Victoria. There are three main galleries, the first being the Natural History gallery, which is a fascinating recreation of the coastal forest and marine environment of British Columbia. The "open ocean exhibit" recreates a submarine voyage to the depths of the marine world. The second of the galleries is the "First People's gallery" a history of the triumph, tragedy and survival of British Columbia's native population. The Modern History gallery recreates the growth of British Columbia's industrial society from the 1700's through to the 1970's. The museum has a great gift shop, and an adequate cafe. Admission price is approximately US$5.00 for adults.