I'm not really sure what I was expecting when I visited here. All of the tour guides say that this is the place to be, so I was expecting a Pike Place Market - esque place buzzing with people and events, but instead I found a sleepy courtyard with restaurant patrons and not much else. Hmm... I came at dinner time, so it wasn't super late or anything. I walked around the perimeter and there are some cool shops, but ultimately I thought that my expectations vs reality did not match up.
There is a historic drinking fountain at the front to quench the thirst of patrons and horses hauling loads from rural Saanich to Victoria. I didn't want to try it, but the water smelled nice at least? There is also a small demi-lune basin on two sides for dogs if your dog is thirsty. read more