Came here to see the narrow street to see if my kid could do the American Ninja Warrior Spider Wall…read morething. Yes he can! We came later in the evening so everything was closed. The shops were mostly knick knack shops and probably not something I'd go into anyway even if it were open. It kind of gave me Diagon Alley from Harry Potter vibes. It only took us a couple minutes to walk through and reached the main strip of "Chinatown" - more like "China Block". It was really small and only a few shops and restaurants were open. Maybe my experience of Fan Tan Alley would've been more positive if I came earlier in the day?

Nice and narrow historic alley in Victoria's Chinatown which is the second Chinatown in North…read moreAmerica (after San Francisco) and the first in Canada. It has a couple art shops along it but they were closed for the evening on a Saturday.

When I left Victoria in '11, this building had just started to renovate. Now that is is finished I…read morespent a sunny Victoria lunch hour wandering the harbour and decided to peek in. The building holds a Starbuck, restaurant with bar and Robert Bateman Center Shop and Gallery upstairs. I loved that they stayed true to the original design of the building it is so beautiful.

Such a cute sign down by the wharf! People stood in. a line to take pictures and people were…read moreoffering to take pics for each other. Very light and bright sign. Easy to get to. Great photo op and it costs nothing! Thanks to whomever maintains it!!

This CANADA sign was pleasantly located on a pier next to a arts market and some shops, very close…read moreto the Empress Hotel. Everyone waited very patiently in line to take their pictures and many offered to help others. It is a very nice, brightly lit sign to help remember your trip to Victoria.

After 9 days on a ship with piss poor food we were so happy to get real food that had thought put…read morebehind it...The service was fantastic and the server was Jasmine and she didn't miss a beat! The parmesan chicken was so tender and so flavorful. Also, my butternut squash ravioli with the brown butter sauce was phenomenal.!

Great wine! We stopped in before dinner! The service was spot on- quick to accommodate us, we sat…read moreat the bar and were served quickly. Very romantic atmosphere with darker/red lights - the food menu looked yummy so would be open to going back for food!

Just another excellent evening with the restaurant folks! This time, finding the place was easier…read more(it's off a back alley). Got there just when they opened and got a prime seating near (but not to near) one of the fireplaces (they have several italian brick style). The restaurant has many twists and turns creating many wonderful dining alcoves. Very inviting to sit and talk. So on a cold December evening we both had the Polo Appollonia; a wonderful mixture of garlic, bacon, and cheesey pasta. But the real star of the meal were the appetizers! Amazing tasting tomato soup, and the insalata caprese. The salad had a large portion of crisp tomatoes served with like a half pound of real homemade buffalo mozzarella, and lots of fresh basil. Almost a meal. The waiter was very helpful in selections of the food and some wine. We will definitely be back on our next visit to Vancouver Island.

Delicious food, fantastic bread, friendly staff. We've come…read morehere for our birthdays twice and we've been so happy with the experience each time. The bread is literally incredible, we order an extra basket because it is so good. We ordered the mussels this time and the sauce was insanely good. The extra bread was necessary to soak up the sauce when we were done. We also split the carbonara which was also very good, the steak was cooked perfectly. Also appreciated the extra considerate touch with the blankets in the colder area of the restaurant.

It's the tall sculpture centered in a triangular shaped median space called Triangle Green. It's a…read morestrange place for a park with benches, but it's the perfect place for this sculpture. I thought it looked particularly nice all lit up at night. I'm not sure that many tourists know the subject matter. All art is subjective. At first glance, it looks like flowering tulips. Once you see the canoe, then it all makes sense. The canoe is passing through reeds in a marsh. You'll understand it a little better after searching for the artist's name. The artist (Illarion Gallant) created it as a way to connect people with the First Nations of Fort Victoria. The canoe represents the areas history of trading. I did read that the sculpture was once in the center of Bastion Square. It was moved to Triangle Green which appears to be a more appropriate space for it. I can't even imagine what it looked like in a concrete plaza as opposed to being surrounded by greenery. It really caught my eye as we were walking down Johnson Street near the bridge during a walking tour of the city. It's a pretty sight to see.

In 1963, the 100th birthday of Victoria was marked by the creation of Centennial Square. It's right…read morenext to heritage City Hall and was on the way during one of the walks that Gayle and I took through Victoria. The square features 60s modern design with fountain, benches and curved steps, surrounded with trees and planters. Then there's the McPherson Playhouse, the police station, a parkade and specialty shops, a senior citizen's centre and a sunken 'Knot Garden' , all arranged around this public Centennial Square. It is also home to Summer in the Square, and Ice Skating rink in the Winter, and occasional Occupy-like protests.

Andy does a great job on this local food tour. He chooses a mix of local vendors that are places…read moreyou might not necessarily walk into on your own - but you'd be missing out if you didn't! He also balances the tour (about six stops) with anecdotes about the history of Victoria and how immigration built a food culture - adding immensely to the experience. Me and my vegetarian spouse both loved the tour. Highlights included an awesome and hearty meat ball and an Anjali Spring Roll with an amazing peanut sauce. You'll definitely feel full after the tour so plan on a lighter lunch and dinner!

A Taste of Victoria was a terrific tour for us, and Andy really made it so! He tells so much…read moreinteresting history and background not only of Victoria, but the various districts and even streets and alleys along the way. And he works hard to have six of the tastiest treats you'd want to try, ready at just the right time as you walk through Victoria. He even helped one shop prepare their Matcha lemonade for us when they were overrun with customers! Besides the lemonade, we had a fantastic meatball, terrific spring roll, Filipino pastry, delicious Korean fried chicken, and a top quality chocolate. We did NOT need to buy dinner that night, either. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! Easily 5+ stars. We'd repeat this tour next time we come. Thanks Andy!!

On our first day the fresh pastry was fantastic, croissants were especially delicious, soft and…read moreexcellent in size to start your day. The sausage and fennel was just right in terms of flavor, texture-soft like the croissants. The second day, things were a little overcooked which brought the rating a but down given the high prices in the area. Overall an excellent small business to support and get your breakfast on!

From the owner: Local Community Ambassador Simon L. here!…read more Mondays are tough but breakfast doesn't have to be! Whether you're on your way to work or just looking for a downtown stroll and a treat, come by Crust Bakery on the morning of May 7th for a delicious baked good and a cheery hello!