Usually there are two types of travelers who love to be in the center of the action, and those who do not. In Victoria, the center of action means the center of the Inner Harbor. Not sure where to choose? Here is a list of Pro & Con to help you decide if your stay in the Inner Harbor is right for you.
Let the good news begin, will it not?
Pros:
1. Loads of nearby attractions
Downtown Victoria is home to most of the city’s attractions. In addition to the lively Inner Harbor with street artists, entertainers and booths, you will be close to the Royal Museum of British Columbia, the Houses of Parliament, the Empress, St. Anne's Academy, Fisherman's Wharf and Chinatown.
2. Lots of amazing restaurants / restaurants nearby
Victoria has a high concentration of restaurants in almost every kind of food imaginable. Again, many can be found right in the center of the city in the center of the action. Thanks to local products and tariffs that are easily achieved, you can expect restaurants to give more energy to the table, proudly serving sustainable vegetables and vegetables grown on vegetables and vegetables. Not to mention the fact that Victoria is the British capital.
3. No need for car or bus / walk / taxi very far
Because you are already in the heart well versed in everything, most likely you will not need a car. Although Victoria has a solid public transport system, if you don’t go to Butchart Gardens or to choose from a few attractions outside the city center, you’ll have everything with a good pair of walking shoes.
4. Shopping
Unique boutiques and shops are permeated in the center of Victoria. It is known as the famous shopping center. There is even the Bay Center, bounded by four main streets right in the historic center of Victoria. It is not much more convenient! The city center is also the best place to collect souvenirs from your time in Victoria.
5. Scenic views
Any hotel in downtown Victoria is almost guaranteed to have a breathtaking view. From the heights, you can see the bustling Inner Harbor, the vibrant Houses of Parliament at night and, depending on which side of your room, the picturesque Olympic mountain range.
6. Close to the best clubs and music halls.
Music lovers and parties will enjoy the stay in the harbor, as there are many of the best clubs in Victoria and music venues and bars near them. Regardless of what you are looking for throughout the night, or in a cozy place with live music, you will find it within walking distance from where you stay in the harbor.
7. Most tours leave the center.
Any tour you can sign up for: bus, walk, scenic flights, whale watching or otherwise - is likely to leave either from the designated city center or from the Inner Harbor itself. Stay close to you, where you will walk away from the reliefs, which is much more stress from that day. No need to hurry or find the way to your tour, you can leave your hotel and be on the way.
And now for the deal breaks ...
Minuses:
1. Busy until late
Being in the center of a city, you can expect movement — be it boats, people, cars, or even tour groups — to be in this area until quite late at night. Although Victoria is considered a candidate city as a whole, compared to, for example, Vancouver or Toronto, the city center is still located in the city center. University students, among others, tend to be late for parties.
2. Street parking / expensive parking
It is likely that your hotel will have an underground or designated parking lot, but if they do not mean it is for you. Parking on the streets or in parks in Victoria can take a solid tab. In addition, you must be confident parallel parker and must be ready to go on the way to the destination - depending on the time of day and week, the parking place may be a hot commodity. If your hotel has parking, you are at their mercy for an additional fee for parking.
3. Port traffic
Floating platforms, harbors, sailboats, kayakers, tourist groups, street artists, buses, cars, taxis ... The harbor does not stop quite well. If you are looking for quiet moments of solitude on the balcony overlooking the ocean, do not take care of it, being near the harbor.
4. Limited to one district.
Most of the attractions are already in the city center, so you will probably spend most of your time there, especially if you stay there too. It is unfortunate when there are so many beautiful areas in Victoria! In addition, if you give up the car in relation to Con # 2, you can get to these places a bit along the way.
5. Bright lights at night
Breathtaking at night, the Inner Harbor is definitely worth a visit after sunset. However, the Houses of Parliament are lit about 3,500 light bulbs. If you stay in the area, all 3500+ bulbs will glow in your window all night long. In addition, street lights, a bar, cafes and restaurant signs, lights and other general city lights can appear at night.
6. Looking at the harbor
There is no doubt that the Inner Harbor is an incredible sight. For some, however, hotels, buildings and boats are subtracted from the landscapes of the ocean and mountains. Other areas in Victoria provide an unobstructed view of the stunning, more natural landscapes that the city has to offer.
7. Costly
Victoria is highly regarded as a destination city, which is reflected in the price of accommodation in this area. The closer you are to action, the higher the cost - especially during the summer peak season. Sometimes you can catch more upscale rooms at a lower price just by being a little further from the Inner Harbor.
There will always be pros and cons wherever you decide to stay in a place, so it really depends on your needs and travel style. One thing is certain; In Victoria there is a style of living and a place for anyone. Happy travels!
