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BC Staycation: A Grand Pacific Getaway

With the weakened Canadian dollar, the best place to get the most bang for your buck is right here in beautiful British Columbia and in neighbouring Alberta. To promote staying close to home and supporting local businesses, KelownaNow is travelling to nearby resorts and hotels, sharing our experiences and then offering up a KelownaNow contest so that YOU can win a 'Staycation' at the property.

Read on below for details on what the trip has to offer and for the link to the contest.

We kicked off our 'Staycation' series in the heart of our capital city, Victoria, B.C.


The Hotel Grand Pacific (photo credit KelownaNow)

Our hotel was the stunning Hotel Grand Pacific, perfectly located in Victoria's Inner Harbour right next to the BC Legislature. If you are looking for a luxury hotel experience, this is the one to make your stay memorable. The hotel combines exquisite design with upscale finishes and is just steps from the best restaurants and shops in the city. We stayed in a spacious one bedroom suite that overlooked the ocean front and downtown Victoria. This beautiful suite features three patios to choose from and enjoy the breathtaking views.


The entertaining area of the suite we stayed in at the Hotel Grand Pacific (photo credit KelownaNow)

We ate at The Pacific Restaurant and Terrace, the hotel's fine dining restaurant. A delicious menu of west coast cuisine made with local, high quality ingredients has made this restaurant a must-try on any visitor's list.


The Pacific Restaurant and Terrace (photo credit KelownaNow)

Half the experience of a Victoria visit is getting there on BC Ferries. The 24 nautical mile trip from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay takes one hour and thirty-five minutes and takes you by the various small islands along the way.


One of the numerous BC Ferries (photo credit KelownaNow)


A passing ferry going through the various islands along the way (photo credit KelownaNow)

Take the stress out of travelling (you are on holiday!) and spend the extra $18 to reserve a spot on the ferry of your choice. Make sure to arrive at the ferry thirty minutes to an hour before you sail.

From touring the parliament buildings and historic architecture, to exploring the harbour and charming downtown core, there are many sites in the city itself that you won't want to miss. You can also venture out on tours such as whale watching, float planes, canoe and kayak adventures, and various other boat and bus tours. You can explore the island by car as well, driving up the coast to places like Nanaimo, Parksville, Duncan, Port Alberni, Campell River, or Tofino.

The island is the perfect place to visit for a staycation. The beauty of British Columbia shines throughout the capital city. But don't take our word for it! See the photos below for yourself.


Night view of the downtown Victoria (photo credit KelownaNow)


Night shot of the BC Legislature (photo credit KelownaNow)


Night shot of the Royal BC Museum located right next to the BC Legislature grounds (photo credit KelownaNow)


Fisgard Lighthouse located at Fort Rodd Hill in Colwood, minutes from downtown Victoria. (photo credit KelownaNow)


Hatley Castle located on the grounds of the Royal Roads University (photo credit KelownaNow)


MacMillan Provincial Park located on the highway between Parksville and Port Alberni. (photo credit KelownaNow)


Niagara Falls located in Goldstream Provincial Park. Massive trees, majestic waterfalls, and a meandering river that meets the sea are just some of the attractions that draw people to this famous park, a mere 16 km from downtown Victoria on southern Vancouver Island. (photo credit: KelownaNow)


One of the smaller BC Ferries serving the smaller islands. (photo credit. KelownaNow)

Enter to win a two night stay at the Hotel Grand Pacific in Victoria. Contest is open from now until noon May 13, 2015.



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