Hoyaheel, enjoyed reading your report since I just booked a trip to Victoria for the summer, you gave lots of useful information.

Did you ever make it to Bulk Barn?

To the community at large....we wanted one night out of the city, so I booked the Villa Eyrie. I noticed it's close to the Hand of Man Museum, which, if I'm to be deterred from the Royal BC, is it similar? Would you still do both?

Since we'll be in Victoria in the summer I'm hoping the drive to Butchart Gardens during daylight hours won't be as harrowing.

Hoyaheel, forgive me for not remembering, I know you stayed at the Empress....did you eat any meals there? Or am I confusing you with someone else?

We're staying at the Marriott across the street from the Empress (on points), so the same area.