MAY WE SUGGEST…

Our Bed and Breakfast in Victoria, BC, Canada is located just a block from the oceanfront, across the harbour from the Empress Hotel. Those who enjoy walking are always stunned by the beauty and numbers of walking trails, paths and routes. We invite your to explore some of the following points of interest right in our Saxe Point neighbourhood. After a filling breakfast, enjoy the unique gardens of local residents on your way to view Saxe Point park. Perennial and herb gardens, natural stands of trees, and beautiful beds of bulbs and annuals delight the garden-lovers here. From this waterfront park with craggy rocks and tidal inlets, the Olympic Mountains in Washington provide a panorama. Grassy expanses and woody trails appeal to some, and the shoreline of the Sooke area can be seen, as well as oceanfront houses perched on the rocks.

When you make your way out of this park, to the right is Fleming Beach and Macauley Park. A boat launch and angler’s club site, this is the entrance to marvellous cliffside paths with remnants of military battlements throughout. You can walk past people hanging off the rocks, “bouldering” on the cliffside. Our tidal pools can rival Port Renfrew and Tofino at low tide for sealife. Further along the path, watch for seals in the rocky outcrops in amongst the waves. Look over at the cruise ship docks to your left, and Ogden Point. Further along is the outer harbour, and beyond that the Empress and Parliament Buildings (If it’s dusk you’ll see them lit up.)

If you follow the path up the hill you’ll see bunkers in the hills and the tunnel, left over from naval defences in the past. A short walk along quiet streets, West Bay marina comes into view. There’s a small café, a community of float homes, and the harbour ferries, which go across the bay to the Empress and downtown. The little ferry stops at fisherman’s wharf, Spinnaker’s pub, and the Ocean Point Resort. You can get tokens to get back on, or pay half price to go half way by ferry. ($7.50 each to the Empress). Across from the marina you can see The Swallowed Anchor, a tiny, eccentric conglomeration of naval creations sprawled across the lawn of a house, which belonged to a mariner, long since gone.

Just around the corner, at the entrance to Paradise (street that is), Westsong Walkway begins. It’s a must to walk at least part of the way into downtown to experience the overhanging Arbutus trees, and the lapping ocean beneath you. Each corner opens a different view, and always there’s something to experience, whether a heron or seal, or just people watching. We enjoy a pint at Spinnaker’s pub halfway into town, but the dining around Victoria is unlimited!

Back at the Lord Nelson Bed & Breakfast, we also encourage our guests to check out the country estate behind us, where regal formal gardens and fountains have been created. A replica of Anne Hathaway’s thatched cottage sits there with a stunning herb garden courtyard.

And don’t forget, our own gardens have many delightful nooks and crannies, like the front garden courtyard with garden swing, and the private hot tub area with several colourful beds and baskets.

Seen enough? Have a look at our spacious suites and our many amenities, and we’ll see you soon!