The Inner Harbour
The Legislative Assembly (background) or “The Ledge” as it is referred to locally, offers interesting free tours of this historic building, designed in British High Victorian Gothic, mid-nineteenth century Italianate and American Richardsonian Romanesque styles.
On the tour, you will find out the real story on the life and death of its infamous architect, Francis Rattenbury (who also designed the Empress Hotel).
The huge lawn at the Ledge is also a great picnic spot. You can pick up sandwiches and coffee at Sam’s Deli (at the N.E. corner of Government and Humboldt Streets).
Victoria’s Inner Harbour is the setting for some wonderful annual events, both local and international, such as the Dragon Boat Festival, the Tall Ships, Symphony Splash, and the Classic Boat Festival.
And there’s the ever-changing panorama of street performers and artisans, along with float planes, harbour taxis, kayaks, international yachts, and boats of many shapes and sizes.
