I am a frequent cruiser and live in Victoria. There is so much to see in such a short period of time. I guess it all depends on what you are interested in as Victoria has it all. If you want to send me an email then I can offer more information (babelcher@shaw.ca) and I can give you my phone number. As one of the respondents indicated the Gardens are about 23km from the cruise ship terminal so taxi would cost you easily $50 each way. There are all sorts of tour operators at the terminal if you decide not to go via Princess. If you feel like strolling around rather than taking a tour in the 5 hours the following are in close proximity to each other and about a 20 min walk from the cruise terminal:
- the Royal BC Museum plus Imax (one of the few museums in te worl that have the "Royal"designation from the Queen;
- The Legislature Buildings (provincial capital government building which houses the government)
- The Empress Hotel (same arcitect as the Legislature both built in the early 1900's). Don't get suckered into high tea there too pricey for what you get. There are other places offering tea at a fraction of the price.
- The Undersea Gardens
- The Wax Museum
All of the above are located within close proximity of each other and located on the inner harbour and causeway which is a beautiful spot on a spring evening but wear a sweater and jacket as May can be on the coolish side if breezy.
After all of that if you have time and feel like shopping take a stroll up Government Street which is on the causeway and runs North from the Empress hotel. Here you will fine some nice retaraunts, e.g. Milestones, Ric's Grill, Sam's deli and a couple of new pubs decored in the old Irish/English traditions. On Government street there are the usual tourist shops but also smoke shops, fine linen, Rogers chocolate (a must), Murchie's Tea, icream etc. Government Street shopping extends about 1 kilometer with the Bay center being the primary shopping center and The Maritime Museum just off Government St. at bastion square. If you like reasonable Italian Food then I recommend Pagliaccci's restaurant on Broad Street just off from Government. Google it for a map to the location. You may have to stand in line but it is worth it!
