What a great place to stay while you're in Victoria! You are graced by Fleming Beach and historical Macaulay Point, and breath-taking Saxe Point Park. Either place will give you unrivalled views of Juan de fuca Strait and the Olympic Mountains. Sport-fishing, rock-climbing, canoeing and kayaking occur at Fleming Beach. Weddings can happen in Saxe Point Park gardens. Ask Lorraine for details. Next door to us, is the English Inn and Resort, formerly known as the Olde England Inn. You'll be thrilled with the incredible make-over by new owners. There, the Rosemeade Dining Room is elegant, and the food exquisite.

          The Westbay Walkway is an incredible boardwalk all the way to downtown Victoria and the famous inner harbor. On the shores, you'll see B.C.'s Parliament Buildings, the Empress Hotel, Royal British Columbia Museum and more. From Cottage Pirouette B & B, you get the chance to cross The Johnson St. Bridge, a unique bascule (cantilevered) bridge, designed for Victoria in 1920. The designer, Joseph Strauss, then went on to design the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. The EN Rail station is next to the bridge, and the train will take you to points north on Vancouver Island.

          In sunny Victoria, there's lots to do. Enjoy the free tour of Canada's largest naval base, at CFB Esquimalt, or head to the Naval and Military Museum. Esquimalt's newly renovated recreation centre features a salt-based pool, and the most state-of-the-art training equipment in all of Victoria, so you can work out, or check it out!

          There are several whale-watching companies in Victoria, such as Eaglewing with it's Scarab boat, or Springtide Charters. Spencers Sport Fishing can hook you up with some B.C. salmon or halibut, and Blackfish Wilderness Expeditions has a unique approach to island exploration. Coastal Watersports is also worth checking out.

          Cyclists will love the famous Galloping Goose Trail, a 42 km. scenic wonder. It is easy to access from Cottage Pirouette Bed and Breakfast. SwitchBridge Tours offers cycling tours and gear rentals, located right on 'the Goose'. Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition's website can give you up-to-date cycling news.

          Golfers can enjoy a selection of excellent golf courses, and the Gorge Vale is one that is very close to Cottage Pirouette. A short scenic drive in any direction would take you spots like Olympic View Golf Club, Cordova Bay Golf Club, or Bear Mountain.

          In downtown Victoria, you'll find the Maritime Museum, Undersea Gardens, Emily Carr House, Victoria Art Gallery, the Victoria Conservatory of Music, Antique Row, Chinatown, Market Square....the list goes on and on.

          Victoria is known as The City of Gardens, and Victorian Garden Tours will be happy to guide you through both public and private gardens. Also be sure to visit some of the many wonderful parks in the Capital Region.

          The bus system is excellent, and the drivers very helpful, so it's easy to transfer to locations as diverse as Butchart Gardens, Fisgard Lighthouse, or the B.C. Ferries terminal.

          Just a sample of things to do while in Victoria is covered here, but we are happy to help you with your plans. Call or e-mail Cottage Pirouette Bed and Breakfast for details.