Reflections

New residents and visitors to Victoria, Vancouver Island, and the Gulf Islands may enjoy and appreciate reading the stories and impressions of older residents and previous visitors.

Submissions are always welcomed. We review and edit the submissions for content. We won't publish the writer's name.

Although people see Victoria as being close to Vancouver, there are big differences between the two cities. Victoria has a laid back, less exposed gay and lesbian community. With the proportions of population, things in Victoria are expectedly smaller. There aren't as many clubs, restaurants, or stores. Some people in Victoria tend towards house parties and dinners instead of frequenting the bar scene. You will often see groups of friends attending movies at Cinecenta at the University. While it doesn't have the trappings of Vancouver, Victoria, the Island, and the Gulf Islands have a lot to offer on their own. There are many gay men and lesbians throughout the region, and you'll find most of them to be very friendly and welcoming.

The Victoria Pride Parade is held on a Sunday around July 1. Many Canadian travellers are in Victoria for the July 1 holiday, and we also get a good share of American visitors during their July 4 holiday. The parade starts on Government Street near the McPherson Playhouse theater. Government Street is a tourist strip, and many tourists, gay and straight, enjoy the parade. There's probably plenty of stories and pictures to take back home after their visit to Victoria and the strange parade they saw. The parade is filled with energy and pride. The weather gods and godesses usually smile on the parade, and we bask under warm sunshine. The parade makes its way down to the Inner Harbor in front of the Empress Hotel, both filled with even more tourists, gawking at and enjoying the festivities. The parade continues in front of the Provincial Legislature building, eventually winding its way to Fishermans Wharf Park for an afternoon of entertainment, music, displays, and festivities. Where they all hide during the year is anyone's guess, but during the Pride Parade, everyone comes out.