On a sparkling, spring morning, you stroll a picture-perfect harbour savouring the sights. There's the bustle of boats on the sun-glimmering bay, the distinctive architecture of the BC Parliament Buildings and the Fairmont Empress Hotel, and the glorious gardens and hanging baskets that add a kaleidoscope of colour to the already dazzling scene. As you take in the thousands of blooms that adorn nearby green spaces and sea air tingles your nostrils, it seems apparent that spring may be the best of all seasons in this city by the sea. However, as wonderful and eclectic as the harbour front is, there's more to Victoria -- visitors are wise to treat themselves to some of its picturesque neighbourhoods.

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Victoria's vibrant villages -- some trendy, some historical – give a backyard glimpse of life in this casual city's neighbourhoods where comfortable outdoor strolling takes place year-round. Chinatown, for example, is a bustling Asian neighbourhood right in city centre. Storefronts with unusual products -- tangy spices, live seafood, abundant greens, and the likes of lichee nuts – offer a colourful, aromatic visit to a distant land. Near the eye-catching Gate of Harmonious Interest, don't miss a visit to the tranquil Silk Road Aromatherapy and Tea Company where you are welcomed with a cup of tea. As well as treating yourself to a special blend, a visit to the day spa is a glorious conclusion to a day. One can spend hours strolling Canada's oldest Chinatown, shopping for unique paraphernalia and, of course, eating. Chongqing chicken, anyone?

A little farther afield, but an easy amble from downtown, is Antique Row. Follow Fort Street east about six blocks to this much-visited neighbourhood. Move over London's Portobello Market, as Victoria offers a similar scene. You wander in and out of charming, musty collector-type shops where you are tempted by everything from 18th century furnishings and jewellery to rare silverware and books. Antique Row is perhaps a slight misnomer as, among some Tudor-style buildings, it also boasts contemporary facades, like 'The Mosaic,' a hip residential and business complex. This neighbourhood is a fun mishmash including the eateries: as examples, there's the funky Blue Fox Café as well as one of the city's favourite restaurants, Café Brio. It's the next best thing to a Tuscan visit.

Little known by visitors but one of the locals' favourite neighbourhoods is Cook Street Village. In the south, Cook Street reaches to the ocean and fringes Beacon Hill Park, a luxuriant parkland that hums with outdoor activities. The hub of Cook Street Village is around Fairfield Avenue where pretty tree-lined streets, many with brightly-painted, heritage homes – some larger ones are apartments that are popular with students -- open to a few busy blocks where people-watching is de rigueur. This funky, inner-city village is SO west coast. Victorians head to Moka House to sip java, read papers and meet friends. For snacking, there's fish and chips, sweets at Rising Star Bakery or have pub fare and beer on tap, at the friendly Flying Beagle. Pop into Cook St. Village Wines where the owner will happily introduce you to the best of BC offerings.

If one neighbourhood epitomizes Victoria it is Oak Bay Village. It has it all. An abundance of heritage homes surrounded by beauteous spring blooms, a strip of Old English storefronts that always buzz, the classy Victoria Golf and Country Club, and all this slips down to an idyllic oceanfront complete with beach and marina. On a warm spring day you stroll among the cherry blossoms to shop, gallery visit or have tea. You could arrive by sailboat and start at Oak Bay Marina, wander the waterfront to Oak Bay Beach Hotel. Don't leave without walking the gardens that stretch down to the sea. From here head uphill to the village which has a fine offering of shops -- clothing, books, antiques, handicrafts and specialty stores. Tea is served at The Blethering Place at 11am and 7:30 pm daily. Another spot for tea sippers, is the White Heather Tea Room. It has a neighbourhood feel, is bright and cheerful with fresh flowers and to-die-for shortbread.

If you arrive or depart by ferry, or if you simply wish a drive beyond the city, Sidney-by-the-Sea is a pleasant destination. Near the northern tip of the Saanich Peninsula – just before the Swartz Bay ferry terminal – is where the cosy community of Sidney-by-the-Sea hugs the ocean. It's one of those idyllic small towns where one can easily imagine setting down roots. Bibliophiles revel in the dozens of bookstores this community of 11,000 offers. Do as the locals do and stroll down Beacon Avenue enjoying shops along the way; a stop at an Italian bakery for a sweet and café latte, then continue down to the ocean. Find a bench in the sun and enjoy.