Cottage close to Patricia Bay Highway (no.17), yet far enough up a hill and hidden in well forested area to allow for a peaceful stay and sleep. Lovely bushes and trees on property providing shade (we stayed during a heat wave), so property cooled down enough at night we could sleep w/o A/C. A big ceiling fan kept the bedroom cooled down. Many thoughtful extras provided by owner (picnic backpack, coffee, tea, and other edible supplies, cookies, chocolates, DVDs, books, an outside table and chairs for dining.) World famous Butchart Gardens are close and easily accessible; there are wineries to visit, a drive into downtown Victoria is easy by following no.17 south into town. There one can visit BC parliament buildings, Royal BC Museum (currently Egyptian exhibit there among other offerings); Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park with its multiple swimming beaches and its 10 KM circuit trail (which we walked) is extremely close; a drive to ocean beach access points is also nearby; and of course, many stores, shops, cafes, galleries, and eateries catering to all tastes can be found both close to the cottage and in downtown Victoria.