Victoria, British Columbia

Two ferry rides in three days suits us. The 90 minute, 18 mile ride to Victoria was smooth sailing. We were on board by 8:15 and enjoyed a lovely rainbow as we departed.


We had planned to go a day later due to the forecast for rain but when it wasn't raining we seized the opportunity. A 50-70 percent chance and not a drop fell all day! It seems it is always raining here so you just go, but i think we just chose a rainy week. Town was bustling with tourists and residents alike. The Empress Hotel greeted us at the harbor.


We wandered the streets, did a little shopping and had lunch making new friends along the way. Don't worry. None of you will have to eat any of those little sugar maple leaves! You are welcome.




They really rolled out the red carpet for us although we could not go into the parliament buildings on this particular day.


The band played while the military stood in review.


As coincidence would have it the Lieutenant Governor was also in town. Such pomp we enjoyed. She is Canada's representative to the mother country.


She received a 15 gun salute as the 21 gun salute is reserved for a higher dignitary. Why she was there we never learned.


Totem poles are in abundance at Thunderbird Park. I always like a good totem pole.



Nearby is an historic park with an 1852 school house that has been relocated as well as some older homes. In 1852 Dr. Helmcken immigrated from England. He built the house on the right for his family and then later added more wings as the family grew. That little house is typical of the style we saw in many towns on the Olympic peninsula.



Tea at the Empress Hotel for $59 would have been delightful but we opted out of that to take a 3 pm ferry back. High tea just really isn't Leon's cup of tea and we hardly felt dressed for the occasion. The Butchart Gardens are also excellent and we did not visit. We felt like we put a good dent in the place without totally wearing ourselves out. We did give ourselves a tour of the Empress.


The bay is busy with all sorts of activity mostly geared to the tourists. A nice promenade along the shore provided an extra avenue for enjoyment. The Coho waited quietly until we boarded and again crossed the Juan de Fuca Strait.


Once we visit these places we realize how much more we could have done but I always like to leave a little excitement for the next time. We had a whale of a good time.