While I was in Seattle, I took a 2-day side trip over to Victoria on the Clipper ferry, a high-speed passenger ferry from downtown Seattle to Victoria's Inner Harbor area. Victoria is a beautiful, small city with just enough to see for a 2 or 3 day visit.
The Fairmont Empress Hotel, famous for their afternoon tea
I visited the Royal British Columbia Museum, with exhibits on the natural history of the area, the First Nations' people, and the modern history of the area, as well as a traveling exhibit on the Vikings. The weather was great so a walk around the harbor was in order. I was able to walk everywhere I wanted to go within the city; it is compact.
Statue of Queen Victoria in front of the Provincial Government building
I also went to Butchart Gardens, which is located outside of the city. (It is an amazing botanical garden situated in an old quarry. (I took a tour bus offered by the ferry company to get there.)
Waterfall at Butchart Gardens
Butchart Gardens
Butchart Gardens
Victoria has a lot of restaurants serving fish and I had some excellent meals. I particularly recommend the Steamship Terminal restaurant, located on the harbor in an old building that was formerly a steamship terminal. I sat on the terrace outside and watched the water taxis and ferries in the harbor. There are several marinas nearby as well.
I stayed at the Oswego Hotel, a newer boutique hotel located on a quiet side street about three blocks from the harbor. I give this hotel 5 stars for comfort and service!
Keep Victoria in mind if you need a west coast getaway or are planning a visit to Seattle or Vancouver.
I'm heading there in September. Thanks for the mini travelogue
ReplyDeleteVictoria and the islands are gorgeous. You hit some of the touristy places, but there is so much more to see. I am an islander living in Comox. Glad you enjoyed your small snippet of the Vancouver Island - do come back and see the the real island off the the touristy beaten track. You will be glad you did. Cheers. Linda
ReplyDeleteI too have made that trip. Your blog brought back so many good memories. Same ferry, same museum,, same gardens but we stayed at The Empress. Had "high tea", but in a little tea house. Oh I will have to drag out the pictures and relive. I was not able to scout out any quilt shops though so want to go back! Good food and good times.
ReplyDeleteI live in Victoria and appreciate that our city is very popular with tourists...I love to visit Seattle and stay at The Mayflower Hotel. Seattle has many beautiful sights, restaurants and some super shops!
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