Visiting Victoria, B.C.

Victoria is absolutely beautiful. I have to start by saying that I especially fell in love with Brentwood Bay. While most people choose to stay in downtown Victoria, I opted for the quieter, peaceful part of this Vancouver Island and I am so glad I did. My stay at Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa was the highlight of my entire trip. I have never felt such serenity away from home. Much of that was due to the gracious staff at the Resort, but the scenic views from my private & very large balcony didn't hurt. Everything at this Resort was spectacular. From the welcoming champagne and personal tour upon my arrival, to the relaxing pillow spray at my nightly turn down service, my stay at Brentwood Bay was truly picture perfect.

The heart of downtown and it's main attraction, the Fairmont Empress, are truly impressive as well. Although, not exactly my "cup of tea" (pun intended) for a place to stay, I enjoyed walking around the grounds and taking photos of all the grand events that take place at this monumental landmark. Stunning would be an understatement. A walk through the Empress will leave you feeling like royalty. And yes, I visited the Tea Parlor. As expected, it's fit for a Queen.


My favorite of the many Victorian houses was Gatsby Mansion.  Located in the inner harbor, the Mansion is a beautiful boutique hotel and fine dining restaurant. There are three houses on the property, the Main House (shown here), the middle house, & the Judges house (also known as the Haunted Mansion) It is decorated in Queen Anne style and the beautiful wrap around porch with hanging flower baskets makes this the perfect stop for afternoon tea.

Bastion Square

Chinatown

Fan Tan Alley

My favorite way to get around the Inner Harbor has to be by water taxi. Much like the gondolas in Venice, the water taxis move about the harbor stopping at favorite tourist spots. The best view of the Parliament buildings are from the water and it's a cool and refreshing break from walking. The drivers are friendly and informative and the mere fee of $5 makes NY taxis seem like limousines. Make sure to take one to Fisherman's Wharf. The wharf is lined with floating houses and fantastic eateries like Grilligan's where I had the best Vegan hot dog ever!!

Call me a movie geek but the float houses here reminded me so much of Sleepless in Seattle, I kept wondering why they were in Canada! There is a walkway all the way from the wharf to downtown that is beautifully lined with flowers and waterfalls. It takes about 30 mins to walk it one way but it's well worth it and there are many benches and places to stop and just enjoy the view. My best advice is make sure you explore outside the downtown lines in Victoria. There's more to this Canadian gem than a few government buildings.

 I kept hearing about how Victoria is so much like England that I just had to search out castles. The first one I found was Craigdarroch Castle. Located in the hills above Victoria, the castle was built in the late 1800's. You can tour it's more than 20,000 square feet inside for a $14 fee. It's worth it once you make it to the top circular sky room that has 360 degree windows overlooking Victoria, the strait of Juan de Fuca, & the Olympic Mountains.

Across the strait and through the woods to Hatley Castle we go... Located on the grounds of Royal Roads University, this majestic beauty was completed in 1908. The castle itself may be smaller, but the gardens here are quite lovely. Tours are booked in advance so plan accordingly. You can walk to the water from this castle too so make sure to bring a picnic with you.

Not far from the castle stands Fisgard Lighthouse. It was built by the British in 1860 before it officially became Canadian property. The Esquimalt harbor on which it stands is part of Fort Rodd Hill, one of the most photographed spots of the area. When standing out by the lighthouse, it feels like you're in another world, and all alone. Stay until sunset if you can, you won't be disappointed!

 You can hardly visit Victoria without going to this tiny little place called Butchart Gardens. Okay, it's huge and I could put up about 200 of the most amazing photos I've ever taken but I won't. Instead, I'll share with you my favorite of the MANY gardens here, the Italian Garden. Let me be frank, if you want a picture like this without hundreds of people in it, you better be there first thing when they open and run, I mean walk quickly. All kidding aside, this place is breathtaking. It's on your bucket list, right? Just do it.
If you're up for a different garden adventure, make a stop at The Butterfly Gardens. They are not far from Butchart and you'll be glad you did. I've never seen so many of these fluttering beauties in one place. You have to watch your step here, because they are everywhere! Remember, they live in different climates so it's humid inside their world but oh so gorgeous!


Last, but certainly not least was my visit to Sidney, more commonly known as Sidney by the Sea. A quaint little harbor town, Sidney was the perfect finalization of my time in Victoria, B.C. I shall forever remember this place as the land of flowers & water, both of which can't survive without the other. There is a definite sense of camaraderie on the island here. And in case you're wondering, yes, Sidney does sell sea shells by the sea shore!