O Canada: From Seattle to Victoria, BC

Seattle has a vibrant waterfront perfect for an afternoon of leisurely walking along the pier.

Ride the beautiful Giant Wheel to see panoramic views of the city. Head to the vibrant and famous Pike Place Market, where you can shop and enjoy the history. It was founded in 1907 and has continually operated since. Enjoy the fish throwing and pick up some snacks for tomorrow’s journey.

Check into The Edgewater Hotel and feel like you are sleeping right on the water of the Puget Sound. I recommend dinner at Six Seven Restaurant, right on the water.

Head to the FRS Clipper Ferry heading to Victoria, BC. This ride is under three hours, and you can choose seats with wonderful views of the waterways you will travel. Keep a watch out for whales, otters, seals, and more! Watch sea planes fly overhead as you head toward port in Victoria.

If you are staying at the regal Fairmont Empress, you can check your luggage in with them and stretch your legs walking along Douglas Street, enjoying all the beautiful shops and eateries. Or if you are staying at the Inn at Laurel Point, you can also store luggage and walk along the bayfront on a pretty graveled path.

You may also want to check out the impressive Parliament Building. It is free entry to view inside, and the stained glass is amazing as well as the Memorial Rotunda. Make sure you take your camera!

Victoria is very walkable and laid out in a way that does not require intense map-studying.

There are so many options the harbor offers. You can select a whale watching tour, a float plane tour, or ride the water taxi to different ports on the waterfront. I enjoyed taking a harbor tour on a tiny green boat! It is about 45 minutes, and the captains are knowledgeable and fun.

You could be dropped off at the Fisherman’s Wharf, where you could walk around the charming floating homes in vibrant colors and grab a generously topped waffle cone of ice cream at the bright red Jackson’s Ice Cream Shop. There are a number of eateries as well. There is also a quiet park nearby if you want to get away from the bustle.

The little boat will pick you up later and drop you off at the Empress stop. From there, you can walk a few blocks down Douglas Street until you get to Chinatown. It is a small but charming area, and it is fun to walk down the famous Fan Tan Alley! You can walk further away from the waterfront and eat some delicious food at Original Pho on Fort Street. If you like architecture, the Christ Church Cathedral is only a few blocks away on Quadra Street next to Pioneer Square.

A trip to Victoria, BC warrants a visit to Butchart Gardens. The beauty is something you will never forget. You will want to take a taxi or a tour shuttle as it is out of town a bit, but it is so worth it and you can enjoy the scenery along the way. It will take a couple of hours to see the gardens, and you can have tea while you are there! This is a definite photo opportunity, so take your camera. There are flora and fauna and water features along the paths. You feel like you are inside an actual kaleidoscope.

You will fall in love with Victoria after your stay in this amazing city!