Port Angeles Vision

This is part two of a series of day trips provided by a local Bed and Breakfast.

The sparkling lights of Victoria beckon guests at George Washington Inn to take a relaxing ferry ride across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to explore this enchanting Canadian city. Victoria has long had a reputation of being one of the most beautiful cities in Canada. This City of Gardens is also known as “a city for either the newly wed or nearly dead”, a popular honeymoon destination and a place where every Canadian wants to live out his or her sunset years. During the summer months, gorgeous hanging flower baskets adorn the antique lamp posts. This pedestrian-friendly city prides itself in its British charm and boasts a rumor that Queen Elizabeth once exclaimed on a visit, “It’s more British than London!”

The Inner Harbour bustles with sail boats, water taxis and ferries as they deliver eager visitors to the ivy-covered Empress Hotel for afternoon tea or to stroll the grounds of the stately Parliament Buildings. The carillon chimes throughout the day in front of the Royal BC Museum which is a world-class showcase of native Indian history and artifacts.

Other sites worth exploring on your day trip, in addition to the numerous downtown shops, are the Royal London Wax Museum, the Craigdarroch Castle, the Butchart Gardens, and the Pacific Undersea Gardens.

Victoria has many fond memories for us. My first posting out of the RCMP Academy was to the nearby Sidney detachment where we spent our first three years of married life together. As we would drive into the city on a Sunday morning the church bells would be ringing out old hymn favourites (notice the British spelling). The magic of this city is amazing. You don’t want to miss an opportunity to experience it for yourself.