Victoria, BC in a Day

A June 2007 trip to Victoria by weeblewobble46

Quote: What do you do with a day in Vancouver, BC, when you don't have a car? You take a bus tour!

Victoria, BC in a Day

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Overview

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Victoria, BC, is a 90 minute ferry ride from the city of Vancouver. It is well known for its temperate, moist climate and that reputation is well deserved. The city is located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, BC, Canada, just north of Seattle, Washington, USA. Take a flight to Vancouver and the ferry to Victoria, or eliminate the flight and take a ferry from Seattle directly to Victoria. You could also take a "puddle jumper" directly to the island from either city.Tour buses and motorcoaches are available for hire in Vancouver, Seattle, and Victoria. The ones that use the ferry system include the ferry fare in their prices. Hopefully, your day in Victoria will be sunny,...Read More

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Chandlers Seafood Restaurant

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Restaurant | "Chandler's"

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We happened upon Chandler's as we were strolling along Wharf Street. The sampling of Salmon Brushetta given to us as we passed made us realize how hungry we had become.Inside, the decor is Pub/Restaurant. Crisp white cloths and shiny clean crystal were on the tables, giving us an invitation to come in and warm up on a breezy afternoon. Huge mirrors at either end of the paneled room reflected everything in the area. The massive mahogany bar and the canoes that hang from the ceiling add to the eclectic feel. It gives a prelude to the eclectic menu. My husband ordered the chicken sandwich. He was very happy with what was presented. The chicken was moist and nicely seasoned. He had no prob...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 29, 2007

Chandlers Seafood Restaurant
1250 Wharf St.
Victoria, British Columbia V8W 1T8
(250) 385-3474

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Butchart Gardens

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Attraction | "Victoria and Butchart Gardens"

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What do you do with a day in Vancouver, BC, when you don't have a car? You go on a bus tour!

We woke at 6am and got ourselves ready for an 8am pickup. D'Arcy, our driver for Land and Sea Tours, was prompt and courteous. He picked us up at our hotel in a 24 passenger van. This was so-o-o much better than a large bus. We were able to hear everything that he said and everyone was able to have a part in the conversation.

We caught the ferry for Victoria (a 90 minute ride across some of the smoothest water I have ever seen) and were able to enjoy the fresh air on the 6th deck before heading inside to get some refreshments.

Our arrival on the island brought us to land several kilometers from the city, but D'Arcy kept us entertained with tidbits of information (and a few jokes) during the ride. We were dropped off at Chinatown (Pan Tan Alley is the narrowest alleyway - barely a meter wide in some places) and walked along Wharf St. toward our eventual gathering place at the RBC Museum. The whole walk could have been finished in about 20 minutes, but we stopped for lunch at Chandler's. The walk through this picturesque town was an easy one. There are no hills along the waterfront, although there are some a block or two inland. The gardens and hanging baskets on every streetlight bring color to every corner of the town.

The tour gives you entrance to one of several museums - we chose the Royal British Columbia Museum since that was where D'Arcy would be picking us up later in the afternoon.

He then drove us to Butchart Gardens, a floral fantasy world developed by one woman with a love of plants. We spent about two hours there and walked the whole garden. Of course, with the time constraint, we were not able to take a leisurely tour...my hubby was glad for that! The entrance fee for the Gardens was also included in our original tour fee, so we did not have to worry about any additional expenses except for "treasures" for those left at home.

We were able to eat dinner on the ferry back to Vancouver. It was the "Spirit of Vancouver Island", a newer ship, and there was a buffet on the 5th deck that filled our tummies with some very good-tasting fare.

We said "Bye," to D'Arcy and the rest of the weary tourists around 9:30pm. We were very happy to reach our room and put up our feet while we reviewed all we had seen and experienced today. Read Less

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on June 29, 2007

Butchart Gardens
800 Benvenuto Ave
Brentwood Bay, British Columbia V8M 1J8
(250) 652-4422