When we were parked in Port Angeles, WA we were right near the Black Ball Ferry Line that goes to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. It’s much cheaper to walk on the ferry than drive on, so that’s what we did. We headed out bright and early, packed with a couple of overnight bags and walked on the ferry to sail across the Strait of Juan de Fuca and enjoy a super fun couple of days in Victoria.
Grampa and his boys waiting to set sail.
We’re on our way!
Arriving into the port at Victoria
Watching sea planes take off.
Victoria is a very pedestrian-friendly town where it was easy for us to get around without having a vehicle. And Chris sure was glad he didn’t have to drive the big truck for a couple of days! Our first order of business was to walk a couple of blocks to our hotel to drop off our luggage. Then we headed out to catch a bus to our first destination, the Butchart Gardens. On the way to the bus I just couldn’t get over the lovely architecture of this beautiful city!
Parliament Building
The Empress Hotel
Our bus driver informed us that we could enjoy afternoon tea at The Empress for a mere $75/person. Oh my, I think we’ll pass. Besides I don’t even like tea.
So it was on to the lovely Butchart Gardens.
I hope I didn’t bore you with too many flower pictures. They were all just so pretty it was hard to decide which pictures to use!
Later that evening we walked down to the Fisherman’s Wharf to eat dinner. All of the shops and restaurants in this area were literally floating!
Fisherman’s Wharf
Even the homes float! It was really fun to walk around and check out the charming little floating homes.
Chris may or may not have wanted to get this for the grands. 😉 Just kidding, Mom and Dad!
We spent the night at the Royal Scot Hotel which had very nice large suites and an indoor pool and hot tub. That hot tub was wonderful after all the walking we did that day!
The next day we rode the hop-on-hop-off Big Bus Victoria all over the city, getting off the bus at times to explore.
One of the stops was in Chinatown.
Fan Tan Alley in Chinatown is the narrowest street in Canada.
Another quick stop to see this view of the bay.
We even stopped to see a castle!
Craigdarroch Castle
After our bus tour we shopped for t-shirts and souvenirs, had dinner and then it was time to go catch the ferry back to Port Angeles.
View from the ferry dock.
Then we sailed off into the sunset, literally. We enjoyed a spectacular sunset on our way back across to Washington, and then later a full moon!
Oh my goodness, we had such an amazing time in Victoria! And I just have to thank my Dad for doing the trip planning for this part of their trip to see us. He arranged the ferry tickets, hotel rooms, and trip to Butchart Gardens. It was so nice for someone else to take care of the plans for a change since I spend so much time all year long trip-planning. I don’t mind really, but it is a lot of work! So, thank you Dad! I love you!
4 Radical Roadschoolers and a Fat Cat 