Last weekend my family, my parents, my aunt and uncle and two of my cousins traveled to Victoria, B.C, Canada. I had always enjoyed Victoria and the warmth and charm the city presented; however, I feel the city has lost some of it's charm and has become too modernized, too touristy, and too expensive.
We drove to Port Angles, parked the van in the overnight parking lot, and boarded the Coho Ferry, a private ferry line taking passengers and vehicles from Port Angles, Washington to Victoria, B.C. I had already checked online regarding prices, and shelled out $17.50 per person, each way. (Except Joey who was free, because he is under the age of 11). There are no student rates, nor senior rates.
After a 90-minute ferry ride and a quick trip through immigration and customs, we stepped out of the terminal and walked to the bus stop. By the way, all Americans over the age of 16 are now required to present a passport to enter and leave Canada. Those under 16 need to present a birth certificate. We boarded a bus ($2.50 fare ) and rode to our motel about 20 blocks away. Of course, the motel was at a premium with it being summer. We stayed at a Super 8. Can't complain too much--although the rooms were a bit on the small size and we had to share two double beds with our two older boys (the youngest stayed in his grandparents room), the price included free breakfast, and the staff was helpful, stored our luggage in a locked room after we had checked out, and also called us a cab.
We drove to Port Angles, parked the van in the overnight parking lot, and boarded the Coho Ferry, a private ferry line taking passengers and vehicles from Port Angles, Washington to Victoria, B.C. I had already checked online regarding prices, and shelled out $17.50 per person, each way. (Except Joey who was free, because he is under the age of 11). There are no student rates, nor senior rates.
After a 90-minute ferry ride and a quick trip through immigration and customs, we stepped out of the terminal and walked to the bus stop. By the way, all Americans over the age of 16 are now required to present a passport to enter and leave Canada. Those under 16 need to present a birth certificate. We boarded a bus ($2.50 fare ) and rode to our motel about 20 blocks away. Of course, the motel was at a premium with it being summer. We stayed at a Super 8. Can't complain too much--although the rooms were a bit on the small size and we had to share two double beds with our two older boys (the youngest stayed in his grandparents room), the price included free breakfast, and the staff was helpful, stored our luggage in a locked room after we had checked out, and also called us a cab.
all Our first afternoon was spent just walking around downtown, enjoying the waterfront and a quick tour of the old Empress Hotel. I had stepped outside to take a picture of the front entrance of the hotel and got caught in a deluge--becoming drenched in less then five minutes and I was only 50 feet from the hotel.
Once upon a time, I thought the city had more character, the hanging flower baskets still hung from the lamp posts and horse drawn carriages still prance down the streets, but it was rare to see a double-decker bus. In addition, I used to think it was like visiting Europe without having to take a long flight over the Atlantic, but I feel Victoria has just become too commercialized and not as clean as I once remembered. Maybe it was the grey skies and the rain.
After we did a little window shopping, we then stopped for dinner. Half the group went to a French Bistro, while the other half went to the Old Spaghetti Factory. We didn't think the boys would have cared for the French Bistro. After dinner, we took the bus back to the motel and went to bed.
Once upon a time, I thought the city had more character, the hanging flower baskets still hung from the lamp posts and horse drawn carriages still prance down the streets, but it was rare to see a double-decker bus. In addition, I used to think it was like visiting Europe without having to take a long flight over the Atlantic, but I feel Victoria has just become too commercialized and not as clean as I once remembered. Maybe it was the grey skies and the rain.
After we did a little window shopping, we then stopped for dinner. Half the group went to a French Bistro, while the other half went to the Old Spaghetti Factory. We didn't think the boys would have cared for the French Bistro. After dinner, we took the bus back to the motel and went to bed.
The next morning, we all ate breakfast in the lobby of the motel and after we checked out, boarded another bus for Butchart Gardens. The gardens were still as beautiful as I remember from my youth and I really enjoyed the Rose Gardens and Sunken Gardens. I think even the boys appreciated the brilliant colors and water displays. I know Joey's favorite part of the park was the Ross Fountain. My only complaint is the high cost of the summer rate for gate admission--$29 dollars for adults, $14.50 for youth and $3.00 for children, plus tax. Then the youngest wanted to ride the carousel which was another $2.00. We had lunch at the Blue Poppy Restaurant and visited the gift shop. I'm sorry the weather had not been better the day before and we missed the firework show--because Butchard Gardens puts on an amazing firework display in the summer. I'm sure the boys would have loved it.
After lunch, the group split again, and half went to the Butterfly Gardens, while Ed and I took the boys downtown to see the Undersea Gardens. I admit it was interesting seeing the variety of marine life and watching the diver bring out the Wolf Eels and Giant Pacific Octopus, nevertheless the water is very murky and hard to see through the viewing windows. I would skip this one, not worth the cost or time.
Next, we waited in line at the ferry terminal before going through immigration and customs again and boarding the ferry for our journey home. Had a great visit with my aunt and uncle and cousins. I don't see them very often, so it was good catching up with them. However, I'm not sure if I will make it to Victoria, B.C. again, anytime soon. Not as a family get-away anyway.
After lunch, the group split again, and half went to the Butterfly Gardens, while Ed and I took the boys downtown to see the Undersea Gardens. I admit it was interesting seeing the variety of marine life and watching the diver bring out the Wolf Eels and Giant Pacific Octopus, nevertheless the water is very murky and hard to see through the viewing windows. I would skip this one, not worth the cost or time.
Next, we waited in line at the ferry terminal before going through immigration and customs again and boarding the ferry for our journey home. Had a great visit with my aunt and uncle and cousins. I don't see them very often, so it was good catching up with them. However, I'm not sure if I will make it to Victoria, B.C. again, anytime soon. Not as a family get-away anyway.
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