We decided to take a three day vacation to Vancouver Island and be in Victoria for Canada Day and enjoy the fireworks there (photos to come later). To our surprise the roads and the ferry were not busy and I believe it was due to many people having to work on Monday.
The ferry we chose to take was the "Spirit of Vancouver Island" which is one of the two larger and newer vessels running between the Tsawwassen terminal and the Swartz Bay terminal which is near Sidney on the island.
We stayed at the Coast Victoria Habourside Hotel & Marina which overlooks the inner harbour. I enjoyed watching the boats, ships, and float planes coming and going on the water below us.
Tuesday which was July 1st, was our busiest day in which we walked up and down the streets of downtown Victoria and looked in so many shops selling everything from beautiful and expensive art pieces, to souvenirs.
Here are a few pics around town.
The Empress Hotel
As we wandered through the streets we found vendors selling all kinds of things,actors were doing stunts, fast food stands were selling tasty snacks, and of course lots of people looking for something to spend their hard earned cash on.
This is the "Plaster Man"...he only moves to show appreciation when you put $$$ into his pail!
Here we see the 'Copper Cowgirl' as I call her. She also moves and thanks you for a cash donation or for photos with her. She is very good!
As far as attractions go, we took in one show at the IMAX theatre and went through the Wax Museum. We also tried a number of restaurants including the Noodle Box, Spinnakers, and Murchie's Tea & Coffee Ltd, to name a few.
It is amazing how you can wear yourself out in an 8 x 8 block area!
The older architecture is perfect for the photographer.
On our way back we stopped in Sidney for some simply great Halibut fish and chips at Rumrunner’s.
Besides having great food, it also offers a breathtaking view of Haro Strait while relaxing on the patio. We highly recommend you try it!
Got back home late night and must say…we had a great time!