Oh, Victoria. My, my! You dazzled us with your charm and beauty. You even gave us picture perfect weather during the third week of September…lucky us!
Upon our arrival, we instantly knew 2 days wouldn’t be long enough, but all the more reason to go back soon. We literally did not stop the entire 2 days. I’d say we were quite successful doing most things on our list, although we left much of the beautiful island untouched.
Here are some of my favourite shots from our time in Victoria. A photography lover’s dream, it was! At the end of the post, I’ll give you a brief summary of what we did and where we ate. To my surprise, Victoria is very vegan-friendly. Three cheers for that!
Ghost pictures were taken at night!! (click to enlarge) Eric made me do it… ;)
What we did:
– Walked around the charming downtown, Butchart Gardens, drove along the coast and walked along beaches (man, that sun is strong!), shopping (check out Sarah’s Place in Market Square), farmer’s market, enjoyed a drink or two at Irish Times pub with amazing live music, bought snack food at Planet Organic, waterfront for sunset, late night photography fun w/ tripod.
Where we stayed:
– Oswego Hotel. Modern suites. Full kitchen (I really appreciated the French press and blender!). 5-10 min walk to downtown. Downside – no A/C and a hot room, but we weren’t in it much anyway. From what I hear, A/C is rarely needed on the island. You can click to enlarge the above hotel pictures.
Food highlights:
– Café Bliss (loved the Thai Noodle Bowl and the Bliss BLT!!), the famous Rebar Modern Food, brunch at Mo:Le (vegan options like tofu scramble). All highly recommended!
I think I might have to put together an entire post on Butchart Gardens…so. many. pictures. to share!
Victoria, you’ll forever hold a special place in my heart.
I love Victoria. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, not to mention a great quality of living. I live in South Florida now, and I miss it so; though Florida ain’t so bad.
So glad you enjoyed your visit to our fair little city! Am blown away by how many of your commentors above are from here! Be sure to stay a while longer next time you’re ‘over’.
So glad you loved my city! Sometimes I take a moment to reflect on how lucky I am to live in a city that thousands of people per year actually pay to visit. How many people have carriage rides going right past their apartment? All these people coming to visit, and I never have to leave! Moving to Victoria (from Ontario, kinda near you, actually) was one of the best decisions I ever made. Although Ontario roots grow deep, of course :)
i used to live in Vic, and still miss it every day.
tk u for these beautiful pictures and so many memories!
I’m so happy you came here to visit!!! You’re pictures are so beautiful! You captured Vic perfectly. I love all the places you ate! Do you have any plans to come back soon?
– Mandy