We woke very early to take the 7.30 Clipper from Seatle to Victoria. The departure point was not far from the hotel but we called an Uber to make it easy to get there. The ferry was full but we found 2 seats by the window. Having not yet had breakfast we were looking goteard to the food on board. Unfortunately it was not that good. The 3 hour journey sailed by the weather was good. We passed an ebermous American aircraft carrier ??. When we docked in Victoria they asked for people to disembark in groups. Hand luggage first then people with bags later. We had bags so Hund back but were also not in a hurry as we were waiting for /hannahs ferry to come in from Vancouver. After we stopped up and joined the queue we realised it would be a long queue. An hour later we finally made it through immigration !! This turned out to be perfect timing as Hannah’s ferry arrived 5 minutes later. With about a dozen people on board and no immigration as she was coming from Canada she was off the boat within minutes.
Our hotel, Chateau Victoria, was in the centre of town a short 10 minute walk away. It was still early when we got there (about 11.30am) and the room was not yet ready but they took our luggage into storage and we headed off to explore the town.
Forst stop was for food. We found a dinner called Frankies and Barrie and Hannah ordered breakfast while I went straight to fish n chips lunch. After refuelling Barrie led us on a coastal walk which was pretty but a little boring. Victoria appeared so far to be a sleepy retirement place but we knew we were there off season.
We turned round and headed into town and found some lovely old building around an area called makes square and lots of craft and soubieneer shops.
As it was now much later in the afternoon and starting to rain we went bak to the hotel to complete our checkin. We had booked a 2 bedroom suite which was on the 17th floor, it had 2 good size bed rooms a lounge and kitchen area with great views, The rooms were well decorated. It would make a great weekend home.
In the evening I had arranged to meet up with a very old friend who lives in Victoria with his family. Ben picked us up around 7pm and drove us to his home with a great sea view. They cooked Salmon on the BBQ after
Saturday
Breakfast at near by dinner – Dutch Bakery and Diner
Bus to Butchart gardens
Saturday night dinner at hotel vista 18 restaurant – execelent food.
Sunday
miniature world museum
coffee
Ferry V2V back to Vancouver