Oh, Canada! Our beautiful 3 day getaway to Victoria & Vancouver, British Columbia was surely one we will remember, forever.
A huge thank you to my travel nursing agency, Atlas Medstaff, for sending me on this “Atlas Adventure!”
All Aboard
Our voyage began early Thursday morning at 7:30 a.m. as we launched off on the Victoria Clipper, a high speed passenger-only catamaran that seats 525 travelers. We enjoyed stunning views of the Seattle coast, a game of cribbage (yes, I won!), & a second cup of Joe as we comfortably cruised to our destination in 3 hours.
Victoria, British Columbia
Ah, at last! We crossed the Canadian boarder over water & stepped off the ferry onto Vancouver Island & into the city of Victoria, British Columbia. The remarkable beauty, well preserved history, & unique architecture quickly surrounded us as we self-guided our way through the easily walkable streets of the city.
Activities & Sightseeing:
The Buchart Gardens, Royal BC Museum, B.C. Parliament Buildings, Chinatown, Craigdarroch Castle, Afternoon Tea at The Empress Hotel, Butterfly Gardens, Shop boutiques on Johnson St.
Restaurant’s Visited:
Irish Times, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Fun Fact:
Victoria is known as the, “City of Gardens.” The city has approximately 1,350 hanging flower baskets throughout its downtown streets.
Butchart Gardens
In bloom for over 100 years, the world-renowned gardens established by the Butchart family are a definite attraction to see while visiting Victoria. Each year, over 1 million visitors visit each of the five gardens including the: Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Italian Garden, & Mediterranen Garden.
Fun fact:
Mrs. Butchart had her own private garden which is still maintained & kept identically to her own. The garden is still private, but can be seen by visitors through a door.
Fun on the Ferry
After a quick overnight in Victoria, we hopped on a coach bus that then boarded a ferry & sailed North to Point Roberts. Back on the bus, we drove to our second destination of the trip- Vancouver, British Columbia!
Vancouver, B.C.
Being the largest, most ethically diverse city in British Columbia, Vancouver without a doubt packs a punch with things to do & sights to see during a visit.
Activities & Sightseeing:
Rent bikes & cruise around the seawall at Stanley Park, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver Aquarium, Science World & Olympic Village, UBC Campus, Pridefest on Davie St., Downtown scene on Granville St.
Restaurant’s Visited:
The Capital, Donnellan’s Irish Pub, Tim Horton’s, Tap & Barrell
Fun Facts:
1. In 1886 the Great Vancouver Fire burned down almost the entire city
2. Wreck Beach is Canada’s only nude beach & North America’s largest
Stanley Park
Saturday morning we took the most beautiful, blissful bike ride along the infamous Stanley Park seawall as we enjoyed views of the entire city, north shore mountains, & Lions Gate Bridge.
Fun fact:
1. Stanley Park is 10% bigger than Central Park
2. Rated Best Park in the World according to TripAdvisor in 2014
3. 8 million people visit each year
Homeward Bound to Seattle
Au Revoir, British Columbia! Saturday evening the Amtrak train guided us back to our home away from home, as we gazed at the Seattle sunset & played one last game of cribbage (yes, I won again). We are truly so grateful & blessed to have been able to experience another part of our incredible world, together.
