Early start today. We're off to the capital of British Columbia Provence. The city of Victoria is located on Vancouver Island and is only accessible by sea or air. It is located about 100 km from the city of Vancouver. As yet there are no bridges from the mainland to Vancouver Island.
We had to get a train, bus, ferry and bus. All very easy. The train station where we had to start our journey is located about 5 minutes away from our apartment and was the longest distance we had to walk to get to where we were going. We left our apartment at 7.00 am to catch the train at about 7.15 am. Everything from there fell into place. We only had to wait for about 10 minutes for the bus to leave for the ferry and about 30 minutes at the ferry terminal.
The ferry trip was the longest, taking about an hour and a half from embarkation to disembarkation.
The Ferry from Tsawwassen (Vancouver) to Swartz Bay (Vancouver Island)
We were allowed to board at about 8.30 am. It took just on half an hour to load all the vehicles and we were away from the wharf at just after 9.00 am which was the advertised departure time. The ferry had 2 decks for cars and trucks and 2 decks for pasengers.
Very interesting scenery as we were not out of sight of land the whole way. We even saw a pod of whales but I wasn't quick enough with the camera to get a really good shot.
Orca seen from the ferry (They don't pose very well for you.)
Deb booked us into a hotel for our stay in Victoria. Nice room, good view and not too expensive. The one next door was twice as expensive. I have included pictures of both.
Hotel Grand Pacific
Victoria and it's surrounds are set up for the tourist with bicycle type taxis and horse drawm carriages to take the tourist on guided tours.
We had a good walk around and then went to a castle that had been recommended to us. It wasn't in fact a castle but an 8 bedroom family home that had been built in the late 1800's. It has been restored magnificently.
Craigdarroch Castle
Drawing Room in Craigdarroch Castle
It was well worth the effort to get there. We had to get a bus there and then walk up a hill. One thing I will say about the Canadians they are extremely helpful and are always ready to tell you where to go. We were standing on a corner in Victoria looking at a map and one of the locals came up and asked us if they could be of assistance. Really nice people.
In our travels we came across some friends that were happy to have their picturse taken with us.
Den's Friend
Deb's Friend
There was a busker playing a violin who I thought looked familiar.
What Darth Vader does in his retirement
We have found a lot of old buildings that are no longer used for their initial purpose are being used for other things but retaining their original character at much as possible. Deb and I went out to a restaurant that was originally a steamship terminal. A lot of the original mouldings on the ceilings and walls were still in place and the paint scheme was in character as well. ( and our dinner was delicious!)
Friday 25 April
Only have this morning in Victoria as we have to catch the 2.00 pm ferry which means we have to catch the bus at 12.45 pm. We have decided to have a look at the Provincial Parliament building and the British Columbia Museum. Both have been recommended..
The parliament building is quite a structure having been built in the late 1800's with all the opulence associated with those times. It seems that the Canadians have a similar problem with government filing system as most governments. A stained glass window commemorating Queen Victoria's 60 years on the throne was taken down and put in storage while some additions were taking place and was forgottten for 62 years.
Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee Window (Lost for 62 years)
From what I can gather there is only one House of Parliament and there are 85 MP's for the Provence of British Columbia.
Just across the road is the Museum of British Columbia. A really large modern building that has some extremely interesting exhibits. The first one we walked into was of pre-history. British Columbia was an area where Wooly Mammoths roamed and there was a full size exhibit.
Wooly Mammoth.
They also have an area set up like an old town giving an insight into what life was like in the 1800's.
Street view inside the BC Museum
It was a nice place to to have a look through and fitted into our timetable. We were able to get a bus to the ferry terminal very close to the museum.
Back to Vancouver for dinner with Karen and Ian. I intended to go to an Anzac Day service held here in the evening but didn't feel up to it.
Saturday 26 April.
Quietish day today. Went to the pictures with Ian and Karen to see Captain America - The Winter Soldier. I don't think I would have picked it myself but did enjoy it.
On our way home from the pictures we dropped into the Vancouver City Library. 7 levels of books.
View looking at the front of Vancouver City Library
View of the undercover area at the front of the library.
There are shops and coffee shops under cover outside the library. You could get your books, go outside and have a coffee and a read.
We went out for dinner to a place on the other side of town. Train and then a walk. This place has I don't know how many beers on tap. Ian and Karen shared a selection of beers on what was on like a paddle, I had a Red truck Lager and Deb had a very pale ale.
The meals over here are quite big. I don't think I have actually finished one off. Deb and I are actually sharing a meal most lunches when we are out because we can't eat all that is dished up to us. These meals were no exception with both of us not finishing. As a matter of course most places offer to pack up what is left for you to take home.
Sunday 27 April
Today Karen and Ian took us to Deep Cove. I'm not sure what you would call it, a suburb or village. It has the feel of a village but we went through built up areas to get there. It seems to be a place of water sports as there are places where you can rent kayaks and paddle boards. To me the water looked cold so I think it would be a great incentive not to fall off your paddle board or roll your kayak.
View looking from the Main Street of Deep Cove.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Patrol Boat Deep Cove (Notice the horse silouete on the side of the cabin)
Typical Roof Cladding on Houses in Vancouver (Looks like timber shingles)
There were a number of streams flowing down the hillside above the houses in Deep CoveThis one looked good because the driveway went over the top of the stream.
Not a Bad View to Wake Up To
We went back to Karen and Ian's apartment for a nice quick dinner and then headed down the hill to our apartment. A really nice quiet day where we saw another really nice slice of Greater Vancouver.
Deb and Den
Looks wonderful. all of our favorite things, water, boats, books and gardens, glad you are having such a wonderful trip.
ReplyDelete