So, this is our last port of call on our Stampin' Up Alaskan Cruise. Victoria, British Columbia was such a beautiful city to explore.
We had booked a bus tour that took us around the city and to various neighborhoods around Victoria. We ended with a double, double at Tim Hortons. Then, back down to the city to explore a little more.
Victoria is the capitol of British Columbia and located on Vancouver Island in Canada.
Victoria is very much a lovely city to retire to, much like Naples, Florida in the US. The temperature never goes below freezing or above the 70's. Which means that it rarely ever snows here. Go figure! However, they were having unusually hot weather while we were there- in the high 80's. The tour guide told us that no one has air conditioning, as its not needed. The month of July was really rough on them, because the temps were so high.
A couple charming neighborhood houses on our way up to the scenice overlook.
Quite a few celebrities have homes here. We did see a few hockey players homes while on the tour. Our tour guide mentioned that it would be difficult to find a home here under 1 million dollars.
Scenic overlook. Looking down on the city of Victoria. We were told that Victoria is a very expensive place to have a home. I can see why. Everywhere we went, everything was beautifully manicured and clean and especially gorgeous, being that its right on the water.
There's our ship in the distance!
Next stop, Tim Hortons. I have always wanted to go here. I know we have Tim Hortons in several US cities, but none that are anywhere near me. So, I was excited to go. My friend Lynsay, who is Canadian, tipped me off on what to order. She said to definitely get a "double double" which is just coffee with double cream and sugar. I always drink my coffee black, but wanted to do as the Canadians do- so I went for it. Its so very Canadian! I even won a prize on the bus for knowing what a "double double" was. Thanks for the tip Lynsay!
Oh, and of course lets not forget the yummy, timbits, which are the left over donut holes from the donuts. So good!
So, back down to the city we go. This is passing through Victoria's China Town. Its the second oldest China Town in North America, San Franciso's China Town being the oldest.
We were dropped off in front of the stunning Empress Hotel in Victoria which is situated on the waterfront.
This is the beautiful tea room inside the hotel. The last time I was in Victoria we had the Royal Afternoon Tea here. It was divine to say the least.
The amazing chandelier.
Victoria is known as the Garden City and prides itself on its glorious flowers, trees and gardens all over the city.
Of course we had to get fish n chips, shrimp and lobster rolls for lunch. The seafood is so fresh and so good.
We ordered this bacon wrapped shrimp on forks, just because it looked cool. Glad we did because it was delish!
There was a lovely street market, horse and carriages everywhere and houseboats docked all around the waters edge.
The houseboats stay docked all year, because the water never freezes.
They were all so cute and colorful.
Had to pose with a Canadian Mountie Moose while in Canada....
So, we decided to take a Water Taxi ride around the bay. It was pretty cool. We even saw a few float planes land on the water.
Our cute little water taxi.
Here comes a float plane...
In for a splash landing.
We did a little more shopping and ended on Fishermans Wharf where Maci endulged in some sushi.
We have one more stop, and that's Seattle! We had a fabulous time there as well. More about that later.
For now, I'll share some of the display boards using sets from the New Holiday Catalog. Enjoy!
Beautiful Candy Cane punch displays by Amy Combs
Thanks for checking out my blog today.
Until the next time...
Keep on Stampin' and Come back again soon!
