Pink Room at the Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Empress
When we arrived in Victoria on Sunday, October 9th the sun-splashed city was buzzing with activity. As we circled the crimson-leaf-covered Fairmont Empress Hotel trying to park and check in, we were besieged by runners, walkers, wheelchair marathoners, and throngs of children, all converging on the busy downtown harbor for the annual Goodlife Fitness Victoria Marathon.
White peaked tents, and stages with radio and tv stations were set up in front of the parliament Building as thousands of runners made their way to the finish line. Over the loud speakers I heard the runner’s names and cities announced and was surprised to hear there were so many marathon participants from our own neighborhood Bothell, then Seattle, Kirkland, Redmond, Auburn, Everett and so on. Read the rest of this entry »
Your favorite Northwest cities are at their most glamorous during the Holiday Season when they start to spruce themselves up in twinkling lights and gleaming tinsel. They also start to roll out the best shopping of the year and some of their best festivities. Take advantage of the great Holiday travel at amazing prices and treat yourself to getaway or surprise someone you REALLY like.
In 1987, at 83 years old she decided to dress up to celebrate Christmas, and 25 years later she is still going strong. She, of course, is The Butchart Gardens in Victoria and The Gardens will kick off the Christmas display with a light-up ceremony in Waterwheel Square on December 1st. Read the rest of this entry »
We were so excited to have the Clipper mentioned on the Today Show last week by local blogger, Hip Travel Mama. We thought that she did a fantastic job getting the word out as to why the Northwest is a great travel destination.
A Harbour Air Seaplane in Victoria's Inner Harbour with the Victoria Clipper IV in the background.
As I enter into my second year of living in the Pacific Northwest, I participated in yet another rite of passage in becoming a true local. I took my first seaplane ride! Just like ferries, seaplanes are a way of life out here. Even though this happened two weeks ago, my smile is still permanent from this amazing experience. I traveled from Victoria, BC to Vancouver, BC on Harbour Air. The 35 minute flight was absolutely thrilling. Not only is it quick and convenient from one downtown harbor to another, it is an unbelievable sightseeing journey. Read the rest of this entry »
Did you know Victoria, BC is considered one of the most haunted cities in North America? Well, whether you believe in ghosts or not, taking a Ghost Tour around Victoria BC is a blast! There are several to choose from, but the Victoria Clipper has a Haunted Victoria Package deal that makes it effortless to visit the ghostly city.
I’m not too sure about ghosts, but I love history and these tours are walking history lessons – histories that apparently won’t stay in the past. Read the rest of this entry »
The turkey is the oven, squash, potatoes, corn and yams are ready to go. Mum and Dad have a full Thanksgiving Dinner planned for the family. No my parents are not early, here in Canada we celebrate the harvest season with a Thanksgiving Dinner on the second Monday in October.
Thanksgiving kicks off our Fall, it marks the harvest and getting ready for winter. For Victorians we do not pack away our outdoor activities just yet…the fall and winter provide for great hiking opportunities. Read the rest of this entry »
High Tea at the Butchart Gardens (photo copyright the Butchart Gardens)
I don’t know about you, but I know that I can get a little cranky when I’m hungry, and most people have noticed that a bad mood can often be cured with a snack. It turns out tea has a very interesting history that involves the need for an afternoon snack and a little bit of feminism. Historically, there is actually a pretty big difference between Afternoon Tea and High Tea (although this is not always the case in current times where Afternoon and High Tea are more interchangeable). Today I’m going to share with you the history of Afternoon and High Tea, the difference between Afternoon Tea and High Tea and some great options for Afternoon and High Tea in Victoria, BC. Read the rest of this entry »
I am a self-identified nerd. Specifically, I am a museum nerd. Everywhere I travel, whether it is a major cosmopolitan center like Vancouver or small seaside town that lines Washington’s waters, I want to know what museums are in the area and start mapping out my visit. In no particular order, I love art museums, science museums, history museums, museums of unique collections, large national museums, and tiny museums tucked into single rooms of old homes. You get the picture, I enjoy museums!
Ross Cemetery in Victoria,BC. Photo: Brandon Godfrey/Wikicommons.
Are you like me and easily spooked in the dark? Do you mistake shadows and bumps in the night for goblins, ghouls and ghosts? If so, the Haunted Victoria Tour may not be for you. Victoria, BC is known as Canada’s most haunted city and based on the eerie tales I have heard, it just may be the spookiest in all of North America. Read the rest of this entry »
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