Pacific Northwest, Part 3 -- Victoria, British Columbia, Vancouver Island

From Port Angeles, we crossed the Strait of Juan de Fuca on the Blackball Ferry into Victoria, B.C., Canada, on Vancouver Island. Before we even got off the boat, we could see that it’s a beautiful city, impeccably clean, with flower gardens and blooming hanging baskets at every turn. It is a very colorful city!

The British influence is evident. We toured the exquisite Parliament building.

And enjoyed High Tea at Huntingdon Manor.

We strolled downtown and discovered Chinatown . . .

and Bastion Square, where, among other vendors and artists, we met this man who makes beautiful art from pressing seaweed. Fascinating!

We also enjoyed this musician. Loved the sound, somewhat like a steel drum, but different. Does anyone know what this instrument is called?

Daria Duprey makes fabulous hats and sells them at Bastion Sq. I don’t buy a lot of souvenirs when on vacation. But I did buy one of her hats.

At Fisherman's Wharf, we saw seals and the cutest neighborhood of float homes.

If there’s a cat within a five mile radius, Bob will find it. And pet it.

We lodged at a delightful B&B called Dashwood Manor, which overlooks the strait. I recommend it.

The next day, we toured the historic mansion, CraigdarrochCastle.

Then drove up the east side of Saanich Peninsula to Sidney.

On the way, we stopped at the incredibly beautiful ButchartGardens. I have only one word. Flowers!

Forgive me for posting so many pics from the garden; I tried to restrain myself.

Random observations from this part of the world:

The people here are so active; walkers and bicyclers everywhere. And there is considerably less obesity.

Blackberries grow wild throughout the Pacific Northwest, like weeds, and the people seem to pay them no mind. Even think of them as a nuisance, something that takes over and needs to be eradicated. Bob and I gobbled them up wherever we saw them.

Based on the cleanliness of the city, less litter, rampant flower gardens and the upkeep of homes, I get the sense people here take a great deal of pride in their community.