Day 1 July 19th Canada – Victoria

We left downtown Vancouver bright and early in the morning and arrived at the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, where we boarded the 9:00 AM sailing to Vancouver Island. The 90-minute ride was smooth and the skies a bit overcast, but the scenery was still stunning as we crossed the Strait of Georgia, part of the larger Salish Sea that separates the island from the mainland. From the Swartz Bay terminal, it’s about a 40-minute drive into Victoria.

🚢 Quick geography tip: Despite the name, Vancouver Island is not where the city of Vancouver is! Vancouver sits on mainland British Columbia, while Victoria—the laid-back capital city of the province—is on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. There’s no bridge between them, so ferries and floatplanes are the way to go.

Metro Vancouver, with a population of about 2.7 million, sits on the mainland of British Columbia. Metro Victoria is home to about 350,000 people. And while it may feel quaint, the island itself is huge—about an eight-hour drive from end to end.

We had plans for a six-hour private tour through Alset Tours that included Butchart Gardens, along with a farm-to-table lunch, followed by two castles: one you explore the grounds and the other is a restored museum inside. When we were finished we would meet up with my friend my friend Alison Ball, who now lives in Victoria, and explore Inner Harbor.

Who doesn’t love a good gift shop? That would be me. See this windbreaker? Brand new. If I lived nearby, I would’ve bought more things. I texted Alison from the ferry to rave about it, and she totally agreed—they have a great buyer and reminded me that, thanks to the exchange rate, everything’s about 25% off for Americans.

As soon as we arrived, our guide Mark Jackson met us in the Swartz Bay parking lot at 10:45 AM, greeting us with a warm smile and a packed itinerary.

Victoria sits just above the “missing corner” of Washington State, and throughout the day, we’d glance toward the horizon and spot it across the water—sometimes even catching a glimpse of the snow-capped Mount Baker. Part of the Cascade Range, Mount Baker is one of the most glaciated and active stratovolcanoes in the U.S.

First Stop: Butchart Gardens 🌸

This is a MUST SEE!!!!

Our first stop was the legendary Butchart Gardens, a national historic site and one of Canada’s most celebrated botanical treasures. Once a limestone quarry, it was transformed in the early 1900s by Jennie Butchart into a floral wonderland. Today, the gardens span 55 acres and include themed areas like the Sunken Garden, Japanese Garden, and Italian Garden—each bursting with color and design. It’s hard to believe this peaceful paradise began as an industrial site. Every turn was postcard-perfect.

Next, Mark took us to lunch at Charlotte & The Quail, a top-rated café beside the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific with its own garden that supplies the menu. Our waitress was incredibly helpful and encouraged us to visit the garden, but after spending the morning at Butchart Gardens, we didn’t have time. I had the ratatouille with edible flowers, lavender lemonade, a dreamy salted caramel latte, and a jam-filled cookie—all fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented.

After lunch, we visited the stunning Hatley Castle, built in 1908 by James Dunsmuir, the son of Robert Dunsmuir (the man behind Craigdarroch Castle). This Edwardian estate has served many lives—as a family mansion, a naval training facility, and now part of Royal Roads University. We only walked the sprawling gardens, and the exterior because you cannot go inside. Fun fact: Hatley Castle has also had its moment in the movies—used as Professor Xavier’s School in X-Men and in Deadpool.

Our next stop brought us deeper into the Dunsmuir legacy at Craigdarroch Castle, an opulent 1890s mansion that radiates Victorian grandeur. Although Robert Dunsmuir died before it was completed, his wife Joan oversaw its finish. Together, they had ten children—six daughters and four sons—and after Joan’s death, the family became embroiled in a lengthy and bitter legal battle over the estate. The four-story Scottish baronial mansion is filled with intricate woodwork, stained glass, and lavish furnishings that reflect the Dunsmuirs’ immense wealth and influence during that era. Today, it stands as a museum open to the public.

Early Dinner & Strolling the Inner Harbour 🌊

We wrapped up our sightseeing with an early dinner at the Steamship Grill, right on the Inner Harbour, where we reunited met my friend Alison. The views were as good as the food—and the company even better.

After dinner, we strolled along the harbor, soaking up the twinkle of the lights and the crisp coastal air. Alison treated us to delicious Icecream, I chose Mango which was the best. She then guided us past Victoria’s crown jewels—the stately Parliament Buildings, glowing brilliantly even in daylight, and the historic Empress Hotel, draped in ivy and elegance.

After dinner we had a special treat of driving along the ocean. Alison took us the scenic way home—through Uplands, one of Victoria’s most beautiful neighborhoods, and along coastal routes that revealed tucked-away coves, heritage homes, and one charming enclave after another.

What a wonderful day reconnecting with an old friend, soaking in ocean views, and exploring the flower-filled, fairy-tale beauty of Victoria. Vancouver Island—you are gorgeous. 🌿✨