Canada had topped my travel Wishlist for years, so as we boarded our last flight the excitement started to grow. Down below I could see pine-covered islands dotted in shimmering water - we had made it to over the boarder to Beautiful South Surrey, White Rock. And I couldn't think of a better place to start my Canadian adventures than starting at South Surrey and working my way all the way up to Victoria, the island's biggest city and capital of British Columbia. We stopped over for a few nights and stayed at the Best Western Peace Arch inn in South Surrey. This hotel in whiterock is situated in a perfect spot close enough to the beach and also groceries. We were able to unwind and get some great appies from the restaurants close by and we were also able to pick up some groceries for a later snack and enjoy the amenities at the Best Western Peace Arch Inn. Our room was the honeymoon suite and it was fully loaded with a jacuzzi and top notch ambiance and service.
After our stay in South Surrey, White Rock and a well rested weekend a the Bester Western Peace Arch Inn we headed off to Victoria.
Victoria is known for being one of Canada's most English cities, so I was expecting to feel at home. But I found it mixed up European influences - Gothic style at the Parliament building, French Renaissance at the Empress Hotel and Ancient Greece at the ferry building. Today it's a relaxed, vibrant city on the edge of an island packed with spectacular natural scenery.
It has a bit of everything - fascinating history and culture, parks, great food and drink. Add in a temperate climate, with sunny spring days during my visit, and a compact and walkable city centre and you've got a perfect city break destination. You'd have no trouble filling a week in the area, but if like me you're on a tight schedule, here's how to spend a weekend in Victoria.
Once you've checked in to your hotel, head down to the harbour. The water is alive with boats - with everything from huge cruise ships and luxury yachts to water taxis and dinghies. Victorians seem to spend as much time on the water as they do on land. Start your trip off with a taste of city life on land and sea with a walk along the waterfront to Fisherman's Wharf.
The path runs past the ferry terminal and through flower-filled Laurel Point Park. On one side of you are boats gliding past and seaplanes above coming in to land and on the other are smart waterside apartments and hotels. About 15 minutes walk away is Fisherman's Wharf, with rows of colourful floating homes mixed with food stalls, fishing boats and the occasional friendly seal.
What an amazing time !!!
