Every once in a while, when I begin forming the words to describe a place to you, I can’t capture it. I go back through my photos, deciding what to cover and what to cut. The scenery, the special people, all the dog friendly places, the unique experiences, the moments that will stay with me for ever.

Victoria has been my biggest challenge. I have been wrestling with this post in my head for nearly six weeks … starting it and deleting it over and over again … slowly facing the fear that I might never do it justice. But, not painting this picture isn’t an option – even if I’m working with finger paints and stick people. So, I’m trying something different. Pictures say a thousand words, and a photographic tour may be the best way to show you this city that I can’t seem to find a way to describe.

A Photo Tour of Victoria

We’ll start out in Esquimalt, a neighborhood just west of downtown, at a community of floating homes. It’s the coolest thing I’ve ever seen – each one is built on a floating platform, and as you can see, they’re all completely different!

Floating Homes - Victoria, BC

Floating Homes - Victoria, BC

From here, we could grab a ferry (they’re pet friendly!), but this is where the paved path around the harbor begins. It’s a 40 minute walk to downtown, the views are great, and there’s constant entertainment as the ferries and sea planes go by.

Ferry in the Harbor - Victoria, BC

Along the Walkway - Victoria, BC

When we cross the Johnson Street bridge, we’ll only be a few blocks from High End Dog Bakery. Trust me, the quality and service are HIGH END, but the prices are not. Let’s stop by – if we don’t, Buster and Ty will never forgive us – and you really should see Dragon Alley and the rest of Chinatown.

Dragon Alley - Victoria, BC

High End Dog Bakery - Victoria, BC

High End Dog Bakery - Victoria, BC

Oh, that’s so sweet – they were expecting us!

High End Dog Bakery - Victoria, BC

High End Dog Bakery - Victoria, BC

Getting the boys to follow our lead should be no problem now! :-D

Next, let’s head over the the harbor. I think there’s a wooden boat festival going on, and on the way we’ll check out the outdoor eateries on Bastion Square.

Bastion Square - Victoria, BC

Orca - Victoria, BC

Victoria, BC

Victoria, BC

Hey, look! There’s our buddy Mickey from the Fido and Wino blog. I love it when we run into friends along the way. Let’s all take a walk past the Parliament Buildings and out to Laurel Point Park.

Mickey of Fido and Wino - Victoria, BC

Parliament Buildings - Victoria, BC

Laurel Park - Victoria, BC

It’s time for a splash at the off-leash beaches at Dallas Road and Arbutus Cove. To get there, we’re going to have to jump in the car. (It’s a good thing we’ve got a friend in town! Thanks for hauling us around, Jim.)

Rod and Jim on the Beach - Victoria, BC

Dallas Road Beach - Victoria, BC

Arbutus Cove Park - Victoria, BC

Next, we have to go up to Fisherman’s Wharf to feed the seals (and a couple of interloping river otters). There’s a vendor that sells little bags of frozen herring chunks, and one of the seals seems to think that floating on his back will get him more treats.

Feeding Seals on Fisherman's Warf - Victoria, BC

Feeding Seals on Fisherman's Warf - Victoria, BC

From Fisherman’s Wharf, it’s just a short drive up to Mount Douglas park. If we hurry we’ll be able to check out the views before it gets dark. I’ve heard you get a nice look at Mount Baker (in Washington state) from up there.

Mount Douglas Park - Victoria, BC

Mount Douglas Park - Victoria, BC

Mount Douglas Park - Victoria, BC

Whew, that was a busy day. There’s still so much to see, but I’m ready to park on Beach Drive and watch the moon come up over Victoria. I hope you enjoyed our day as much as I did.

Victoria, BC

 

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  • Hi Sandy! The car deck is in the belly of the boat, so it’s not exposed to direct sunlight and I remember the temperature down there was pretty comfortable. Though when we arrived and went back down to get the RV, the boat engines had been running and it was warmer – though inside the RV it was still very comfortable. We took the ferry at the end of August. You may want to play it by ear – on a nice day it’s lovely to sit outside and having her along would be fun. But if it’s raining or chilly you might want to leave her in the truck so you can sit inside. I hope that helps and that you have a great trip. Waggin’ trails!