Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia is located on Vancouver Island, which requires a boat or plane for access. The population of Victoria is just over 80,000 people with over 344,000 in its metropolitan area. It is one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest. Settlement began in 1843. The city retains many of its old historical buildings. We had never visited Vancouver Island and wanted to check it out. We looked into taking the BC Ferry with the RV towing the Jeep, but found that it would cost us about $320 CA each way. We decided to leave the RV parked in Surrey at Peace Arch RV Park and take the Jeep for a one day/overnight trip. We took a morning ferry from Vancouver area’s Tsawwassen Terminal.
A ferry from Vancouver or Seattle are 2 of the main ways to visit Vancouver Island
The BC Ferry cost for the Jeep and 2 adults was $108 CA each way. The ride takes about 1.5 hours one way. While enroute, you can access your vehicle, visit a restaurant or view the passing scenery on one of the decks. There is the option to be a pedestrian and use a bus, but using public transport was time prohibitive. We planned to tour Butchart Gardens near Brentwood Bay, Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria, and spend time touring old town Victoria on foot.
On the ferry
Colorful Butchart Garden
After departing the ferry on Vancouver Island, we drove directly to Butchart Gardens, about a 20 minute drive. We spent about 2 hours touring the gardens. After the gardens we drove to Craigdarroch Castle, about a 30 minute drive.
Craigdarroch Castle is a Victorian mansion
The Craigdarroch Castle was built between 1887-1890 for Robert Dunsmuir, a Scottish Immigrant who made his fortune from Vancouver Island coal. This Victorian mansion is built on a hill overlooking the city of Victoria. The name Craigdarroch means “rocky, oak place” and the mansion announced that Dunsmuir was the richest and most important man in Western Canada. Craigdarroch was designed by architect Warren Heywood Williams of Portland, Oregon. The interior boasts extensive oak panelling.
The entrance to Craigdarroch Castle
Oak panelling in Craigdarroch
The built-in shelving of the library
The parlor
A bedroom
Craigdarroch has been used as a hospital, school administration and a college in the years since it left the Dunsmuir family. It was opened for tours by The Craigdarroch Castle Historical Museum Society. Staff have been tracking down historical artifacts since 1962. There are excellent displays throughout much of the mansion. A tour of Craigdarroch Castle takes about 1-2 hours.
Abigail’s Hotel
We next checked into Abigail’s Hotel, located at 906 McClure Street, Victoria. It is a small boutique bed and breakfast housed in a 23 room 1930’s Tudor mansion. Our room was romantic, airy, comfortable, and luxurious. There were plenty of windows and a fireplace, a king sized bed with plenty of pillows and even stools for climbing into bed. The was a large ensuite bathroom with a good sized jacuzzi tub. The hotel is walking distance to old town and the harbour area. They offered appetizers in the evening from 5-7pm which included: mushroom soup, hummus, crackers and antipasto platter, and a delicious chocolate cake. In the morning, Abigail’s breakfast was wonderful. They offered fresh baked strawberry scones or caramelized apple sticky buns, fruit salad, and your choice of granola with yogurt, chocolate waffles with cherries and whipped cream or a chorizo, mozzarella and green onion omelette with Romesco sauce. They also had the option to add roasted red potatoes and grilled ham. Everything we ate was delicious.
Abigail’s Hotel
In the evening we walked to old town Victoria and enjoyed strolling through shops including Munro’s book store. There are boutiques, shops, restaurants and the harbour area. Near dusk, the Provincial Legislature building is lit up. It was a great area to people watch.
Orcas in old town
A wonderful find in old town for dinner
We enjoyed a dinner at Little Jumbo Restaurant and Bar located at 506 Fort Street. I had a delicious deconstructed grilled cheese with Raclette cheese, Salmorejo sauce & arugula. Mike ordered the 40 Creek braised beef short ribs with aged cheddar mashed potato, 40 Creek reduction, and fermented carrots & horse radish. He said he liked everything but the carrots. While he usually loves fermented and soured dishes, the carrots had an odd taste he did not enjoy.
Victoria was a beautiful town. We had a great visit and plan to return for a longer future visit. We would also like to explore more of Vancouver Island.
