There is an environmentally progressive and peaceful attitude in this Vancouver Island city that really enhances the welcoming feel as you explore the neighborhoods.
Victoria, BC is very pretty covered in pure, white snow! I should have known when I got on the ferry in route to my Victoria Inn that visibility was going to be low and I would be arriving in a winter wonderland. I am glad I brought my snow boots since weather reports called for record breaking snowfall in Seattle; I should have expected a fair amount of snow in Victoria, but little did I know how much snowfall! Victoria BC is an extremely wonderful city and it was great to have seen it in the winter.
The Gates of Chinatown
Victoria BC’s Chinatown is the oldest Chinatown in Canada and the second-oldest in North America. Continuing down Government Street from the Parliament Buildings you will come across the Gate of Harmonious Interest! It is quite remarkable and hard to miss! The local businesses included a wide variety of grocers and fish markets, tea and herb medicinal shops, and an assortment of pan-Asian cuisine. I also really liked their bike parking and trash can —sometimes it’s the simple accents that enhance a destination.
The Snow-Covered Parliament Buildings
The Victoria Parliament Buildings are located very close to the ferry landing on the Inner Harbour. It was so pretty so see the Parliament grounds layered with several inches of snow. Since the snowfall was so fresh, there were very little footprints so I was able to snap a few good pictures of the area. The Victoria BC Parliament Buildings are clearly baroque and very elegant; they were finished in 1898. The buildings host the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia including the Speaker (currently Bill Barisoff).
Seeing the Inner Harbour
Inner Harbour is also called Victoria Harbour (depending on who you ask) and is a part of Victoria’s downtown as well as being a landing strip for seaplanes. The prestigious-looking buildings surrounding the harbor really create a picturesque setting, especially when it snows! When I was there, there was even a flock of Canadian geese feeding in a snowy meadow on the shore; it was a really fitting Canadian sight! I also got to watch some seaplanes landing, which is a really cool sight. During the course of exploring I also stumbled upon the Royal Canadian Navy monument which had some really nice bronze statues; worth taking a look.
Exploring the City
The people in Victoria BC were extremely pleasant! There is a social thoughtfulness and patient mind-set in this vacationer city that really enhances the welcoming feel as you explore the area.
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I was staying at a pet friendly hotel and didn’t even bring my dog! The next trip I am taking is to Vancouver and it turns out this BC hotel chain has accommodations near Vancouver Airport so I will be able to bring my pup next time!
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Author: mstraus35
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