On Saturday, in record-breaking heat, we made our way by Washington State Ferry to Sidney, British Columbia. I used my passport for the first time in 9 years, and passed through customs into Canada. The Washington State Ferry was fast and efficient, but less deluxe than the Victoria Clipper we used to get out to San Juan Island (no checked bags here, but it only cost $6.00). Once in Sidney we took a bus down to Victoria.
Victoria is the capital of British Columbia with a population of about 80,000. It is a bustling, modern city, but we are staying in the oldest, historic part of town on the Inner Harbor. We are only a few blocks from their Parliament Building. It is on Vancouver Island, which is our reason for being here, as tomorrow we will visit Butchart Gardens.
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Washington State Ferry Terminal on San Juan Island.
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Our ferry approaches.
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We say goodbye to San Juan Island.
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A beautiful day to be at sea.
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No names for the many islands today.
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There is no commentary on the Washington State Ferry.
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We approach Sidney, British Columbia.
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The harbor in Victoria, BC.
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The Empress Hotel from across the harbor.
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The Parliament building.
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Beautiful flowers everywhere.
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The BC Museum.
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A look at Victoria's past.
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A water wheel used in prospecting and mining.
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Native American artifacts.
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There was a special exhibition on the Ice Age and mastodons.
