We are heading to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, at the southern end of Vancouver island, its Victorian architecture is a legacy from the British empire. This is one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest with a population in the city of 85,000 and over 380,000 in the metropolitan area.
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Leaving port at Tsawwassen towards Victoria !!, crossing the straight of Georgia.
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Islands along the trip, like Gabriola, Valdes, Galiano,Mayne, Saturna, so many.
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More islands !!
THE BUTCHART GARDENS
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The Butchart Gardens, in bloom for over 100 years is one of Canada’s most precious planned gardens. The creative and sharp mind of Jennie Butchart made possible to convert a worked-out limestone quarry into this fantastic place. Her husband Robert, used the limestone for his cement plant in Portland. More than 55 acres of beautiful displays, under the care of about 50 full time gardeners take the visitor into a world or color and imagination.
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The rose garden !!
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The Sunken garden
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Pope John Paul the second rose !!
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Beautiful dragon statue donated by the Republic of China.
Victoria
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Although without much time to explore the city, here are some locations.
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Chinatown, is the oldest in Canada, and the second oldest in North America, after San Francisco.
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Downtown
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Time ago this bank closed, and one of the employees decided to lease the building and turned it into a fancy restaurant . Opened its door in 2008, located in Government street.
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Downtown
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The parliament, home of the legislative Assembly, built between 1893-1897 and designed by a 25 years old British man, Francis Rattenbury. Word is that he presented himself as an architect from a firm in England, seems was not the case, but anyhow his design won the contest to erect the place.
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The parliament in the back of Swartz Bay.
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The Empress Hotel, a national historic site, opened its doors in 1908, has 477 rooms. It is famous for its classic Victorian afternoon tea service. You need a reservation and be prepared to drop 75 dollars per person !! .