Beautiful BC - Victoria

After Oregon, we decided to find an RV campground up near the Canadian border for a trip into Vancouver.  Ferndale is (A) on the map below:

We made a good choice with Cedars RV resort.  It was well maintained, had friendly staff and good sized RV spaces.  It cost us $38/night with full hookups.

We knew we weren't too far from Victoria BC, so we plotted a course to go there for our first day trip.  We had to drive down to Anacortes (B on the map), catch the ferry to Sidney BC (D) and then drive into Victoria (E).  It has been a while since we have been on a ferry and was a fun little adventure.

We got up early and left about 6:15 AM and drove the 45 miles to Anacortes.  Once at the ferry terminal, we got in the queue.

We were a little early and some folks got their morning coffee

In this region of the country (Washington, Oregon) there are a lot of coffee kiosks, many of them little drive throughs.

After about 30 minutes, we boarded the ferry and got underway.

Inside the ferry, it looked like most other ferry's:  good seats, plenty of windows, and an expensive cafeteria.

Outside it was pretty foggy, so visibility was down.  But it was still beautiful.

About halfway into our 2 1/2 hour trip, we stopped at Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, to pick up more passengers.

Then before we knew it, we landed at Sidney (D). We left the dock area, found our signs for Victoria and immediately felt like we were in a country with European influences.  The small town of Sidney was very well manicured and the speed limit signs were in km.

Another thing I love in this part of the world is the beautiful flowers.  Some were near manicured shrubs made to look like dolphins.

More flowers behind the mime on the street

They provide a perfect backdrop for tourists…

We went downtown to the harbor and a lot was going on.  By then the sun had come out and it was a very nice day.

We had to stop by the historic Empress Hotel.  It is a landmark and a beautiful place.  

A friend suggested we do 'high tea at the Empress' but we decided not to this time.

We took some time and walked along the water and took in all the sights.

Victoria has one of the largest Chinatown's along the Pacific coast and we wanted to go there for lunch.

We walked around some more and then took a leisurely drive before we went back to Sidney.

 We arrived back at the ferry and the trip back was a nice evening cruise.

Our day was a long one ~ we got back to the RV about 1030 PM but it was a great day.  I highly recommend Victoria.  It is a beautiful city!  

Vancouver is next on the itinerary.

Thanks for joining us today on the Roadrunner Chronicles.  Hope you are having a wonderful summer weekend!  Until next time...