V is for Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

So many beautiful places begin with the letter V.  Venice, Italy; Vienna, Austria; Versailles, France.  But for this post, my choice is Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia.  Not only chosen because I have enjoyed my vacations there on two occasions, but because my youngest son was married in Victoria last Spring, so it has special memories for me.

First, Vancouver.  Where to begin?  Walk the  waterfront; visit Granville Island Public Market; hike in Stanley Park; see Grouse Mountain and the Capilano Suspension Bridge.  (OK.  I did not walk across the bridge.  I like something more solid under my feet.)  Shop in Gastown or just ride the transports up and down False Creek (right).  Visit the University of British Columbia to tour the Museum of Anthropology.

If you run out of things to do in the City, take the train up to Whistler for spectacular views.  Spend the day at the resort; take the lift up to the top and go 'peak to peak' from Whistler to Blackcomb Mountain.  Ski when there is snow.






If you begin your trip in Vancouver, you can take the ferry over to Victoria.  You can also fly in to Victoria, or take the ferry from Seattle, Washington.  I suggest that you just find some way to get there. 

 


The downtown is beautiful.  You can have high tea at the Empress Hotel.  Stroll around the city.  Go to the museum.    Drive along the coastline.   Go whale-watching. 


Take a half-day trip to Butchart Gardens.

Just relax.  Or get married in the garden of an 'honest to goodness' castle:  Hadley Castle.