Victoria a holiday getaway must

I have always loved the holidays. Not for the presents or all the commercial wrappings but for the simple things; twinkling lights, family, friends, sitting by a fire and, most of all, memories.

This year my family focused less on “things” and more on time spent together. We traveled to Victoria, British Columbia spending several days wandering about the city, viewing Christmas light displays and enjoying each other’s company.

Victoria is a very clean friendly city with a beautiful inner harbor. Much of it and its attractions are walkable. This is exactly what we did, and it was super easy.

We decided to take the Blackball Ferry out of Port Angeles, for it sails directly into the city’s harbor. Our hotel, The Royal Scot Inn, was located only a block from the ferry terminal. Landing along the waterfront was very convenient.

The Blackball line offers vacation packages which include passage, hotel and attractions. We chose one with a visit to the Butchart Gardens to view the spectacular holiday lights, something I had on my bucket list for many years. I don’t usually purchase packages, but this one fit the bill! It was affordable, convenient and exactly what I wanted.

But do take note, this is a 90 minute sailing through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. If the winds are up, it can be a bumpy ride.

The upside is the scenery, possible whale sightings and the people you meet on board, many of whom share the ride with their canine companions. That is always a plus.

Victoria’s skyline is breathtaking from the harbor, with the stately Empress Hotel to your left and the grand Parliament building just in front of you, both dressed for the season in an array of lights. The whole city is very English in feel, starting with the bagpiper who stands on the street corner underneath a clock across from a statue of Queen Victoria herself. Apparently, he plays the pipes for the ships as they come into shore. Or so I was told.

This is a city of double-decker buses and high tea, of temperate climate and a love for beautiful gardens.

The most beloved and famous is the Butchart Gardens. It is a 40 minute drive outside of Victoria into the Saanich Peninsula. Here the farming and agriculture lands resemble those of the Skagit Valley, with lush pastures silhouetted by the Vancouver Island mountains.

While I enjoy the Butchart Gardens any time of year, I had never been to see their light exhibit during the holidays. Truly enchanting! There is everything the holiday embodies, from kids ice skating to a Victorian quartet singing carols. There are hot beverages to help keep warm, but most of all there is magic.

From the very moment you walk through the gates you have entered a world of wintertime magic. Imagine being inside Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory but instead of candy there are Christmas lights along every path, around every tree and in every place you look. It is stunning and beautiful, a place where each person wore a smile.

This year’s theme was the “12 Days of Christmas,” which added a bit of whimsical fun to find the “Five Golden Rings” and “Partridge in a Pear Tree.” We even took a spin on a carousal to appease the childlike wonder in all of us.

There is much more to explore. My suggestions include the B. C. Royal Museum, the parliament building, high tea at the Empress Hotel, the rose gardens and Beacon Hill Park and a walking tour to view the beautiful and historic architecture.

Whether you spend one day or a few, Victoria will enchant you. It is no wonder King George VI called it “the gem of the Commonwealth.”