First impression of Victoria BC is that it has unique charm that seems to give it a more intimate, town-like feel, despite being the capital city of British Columbia.

Fairmont Empress Hotel
Parliament Buildings Victoria
Massive Dahlias in the grounds of the Empress hotel

The waterfront and harbour are bustling with activity from floatplanes, ferries, and pleasure boats. There are plenty of residential areas, parks, and green spaces, contributing to the town-like atmosphere.The city has a population of around 85,000 people, which is relatively small compared to other capital cities.

Not so much a wedge -more of a hedge 😜

Victoria’s downtown area is compact and walkable, with a mix of historic buildings, shops, restaurants, and cafes. The architecture again, a mix of styles, ranging from Victorian-era buildings to modern designs reflecting its colonial past. Speaking of which, perhaps the highlight of the day was afternoon tea in the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel. Its effortless elegance a throwback to a bygone age.

Choice selection of speciality
blended teas sourced from the top 10 tea producers in the world and served in the Royal China collection
Delighted that the Empress was able to provide gluten free tiered cakes and sandwiches

We finished the day driving home past charming residential neighborhoods, featuring a mix of heritage homes, character houses, and modern residences. Very elegant city indeed!

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