Sailing Solo: A Weekend in Victoria, Canada

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada is one of the few cities in the world that retain an old-world charm and unique character in the midst of new age buildings and modern life. I visited the city in late fall, as part of my quest to explore more of the Pacific Northwest solo. I like my solo trips to be unrushed and a means to get away from the monotony of work and life.

I booked the Clipper ferry from Seattle to Victoria and 2 nights at Hotel Grand Pacific. The ferry takes about 2 1/2 hours to get to Victoria and as soon as we docked at the terminal, I was enamored by the beautiful architecture of the place specially the Legislative Assembly defining the skyline and bringing Victorian era grandeur to the city.

I booked a ‘harbor view’ room at Hotel Grand Pacific, Victoria which turned out to be the right choice - bright and spacious but still cozy with water views from the room and balcony. The hotel is close to everything you want to see in Victoria and right across the street from the Belleville ferry terminal. The lobby was decked out in holiday lights and had the best display of Gingerbread houses I’ve seen in a while courtesy of a local Habitat for Humanity competition. Staff is friendly, and I was able to check in early - which could be because end of November is low season. Courtyard Cafe in the hotel premises had the best butter and sugar scones I’ve eaten (ever!) and had great sandwich and drink options.

I had booked high tea at Pendray Inn and Tea House (next door to Hotel Grand Pacific) via Clipper Vacations and it is an experience I would recommend to everyone, especially if you like tea. A wonderful British experience in the Pacific Northwest. I had my favorite subtly fragrant Darjeeling tea and the traditional menu with a few customizations. The scones with the house made jam were lovely and so were the savory sandwiches.

Peter Pollen Waterfront park and Fisherman’s Wharf are a short walk from the hotel and great to spend an afternoon watching the water, seagulls and geese. The grand Legislative Assembly and Victoria Cenotaph are next door to the hotel too. The expansive grounds, fabulous architecture and beautiful fountain make it all worth a visit.

Day 2 was equally fun; the sun came out briefly in classic Pacific Northwest autumnal tradition and made everything better. I made my way to the Beacon Hill Park a beautiful haven in the heart of the city. Fall colors made it a particularly magical experience. I spent more than an hour walking, exploring, soaking in the fresh air, observing the chatty ducks from under a beautifully orange Japanese maple tree.

The next day was all about exploring downtown touristy spots like the Fan Tan Alley in the Chinatown area. I had a below average Indian lunch at Varsha and walked around downtown before catching my ferry back to Seattle in the afternoon.

I didn’t have the time (and also the inclination) to do any tours and excursions since I wanted to take it easy. Most of the top spots in Victoria is accessible by walking around which is my kind of vacation. Truly a magical little getaway and one I would recommend to anyone.

Favorite Places to eat : Imagine Cafe, Courtyard Cafe, Nourish Kitchen & Cafe
Top Recommendations : Afternoon tea at Pendray Inn, Beacon Hill Park, Legislative Assembly