And then, we met Victoria.
It was a long-awaited reunion with members of our NZ family, Mark & Laurel, who had become among our favourite adventuring companions and like family to us while in NZ.
Spending time with these two was at the top of our Victoria highlights, but there is more to this city worth mentioning.
Victoria wooed us.
With her rugged, log-cluttered beaches,
pink cherry blossoms,
moss-covered trees,
lush plantlife,
and thoughtful range of cute boutiques.
It boasts a strong coffee scene, with a few fairly established roasteries. Fernwood, Bows & Arrows, Discovery, & Habit were among the cafes/roasteries we visited.
We appreciated how easy it was to find parking and get about in the historic but funky downtown core. There are a number of areas by the seawall that are lovely for strolling.
Mark and Laurel took us out to China Beach, one of their favourite beaching spots, where we set up camp for an afternoon and enjoyed the company of friends, some unexpected bouts of sunshine, and the rugged beauty of Canada’s West Coast.
The natural beauty of the provincial capital was very evident. Rain was forecasted for the week, but still the sun shone.
Having these amazing people to explore the city with made our time there all the more epic.
We had high expectations going in, but feel that they were met and probably exceeded.
Victoria, oh Victoria. It is only a matter of how long we can bear to be apart. Until we meet again!
hearts unmapped 