HAVING FUN IN VICTORIA

After visiting the Butchart Gardens in the morning, it was free time so we had lunch on the veranda of the Empress Hotel overlooking the beautiful harbour. Bill even scored a free lunch. He ordered an Ahi Tuna Roll but didn't realise the tuna was raw. When the waitress asked, " How was the meal?" Bill explained he didn't know it would be raw and he couldn't eat it. She said, " I will get you a complementary soup and you won't be charged for the tuna." We were impressed with this service.

Scenic Tours offer a Free Choice activity in most places. There were seven different activities to choose from here in Victoria. We chose a scenic float plane ride. I had never been on one before so I was excited. Canadians have used float planes for many years to provide access to places where roads are impossible. They have played a vital role in the forestry and fishing industries and now tourism.

It feels great zooming along the water.

We flew over the city and over the many islands floating in the sea.

We even visited the Butchart Gardens again but from a few thousand feet above.

After that buzz we had a few more hours left to explore. We hopped on a cute little ferry for a trip around the harbour. These ferries are operated by a group of retired sea captains, who enjoy sharing their knowledge of the area.

The ferryman took us up close to a Harbour Seal and her pup resting on a jetty laden with brightly coloured canoes.

Then we sailed passed a suburb made up of floating houses.

The ferryman had to watch out for floatplanes. He told us it is the only airport where planes couldn't take off because there was a whale on the runway.

After our exhilarating day we relaxed at the Veranda Restaurant and watched the sun slide behind the water and the moon rise over Parliament House. It was a great start to the holiday. Next stop Whistler.