Rare Keith1010 Posted March 27, 2018 Author #51 Share Posted March 27, 2018 A view of snow capped mountains that you can see from the distance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted March 27, 2018 Author #52 Share Posted March 27, 2018 We are getting near the terminal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted March 27, 2018 Author #53 Share Posted March 27, 2018 We're back after a wonderful walk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted March 27, 2018 Author #54 Share Posted March 27, 2018 Again for a first time visit I would highly recommend a visit to Butchart Gardens. It is spectacular. But if that is not of interest or if you have visited there before think about walking or taking the shuttle downtown. Depending on the time you have, consider afternoon tea, lunch or even dinner or taking a tour by bus. Lots of options. A beautiful city. We have another cruise planned that includes a stop here. Cant' wait. Keith 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiseryyc Posted March 27, 2018 #55 Share Posted March 27, 2018 Great shots and information for those wondering what to do in victoria. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TickledBlue Posted March 27, 2018 #56 Share Posted March 27, 2018 Thank you so much for the tour! As an avid (anal) planner, this was one of the mysteries for me that I didn't find elsewhere...the walk from cruise pier to downtown. We are fit enough to do it and I have a rental car reserved at Budget (behind the Fairmont Empress Hotel) to drive to Butchart Gardens, (maybe) Victoria Butterfly Gardens, and (maybe) see Craigdarroch Castle; however, I think we'll want to reserve some time to walk around town like you did (if the weather is nice). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spart02 Posted March 27, 2018 #57 Share Posted March 27, 2018 Thanks for posting! I thoroughly enjoyed your pics! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted March 27, 2018 Author #58 Share Posted March 27, 2018 Great shots and information for those wondering what to do in victoria. Sent from my iPad using Forums Thank you for your kind words. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted March 27, 2018 Author #59 Share Posted March 27, 2018 Thank you so much for the tour! As an avid (anal) planner, this was one of the mysteries for me that I didn't find elsewhere...the walk from cruise pier to downtown. We are fit enough to do it and I have a rental car reserved at Budget (behind the Fairmont Empress Hotel) to drive to Butchart Gardens, (maybe) Victoria Butterfly Gardens, and (maybe) see Craigdarroch Castle; however, I think we'll want to reserve some time to walk around town like you did (if the weather is nice). Joe, I am glad you found the photos helpful. Wishing you a terrific time. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baseball fan Posted March 28, 2018 #60 Share Posted March 28, 2018 Great pictures! The houseboats remind me of Sausalito, CA. I am going to Victoria for the first time in the fall. I was planning on just spending time in town but now I am thinking about the gardens. Walking is no issue.... Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2griff Posted March 28, 2018 #61 Share Posted March 28, 2018 Thanks for sharing your photos! My family and I will have a stop here on our Inside Passage trip this summer. We will only be in Victoria from 7 to 11 pm and didn't feel like that was really enough time to take in Butchart Gardens. Instead, I think we're just going to walk into town, have a look around, and then find a good pub and have a properly drawn pint. I appreciate the walking directions from the dock--I haven't found anything close to yours on the Internet, and believe me, I've looked. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted March 28, 2018 Author #62 Share Posted March 28, 2018 Great pictures! The houseboats remind me of Sausalito, CA. I am going to Victoria for the first time in the fall. I was planning on just spending time in town but now I am thinking about the gardens. Walking is no issue.... Sent from my iPad using Forums Glad you liked the photos. Have a great time on your visit. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shellgirl61 Posted March 28, 2018 #63 Share Posted March 28, 2018 Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful pictures. My son and I will be cruising to Alaska on Jun3 3rd. Our last port is Victoria. We will be there from 7pm to 11:59 pm. I have searched everywhere for good information about walking into town from the port. Your commentary is the best that I have seen. He wants to walk into town, instead of going on an organized tour. I am directionally challenged, so I am a little nervous about it. However, it looks well marked from your pictures. Are there places along the way to souvenir shop and have a beer? My son loves to souvenir shop and having a beer would be the icing on the cake for him. I have been to Victoria several times, but I have never walked into town on my own. The walk into town by the water looks like the way to do it. Thank you again for all the photos and information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted March 28, 2018 Author #64 Share Posted March 28, 2018 Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful pictures. My son and I will be cruising to Alaska on Jun3 3rd. Our last port is Victoria. We will be there from 7pm to 11:59 pm. I have searched everywhere for good information about walking into town from the port. Your commentary is the best that I have seen. He wants to walk into town, instead of going on an organized tour. I am directionally challenged, so I am a little nervous about it. However, it looks well marked from your pictures. Are there places along the way to souvenir shop and have a beer? My son loves to souvenir shop and having a beer would be the icing on the cake for him.I have been to Victoria several times, but I have never walked into town on my own. The walk into town by the water looks like the way to do it. Thank you again for all the photos and information. I am so glad that you found the photos helpful. Once in town he will most likely be able to have a beer. I do think that as you walk along the path with the water on the left side that around the area where there were a few places with restaurants that there will also be a place to stop for a beer. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare martincath Posted March 28, 2018 #65 Share Posted March 28, 2018 Thanks for sharing your photos! My family and I will have a stop here on our Inside Passage trip this summer. We will only be in Victoria from 7 to 11 pm and didn't feel like that was really enough time to take in Butchart Gardens. Instead, I think we're just going to walk into town, have a look around, and then find a good pub and have a properly drawn pint. I appreciate the walking directions from the dock--I haven't found anything close to yours on the Internet, and believe me, I've looked. :D Not to detract from Keith's photos, but you may find an actual map a bit handier to print/stick on your phone and take with you than many pictures. Start with this page - the middle one especially is useful for wandering, with several heritage homes listed as well as the 'how to walk to the Empress/Chinatown' route. Swans Brewpub is on Pandora, just to the left of the little castle symbol marking historic Chinatown - they'll pull you the most authentic pint in the city; hand-pulled, naturally carbonated English style beers served at correct cellar temp. Spinnakers also has a proper cellar, but their hand-pulled beers are not as consistent - the upstairs bar especially has too long a line from the cellar so needs pump-assistance which froths the beer more. Plus the beer sometimes sits in the line too long - unless it's being ordered frequently it can easily warm up TOO much. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TickledBlue Posted March 29, 2018 #66 Share Posted March 29, 2018 Not to detract from Keith's photos, but you may find an actual map a bit handier to print/stick on your phone and take with you than many pictures. Start with this page - the middle one especially is useful for wandering, with several heritage homes listed as well as the 'how to walk to the Empress/Chinatown' route. Swans Brewpub is on Pandora, just to the left of the little castle symbol marking historic Chinatown - they'll pull you the most authentic pint in the city; hand-pulled, naturally carbonated English style beers served at correct cellar temp. Spinnakers also has a proper cellar, but their hand-pulled beers are not as consistent - the upstairs bar especially has too long a line from the cellar so needs pump-assistance which froths the beer more. Plus the beer sometimes sits in the line too long - unless it's being ordered frequently it can easily warm up TOO much. Thanks for the Google map for Victoria, it's very helpful as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2griff Posted March 29, 2018 #67 Share Posted March 29, 2018 Not to detract from Keith's photos, but you may find an actual map a bit handier to print/stick on your phone and take with you than many pictures. Start with this page - the middle one especially is useful for wandering, with several heritage homes listed as well as the 'how to walk to the Empress/Chinatown' route. Swans Brewpub is on Pandora, just to the left of the little castle symbol marking historic Chinatown - they'll pull you the most authentic pint in the city; hand-pulled, naturally carbonated English style beers served at correct cellar temp. Spinnakers also has a proper cellar, but their hand-pulled beers are not as consistent - the upstairs bar especially has too long a line from the cellar so needs pump-assistance which froths the beer more. Plus the beer sometimes sits in the line too long - unless it's being ordered frequently it can easily warm up TOO much. Thanks for the helpful advice and the link to the maps. I had read somewhere about Swan's pulling the best authentic pint; sounds like we'll definitely make our way there. Cheers! :beer-toast: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baseball fan Posted April 6, 2018 #68 Share Posted April 6, 2018 I have a question....going on a cruise with one day in Victoria. If I get off the ship early, will I be able to go (by bus) to Butchart Gardens for a couple hours and spend a few hours in town in the afternoon? I really like architecture and scenery so I want to spend at least a few hours in town. Thanks, Dena Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted April 6, 2018 Author #69 Share Posted April 6, 2018 You could do both. What time does the ship arrive and what time does it leave? Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare martincath Posted April 6, 2018 #70 Share Posted April 6, 2018 I have a question....going on a cruise with one day in Victoria. If I get off the ship early, will I be able to go (by bus) to Butchart Gardens for a couple hours and spend a few hours in town in the afternoon? I really like architecture and scenery so I want to spend at least a few hours in town. Thanks, Dena It's well over an hour each way by public transit ($5pp for a day pass) but it's easy, no transfers required if you can walk 20mins and only one transfer even if you only want to walk over the street from the pier - if you do have one of the rare full days in Victoria, it's totally feasible and will save you a packet. CVS run shuttle buses from downtown quite frequently that cut the travel time to about 30mins - now they all include the Butterfly gardens in the price though, so unless you do want to visit both that and Butchart the value is lower than it used to be (~$75pp incl entry to both attractions - Butchart itself is over $30pp for all of cruise season). Cabs would be even quicker (not so much at the driving part, but they save time as you do not need to wait for the next bus departure which is at most hourly) and run about $60 each way regardless of how many bums are on seats (in theory up to 6). For a group with a daytime port stop, a rental car is probably the most sensible way to do the gardens - total flexibility of timing and much less than a bus or cab when split between a few people. If you're on a Seattle RT though odds are that a) your port 'day' will be six hours or less, and b) will have a late afternoon or even an early evening arrival time. Often Butchart is closed by the time you dock in shoulder season, and even in peak summer with long days most folks are stuck with a very narrow window of sunlight at Butchart. Downtown however looks quite delightful at night, with many buildings lit up. NB: all $ = Canadian above. Ship tours to Butchart are often seen as the only safe option for short, evening port stops but those greedy bar-stewards at the cruiselines know that and charge through the nose - usually both a large number AND in USD, for a premium of a third or more over the Canadian pricing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apcci2 Posted April 8, 2018 #71 Share Posted April 8, 2018 Thanks for the tour. We will be there in June. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gerelmx Posted April 9, 2018 #72 Share Posted April 9, 2018 Again for a first time visit I would highly recommend a visit to Butchart Gardens. It is spectacular. But if that is not of interest or if you have visited there before think about walking or taking the shuttle downtown. Depending on the time you have, consider afternoon tea, lunch or even dinner or taking a tour by bus. Lots of options. A beautiful city. We have another cruise planned that includes a stop here. Cant' wait. Keith Keith thank you for sharing your pictures, we will be there in Oct/14/2019, Vancouver-LA (3rd leg of our Eclipse cruise). Very helpful to do a better plan. Gerardo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted April 9, 2018 Author #73 Share Posted April 9, 2018 Keith thank you for sharing your pictures, we will be there in Oct/14/2019, Vancouver-LA (3rd leg of our Eclipse cruise). Very helpful to do a better plan.Gerardo Gerardo: You are very welcome and I wish you a wonderful cruise. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare puppycanducruise Posted April 9, 2018 #74 Share Posted April 9, 2018 It's always enjoyable looking at your wonderful pictures. Thanks for posting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted April 9, 2018 Author #75 Share Posted April 9, 2018 It's always enjoyable looking at your wonderful pictures.Thanks for posting. You are very kind. I am glad you enjoy the photos. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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