Play. Shop. Eat. Victoria, BC

Victoria is full of British traditions. And they are known for their tea. If a trip to Victoria, BC, Canada is in your future this list will help you discover how to play, shop and eat in the Capitol City. Americans, don't forget your passports! And if you are looking for a fun place to stay try Point no Point Resort.

Play
Visit the Fisgard Lighthouse. Pack a picnic and relax on the beach, collect seashells or fly a kite. Then head over to the lighthouse and be sure to tour through the Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site just up the hill from the lighthouse. It was a playground of military fun for my husband to explore.

Shop
Hands down Johnson Street offers the best boutique shopping. Don't miss Suasion (562 Johnson Street) the clothes are fashion-forward, well-priced and designed well, I scored a beautiful sweater there. Smoking Lily (569a Johnson Street) is a very tiny shop offering handmade designs. And Addiction (587 Johnson Street) offers edgy fashion. Be sure to venture over to Chinatown (just a few blocks from Johnson Street) and visit the Fan Tan Gallery (541 Fisgard Street) for well-priced home decor, when I say well-priced I mean it. I snagged a ginormous basket there for $35.

Eat
For breakfast you can't go wrong with hearty pancakes at Willie's Bakery and Cafe (537 Johnson Street) or grab a cup of joe or tea and a bagel.

Tucked away in a tiny corner next door to a law firm is Chef Suzi in the Square. The location makes you feel like you are a local and the food is heavenly. For lunch we tried the lasagna with cinnamon and it not only melted in our mouths it offered a touch of sweetness.

If you have only one night to have dinner in Victoria, BC make a reservation at owner operated Blighty's Bistro (2006 Oak Bay Ave.). The cozy bistro is romantic and supported by friendly staff. The West Coast fusion cuisine will hit the spot. And you can't go wrong with the gourmet fish and chips, a Blighty's Bistro staple. We met spunky Annie who was our waitress that night and it turns out she is part of a band!

Get There from Seattle

There are two ferry lines available year-round that allow you to take cars over to the island:

1. Blackball Ferry Line leaves from Port Angeles, WA and arrives in downtown Victoria, BC and vice versa. If you go this route from Seattle you will have to take the Edmonds-Kingston ferry (it's affordable to take a car across) in order to access the Blackball ferry service in Port Angeles that takes you to Victoria.

2. Tswwassen-Swartz Bay ferry leaves from just outside Vancouver, BC, which means if you drive you have to cross the border outside Bellingham, WA to get to the ferry.

A word of note about ferries to Victoria. If you take a car it will run you $70+ dollars one way! That is a lot more expensive than taking a car from the mainland to the San Juan Islands. To keep costs down you can always walk on the ferries. Or take the walk on Coho Ferry (previously called the Victoria Express) from Port Angeles to Victoria. And those in Seattle in the summer months can take the passenger-only ferry across the water to Victoria, BC on the Victoria Clipper.

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Photo: CopyStrands