Escapees May June 2015 Demo

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26 .ESCAPEES |May/June 2015 |
Southern Van
Article and photos by Carol Ann Quibell #38554
An adventure awaits you across the water on Southern Vancouver Island, a
year-round destination for those seeking a mild, temperate climate, majestic
views, unparalleled beauty, unlimited outdoor adventure, lush old-growth for-
ests, a diversified and rich history and friendly people. Let the journey begin as
you board a ferry at Tsawwassen (pronounced Ta-was-en or Sa-wa-sen depend-
ing on whom you ask) on the west coast of British Columbia’s mainland, or by
ferry from Port Angeles, Washington.
congestion of double-decker buses,
horse-drawn carriages and fascinat-
ed pedestrians who stroll the streets
and walkways in the main area of the
city, you won’t want to be driving a
motorhome. Explore the city on foot,
by bicycle or let one of the eager
pedicab drivers show you some of the
highlights. They can also direct you to
where the best restaurants are for an
appetizing meal.
Victoria is a bicyclist’s dream, and
by riding along the Seaside Cycling
Route you will see why. It gives riders
an immense appreciation for the Inner
Victoria
Immerse yourself in the magic of
Victoria, British Columbia’s beautiful
capital city. The inviting pulse of the
city can be felt the moment you arrive,
and the excitement increases as you
find yourself surrounded by the old
English charm of the Fairmont Em-
press Hotel, the legislative buildings,
preserved historic homes, inviting
pubs, beautiful shops and a vibrant
Inner Harbor, all well blended with
modern influences.
The best advice is to get settled at a
campground or resort before heading
into the busy downtown area. With the
Harbor, Fisherman’s Wharf, Cor-
dova Bay, Mount Douglas Park and
the neighborhoods of Oak Bay and
Uplands. Follow the Galloping Goose
Trail from downtown towards the BC
Ferries terminal at Swartz Bay, and
enjoy the scenery of the parks, farms
and communities along the way.
There’s more to see here than just
the fabulous downtown area, so make
sure you visit the visitor information
center for directions and information
on the Craigdarroch Castle, Butchart
Gardens and the many museums and
art galleries. Sign up for an exciting
whale-watching tour or get to know
the local marine life by diving at
Ogden Point Breakwater or the Race
Rocks Underwater Marine Park.
Cycling is extremely popular in
Victoria, but so is golfing. The mild
climate makes it possible for avid
golfers to swing their clubs year-round
on some of the most picturesque
courses on the island.
After the hustle and bustle of Vic-
toria, it will be nice to relax and enjoy
the scenery of the tree-lined Malahat
Drive leading you north on Highway
1 towards even more adventures. The
spectacular views of the Saanich Pen-
insula and the Gulf Islands seen from
Experience the Beauty of
Nanaimo waterfront.
“The spectacular views of the Saanich
Peninsula and the Gulf Islands seen from
the viewpoints along the way create some
memorable photo opportunities.”