After leaving Gabriola we arrived at our hotel in downtown Vancouver and went out searching for dinner. We are surrounded by Tiffany, Gucci, Dior and other designers who don't interest us in the slightest! However a brisk walk took us to a quirky, 1920s style piano bar (great jazz) where we enjoyed Gnocci (Marg) and a Cobb salad (me). We have been spoiled on Gabriola - fabulous food from Jim and Sheila and David and Kate.
Today the bus picked us up at 8.00 for the trip to Vancouver Island, Butchart Gardens and Victoria. We didn't get back until 9.30 so it was a long day but worth it.
The Gardens are indeed spectacular! Begonias, New Guinea Impatiens, Coleus and annuals probably made the most impact but the colour combinations were inspired, clashing yet perfect!
Fountains and sculptures enhance the flowers and the trees provide the background to this inspired vision created by Jennie Butchart and her husband beginning around 1906.
Garden "rooms" are inspired by the travels of the Butcharts - there is a sunken garden, Japanese and Italian gardens, rose arbours and nooks and crannies everywhere drawing the eyes to another feast for the eyes.
After wildberry gelato, a browse through the Seed and Gifts we headed to Victoria ,Provincial capital and toured the old town. Many buildings here are heritage listed. It is heaving with tourists. There is something for everyone - float planes, kayaks, whale watching, tours galore. Marg and I settled for fish and chips at Red Fish,Blue Fish - halibut which is milder than the salmon all venues value. We walked a total of 7.6k so we were ready to sit and watch the world go by.
Back to the bus - in search of coffee I found a friend!
We were happy to get back on the very fast and efficient ferry - but having had caught 2 ferries each day we are a bit over them now.
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