Butchart Gardens is world famous, and it was easy to see why during our first morning in Canada. Extravagant flower beds spilled out from beneath tastefully planted shrubs and trees to weave a rich tapestry of shapes, colors, and textures. Beautiful sculptures and fountains accented the landscape. Water dribbled purposefully from the mouth of a handsome bronze boar. It is said that rubbing his shiny nose will bring good luck.
We returned to the Sea Bird for a delicious lunch of salad, sandwiches, and chili, then disembarked once again at the Inner Harbor to explore downtown Victoria on our own. Powerful Percherons, Clydesdales, and Belgians clip-clopped through the streets drawing carriages to transport visitors out to see the sights. The renowned Empress Hotel (see photo) overlooks the water on a site that was once tide land. On the south side of the harbor rise the tall columns and coppery-blue dome of the Parliament Building, and across the street lies the Royal British Columbia Museum with its magnificent collections, including a traveling display on the Canadian artist, Emily Carr. Thunderbird Park is another highlight, where handsomely carved totem poles stand, evidence of the rich and complex culture of Northwest Coast Indians in this region. Immense hanging baskets decorate the sidewalks with flowers and trailing vines, and street musicians play along the waterfront. Attractive lampposts support the colorful baskets that have been a symbol of Victoria since 1936. The two in this photo, each containing about twenty-four plants, are representative of the 1000 assembled every year. Fifty are saved as back-up replacements, but the others are distributed in the downtown area, adding to the wonderful character of British Columbia's capital city.
In late afternoon the ship sailed north towards Desolation Sound heading for wild, but hopefully not desolate destinations, leaving behind the exquisite architecture and flamboyant blossoms of Victoria.
We returned to the Sea Bird for a delicious lunch of salad, sandwiches, and chili, then disembarked once again at the Inner Harbor to explore downtown Victoria on our own. Powerful Percherons, Clydesdales, and Belgians clip-clopped through the streets drawing carriages to transport visitors out to see the sights. The renowned Empress Hotel (see photo) overlooks the water on a site that was once tide land. On the south side of the harbor rise the tall columns and coppery-blue dome of the Parliament Building, and across the street lies the Royal British Columbia Museum with its magnificent collections, including a traveling display on the Canadian artist, Emily Carr. Thunderbird Park is another highlight, where handsomely carved totem poles stand, evidence of the rich and complex culture of Northwest Coast Indians in this region. Immense hanging baskets decorate the sidewalks with flowers and trailing vines, and street musicians play along the waterfront. Attractive lampposts support the colorful baskets that have been a symbol of Victoria since 1936. The two in this photo, each containing about twenty-four plants, are representative of the 1000 assembled every year. Fifty are saved as back-up replacements, but the others are distributed in the downtown area, adding to the wonderful character of British Columbia's capital city.
In late afternoon the ship sailed north towards Desolation Sound heading for wild, but hopefully not desolate destinations, leaving behind the exquisite architecture and flamboyant blossoms of Victoria.
