We got a cab to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal arriving just before 10am for the 11am ferry. There were only a handful of people waiting to get on when we got there but by the time we boarded, there were hundreds of people. It is a car ferry so it was a big boat. It has the capacity for 1672 people & there were 7 decks in all. There were 4 cafes/eateries & 1 gift shop on board. We spent the first half of the trip inside & the second half outside. The trip took 1.5hrs. It was lovely scenery. We passed lots of little islands covered in fir trees. I'm sure there must have been bears in there.

The day started overcast but started to clear so there were glimpses of blue sky. When we got off the boat, we saw a double decker bus going downtown so we got on that. It was only $2.50 each. We didn't know how far it was but not long after leaving we saw a sign saying it was 30kms. The bus driver told us his route would take about 20mins longer than the express bus. We didn't mind that - we got to see more of the area & the bus was less crowded.

By the time we arrived in Victoria it had started to rain. It got heavier as we walked to the hotel. It is a beautiful hotel just across from the waterfront. We checked in & went to find the room. It was so far away from the lifts with multiple left & right turns. We should have dropped crumbs to find our way back. There were feather pillows in the room so as we were going out I asked that they be changed as I am allergic to feathers. The guy was very apologetic & suggested we swap rooms. We agreed & he upgraded us to a bigger room that is closer to the lifts. That's how you get upgraded! There is a beautiful enormous Christmas tree in the foyer & lots of smaller ones on the mezzanine level. Very festive.

We went out this afternoon to see what was around. There is a Visitor Information across the road so we went over there. We have seen lots of brochures for whale watching but none seemed to say what months it was on. We saw a sign today saying they saw whales yesterday. We talked to the lady & she said they go out all year round but hadn't gone out today because it was too windy. We have tentatively booked to go out tomorrow but we need 4 more people to book. Everyone cross your fingers!!! I really want to do it.

We wanted to go on the hop on hop off bus but they don't run this time of year. There is a city tour we can do instead but it leaves at 11am & comes back at 12.30pm. If the whale boat goes ahead, we have to be there at 12.30pm dressed as if we were going to the snow. It is very cold because there is a cold wind. We don't feel it through our layers & coats. Just on exposed bits like our faces. We might have to miss the tour but it is the last day it is running.

There are lots of Christmas decorations in the trees and lamp posts along the streets. It looks very pretty. The Parliament buildings are also along the waterfront & are completely outlined in fairy lights. There is also a massive Christmas tree out the front.

It seems to be another very clean city. The Canadians are committed to environmental issues & there is recycling bins everywhere. There is even food scrap bins in the food courts. Cars & buses aren't allowed to idle in cr parks. Engines must be turned off. It seems to be working.

There are lots of things to explore in Victoria which we will do over the next couple of days. It seems like a lovely place.

Have a good trip, Jen & come back soon. xx