Looking for a daytrip, a little early Spring change of scene?
How about catching the ferry from Fulford Harbour to Swartz Bay, and exploring Sidney or Victoria?
In Sidney, try lunch at Haro's, at the Pier Hotel, and enjoy the ocean, islands, mountain vistas...a seawall walk is briskly energizing. Check out the newly opened Shaw Ocean Experience, adjacent to the Hotel. Enjoy the galleries, the gift, and the bookstores of Sidney's main street, Beacon Avenue. Tanner's Bookstore is a mainstay! Tea or coffee break? Enjoy the traditional (and delicious) experience of Lunn's. Early dinner, before the ferry back? Dockside, at Tsehum Harbour, next door to Philbrook's, on All Bay Road, of course...great kitchen and superlative marine views! In between, meander down the byways of North Saanich's rural peace.
Victoria beckons? Weather not so prime? The Museum's pleasures are a perfect choice, and you can catch an Imax presentation, too. High Tea at the Fairmont Empress is always a treat to be savoured! Walk Government Street from the Empress up to Munro's Bookstore. Check out the antique shops on Fort Street...a quick coffee and a pastry? The Dutch Bakery on Fort Street is tried and true and wonderful. Into castles? It's a gift to wander Craigdarroch...created by B.C.'s coal baron, Robert Dunsmuir. Feel like a "Brit ambiance"? Walk Oak Bay Avenue, for a taste of life behind the Tweed Curtain. Galleries, gift shops, bookstores, antiques/collectibles...drive the byways of the Uplands...did you know you can drive through the gardens of Government House, off Rockland Avenue? Lunch or dinner is inspired at the Oak Bay Marina. White Heather Tearoom is Oak Bay's answer to High Tea at The Empress. Cafe Brio, on Fort Street, for dinner, is like being transported to Tuscany!
In between Sidney and Victoria, we have Butchart's Gardens, Mattick's Farm, vineyard tours, Butterfly World, and the historic Prairie Inn Pub for lunch or dinner, in Saanichton.
If you're feeling some "early Spring-fever", a daytrip can often retune/recharge...try it! It's a 30 minute ferry trip from Fulford to Swartz, Victoria's terminal, and then a quick 10 minutes to Sidney or 30 minutes to "downtown Victoria". Easy!
What is it they say? A change is as good as a rest? Try it!
How may I help you to discover special Salt Spring Island & the Southern Gulf Islands? Call me!
