We began our day trip from Vancouver to Victoria with our local guide, Taylor, who explained the shape of Vancouver Island on which Victoria is located.

Taylor drove us to our ferry for the 90 minute ferry cruise.

We passed through Active Pass, separating Galiano Island and Mayne Island. It's a narrow passage.

Bill goes topside to make sure we make it through alright.

We pass a small boat heading out the other direction.

We arrive at Swartz Bay and Taylor drives us toward Victoria, taking the scenic route.

After a quick spin around the city we're dropped off for some free time in Victoria. Nancy and I explore Fan Tan Alley in Victoria's Chinatown.

It's a narrow little passage way.

Out on the street there are shops with all sorts of things for sale.

The main gate to Chinatown.

Red Dragon statue.

We strolled from Chinatown to Victoria harbor past manicured parks and well kept flowers.

There's more than just boat traffic in and out of the harbor.

More art work along the streets.

And music.

Nancy made a friend outside one of the shops.

Victoria harbor with Parliament in the background.

Parliament close up.

The Empress Hotel. We're told they serve an exclusive "high tea" there.

Topiary orcas. Junior seems to have a mullet.

Arbutus tree near the Empress Hotel. No, it's not dying. It's supposed to have red peeling bark.

These trees at the entrance to the Empress look like creatures out of Star Wars.

Cool mosaic piece near the harbor.

The rest of the afternoon we spent in Butchart Gardens. Or return to Main Menu.