Day 4 - Sightseeing in Victoria - Ferry Good Times: Cycling the Salish Sea

June 1, 2025

Day 4 - Sightseeing in Victoria

Today is a day for walking…museums and parks, waterfronts, and general meandering. After a typical hotel breakfast, the 4 of us walk to the Royal BC Museum, about 3 or 4 blocks away, crossing the lawn of the Parliamentary Building along the way and picking up tickets for a building tour later in the day.

On the corner of the same block as our hotel is the Hotel Grand Pacific, and next to it is the Confederation Garden Court, displaying the shields of the 13 Canadian provinces.

Rich and I next to the shield for the province of Ontario.

At the museum, we start in the natural sciences area. I’m super impressed by the displays and realistic tableaus. I don’t take many pictures here, but can’t resist one of the giant mastodon. This is a research center as well as a museum, and a volunteer explains the processes they use to preserve and study animals.

View of the parliamentary building from the 2nd floor of the museum.

View of the harbor and carillon tower from the 2nd floor of the museum.

Inside the museum there is an entire set depicting old town Victoria, with the Grand Hotel, local businesses, a cannery, and more.

Not sure what this room is supposed to depict exactly, but it’s certainly sumptuous.

The hotel office, complete with overflowing trash can.

After the museum, we walk to Beacon Hill Park, where the tallest totem pole in the world — 127 ft and 7 inches tall — can be seen. It’s a large park, with curving paths, ponds, cultivated flowers, and even a cricket field.

Jim, standing at the bottom of the totem pole for perspective.

On the way back from the park, we see this wonderful (literal) rock garden, with all kinds of objects made from painted rocks.

Here we have a computer, plates of food including eggs, a sub sandwich, and bacon! ‘There’s a bunny and bread and more. How many different objects can you find?

At 3:40 PM, we start our tour of the Parliamentary building. Its history and architectural details are fascinating.

Jim, reading about the history of the canoe in the center room.

Looking up from the second floor to the ceiling of the dome.

This room is a memorial for Canadian veterans.

The room where all the action happens in government.

After, we wander through the downtown tourist area and land at a restaurant and bar for a while, sitting at an outdoor table so we can people watch while we enjoy happy hour drinks and starters. Having a bit of rest, we continue our meandering, walking along the waterfront and around the point across from the ferry building.

Looking back at Victoria from Laurel Bay.

Finally, as if we haven’t been eating enough, we stop at the pub/restaurant next door to the hotel for dessert — “churro waffles” (deep fried waffles with sugar and cinnamon) topped with caramel sauce and ice cream. So decadent!

We have now all retired to our rooms, but plan to venture out again at 11 PM in hopes of seeing the aurora borealis, which is supposed to be visible tonight.

Today's ride: 7 miles (11 km)
Total: 87 miles (140 km)

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Mike AylingWe have Aurora Australis showing here too.
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