Queen Victoria died in 1901, yet her legacy lives on. In the last 100 years, we have preserved much of the remnants of her era that are still part of our culture. I'm referring to Victorian Charm, such things as Victorian architecture, Victorian period furniture, Victorian home decoration and ornamentation, and Victorian manners, all of it associated with the 19th century, when Victoria was Queen of England.
Those days are long gone, but a certain nostalgia over the Victorian culture remains with us. If you'd like to experience some of that charm without going all the way to England, the best place to visit is Victoria, British Columbia.
Victoria is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. You can get by
either flying from Seattle or Vancouver (the city) or by taking a ferry from
the lower mainland or Port Angeles.
Part of the charm of visiting Victoria starts when you board the ferry in
Tsawassen (lower mainland) to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island near Victoria.
As the ferry moves around the Gulf islands the scenery is simply breathtaking.
On the larger Spirit class ferries, you can sit and enjoy a buffet dinner
and view the tranquil ocean scenery as it passes by. I can think of no better
way to pass the time.
Victoria has preserved its heritage well. Many century old houses remain in
remarkable good condition. Some of the larger houses owned by wealthy members
of the early Victorian society are truly magnificent. Don't miss Craigdarroch
Castle owned by an earlier coal baron. In an area known as Oak Bay, there
are many examples of turn of the century houses which have been renovated
and preserved to retain the Victorian character.A popular sightseeing route
is called Beach Drive, and not only are there stunning views of the Olympic
mountains as a backdrop against the ocean, there are also many large home
and gardens along the route as well.
A tradition in Victoria is the afternoon tea time and there are several fine
restaurants that serve high tea and the goodies that go along with it. The
Blethering Place in Oak Bay and the Empress to name a few.
