Canada, eh?!

Victoria, British Columbia

On a whale watching trip in Victoria, British Columbia; cold but a blast! 

The Amethyst Inn

We booked in at the last minute and managed to get the last room available... the Windsor Room(funnily enough, my husband had asked me to marry him at the real Windsor Castle in England, so..!) This inn was absolutely gleaming; immaculate from top to bottom. The wooden staircases were freshly oiled, the carpets were spotless, the furniture and mantelpieces were shining and the gorgeous stained glass windows sparkled in the light.

We arrived in the early evening and were greeted at the door of this historic home; we were invited to have a cup of tea, cookies or a glass of sherry but as we were tired, we went straight to our room. There were books to borrow, chocolates to share, a television, a giant soaker tub and everything was just so, so clean! The only negative was that as this was a period home, there is no air conditioning and it was quite a warm evening. They do provide a fan and ceiling fan but they are quite loud so it made it hard to sleep. 

The inn is beautifully located and the history behind it all is quite interesting as well; a newspaper baron and his wife built this home and raised their family here for many years(wait, one more coincidence - my husband and I are both in the newspaper industry as well!). There is a coded security gate at the entrance so we felt quite secure in a place we did not know well.  

Breakfast was in a gorgeous dining room, where we were served on proper china plates with actual teacups.. such a nice treat. Our waiter was so nice and had impeccable manners. We were never without coffee or tea and had the most delicious fresh baked croissants I've ever eaten(and I've been to France!). We also had fresh fruit and half of a fresh bagel with whipped cream cheese and salmon on top.. lovely!  

We were sorry we had to leave right away and couldn't explore more of the inn. I would love to return in the winter to experience the beautiful antique fireplaces with a roaring fire... 

The Return Ticket gives the Amethyst Inn, Victoria, BC: four tickets out of five

Sandpiper Golf Club on the Fraser River, Harrison Mills, B.C.

The beautiful 18 Hole Sandpiper Golf Club, Harrison Mills, B.C.

A beautiful B&B Inn and private cabins at Rowena's Inn on the River, Harrison Mills, B.C. 

My mom & sister checking out the Button & Needlework Boutique, Victoria, B.C.

Victoria Park, Victoria, B.C.

Our sweetheart of a companion, Gypsy, on one of the many walks and trails in Abbotsford, B.C., Canada

A sinfully delicious & beautiful handmade chocolate by Frank at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Harrison Hot Springs, B.C. 

The River's Edge Restaurant, overlooking the Fraser River at Pretty Estates, Harrison Mills, B.C.

Pacific Undersea Garden Aquarium, Victoria, BC

 Visitors step down into a submarine type aquarium where you'll view through a glass wall a large variety of sea life. There are sharks, eels and an octopus. It is interesting and does have descriptions of each creature and even of the garden type items but it is quite expensive when the submarine does not move and it isn't very big. I would say, if you are in Victoria more than a day with children, then go to see this but if you are only spending one day or are only among adults.. I wouldn't bother. 

The Return Ticket gives the Pacific Undersea Garden Aquarium two tickets out of five.