I now live in Washington state just 9.2 miles from the Canadian border, so I find myself going over there a lot – and there’s a lot going on over there.  I crossed over to Chilliwack this past summer to view the Sunflower festival and most recently to Harrison Hot Springs for their Holiday Lights on the Lake.  I’ve driven up to Vancouver a few times, and up to Whistler to ski, but my favorite place so far is Victoria and there are many ways to get there. From the Seattle area, the quickest way to go without a car is on the Victoria Clipper.  It leaves out of downtown Seattle on a regular basis and costs around $100/pp depending on the time of year.  To lower that rate, I would suggest purchasing a hotel package with that, as I did the first time I went to Victoria – www.clippervacations.com – you’re dropped off right downtown and are within walking distance to most places.

When I went the second time, there were 4 of us, so it made more sense for us to drive.  We drove across the border just outside of Bellingham WA and took the ferry from Tsawwassen to Sidney BC.  This 3-hour trip is on a very large ferry which accommodates cars and foot passengers.  There are restaurants and shops while you wait to board and also on the ferry.  We paid just under $100 total in May 2018 for 4 people and our vehicle – one way.  On the return trip, we left Sidney, BC and took the Washington state ferry to Anacortes – also about $100 for 4 people and a vehicle.  We stopped at Sea Cider before we even got to our hotel – it’s a small family owned orchard and cider house.  The tasting room is overlooking the orchard with views of the ocean from their deck.  A tasting flight of 3 or 6 sample ciders is the way to go.  The Wild English is a dry cider, the Bramble bubbly is a bit sweeter, while the Rumrunner is aged in rum-soaked bourbon barrels.  Add an artisan lunch plate while sampling or buy some of their homemade fudge or maple bacon pecan brittle.  The staff is very knowledgeable when it comes to all of their products, so ask away – www.seacider.ca

You can’t, or shouldn’t go to Victoria without visiting the Butchart Botanical Gardens.  It’s about a 15-minute drive from downtown Victoria by car or you can take the city bus or grab a taxi.  Like most botanical gardens, it’s beautiful in any season, but having been there in the Fall previously, going in the Spring meant that everything was in full bloom and the colors were extraordinary.  No surprise that this garden has been named one of the top 10 magnificent gardens in the world by National Geographic.  Knowing that we would be there for a few hours, we decided to book the “high tea” lunch at “The Dining Room” within the gardens.  This is a historic home and our table by the window overlooked the Italian Gardens. There is a generous selection of tea sandwiches and desserts, for instance, the BC smoked salmon pinwheel or the leek and gruyere quiche and the peach lavender pound cake – all using local ingredients were mouthwatering and beautifully displayed.  In addition to a variety of teas that are included, you can add a trio of local wines that pair perfectly with the food selections and only enhance the experience.

Back in Victoria, we hopped on the little yellow water taxi for only a few dollars.  You can take them to a single destination or get the full harbor tour – highly recommended for great views of the city and a bit of history from the driver.  There are so many wonderful restaurants and cafes to choose from in Victoria, but my favorite place for breakfast was “Jam Cafe”.  They open at 8 am and we arrived about 15 minutes prior to that, having read that they fill up quickly – that was an understatement.  We were the 2nd to the last table to be sat at 8 am and I’m glad I got up early to start my day there!  This is a cozy little spot that serves comfort food with a twist – the portions are big and the coffee is strong.  They offer classic items such as eggs benedict, french toast, and Huevos Rancheros along with innovative specials like green eggs and ham – spinach and pesto with cheese on a homemade biscuit.  I chose the Pork Belly Benedict, which replaces the usual Canadian bacon with the pork covered in BBQ sauce, then vegetables with onion jam and of course the poached eggs smothered with classic hollandaise.  I just had to push it and add a side of their pecan praline bacon, just because 🙂 Someone at our table ordered the Charlie bowl – homemade biscuit, hash browns, diced ham, bacon cheddar cheese, veggies and eggs topped off with sausage gravy – you could split that with 2 people and still not finish it!  Go hungry and go early – www.jamcafes.com

For dinner, my favorite spot was Cafe Brio.  I love anything Italian and then you add in the local flavor and I’m sold.  This restaurant has a lovely cozy feeling and a small outside patio in front, weather permitting.  A family style menu is available, which consists of six dishes – chef’s choice or you can choose from most menu items that are available in half portions which are done to encourage trying more things and sharing – always a good thing.  Their cured meats are housemade and support local farms and the extensive wine list focuses on Italian and local selections.  The crispy duck confit was cooked to perfection, as was the handmade tagliatelle with melted leeks, chanterelles, almonds, and mascarpone cheese sauce, ending the evening with shared desserts and port – www.cafebrio.com

This was just a 3-day getaway trip that left us wanting to go back and see more – Oh Canada…