After the ferry arrived, we took a walk and met some horses, saw the parliament buildings, and eventually found ourselves in an adorable alleyway that led to a Chinese New Year celebration in the street. (It was packed, so we couldn’t see much, but the sounds and smells reminded me a lot of Seattle’s celebrations!)
After we found some food at Swan’s, we checked into our Airbnb for the night; a really cute loft that Adam found downtown (he knows how much I love lofts) that had such an amazing view of the mountains and a beautiful Cherry Blossom down below. Adam wasn’t feeling 100% when we got there, and it was downpouring outside anyway, so we just hung out and watched the Food Network and HGTV for a few hours until dinnertime. (That’s what mini-vacays are for!) We ate at Be Love and left feeling full and happy. It was SO good! I’d probably eat there all the time if I lived in Victoria.
In the morning, we scoped out a doughnut & coffee shop, spent a decent amount of time in a bookstore, ate lunch at Rebar, and then lazed around until it was time to head back home. Victoria reminded me a lot of Europe. The architecture is so similar, and a lot of people either had English accents or spoke French. The feel is so different from the rest of Vancouver Island and it’s one of those places I think I’d move to in a heartbeat if I had the chance. Can’t wait to go back!
How was your Valentine’s Day?
Craig Aude says
Beautiful, baby.
Amanda says
Thanks, pops.
Monica says
How fun – a surprise trip! Still haven’t managed to make it to Canada at all yet, but seeing your photos makes me want to go even more.
Amanda says
You totally should! There are so many gorgeous places there.
Clipper Vacations says
Awe, what a wonderful Valentine’s surprise! Thanks for the really fun read and great photos that truly capture Victoria’s charm. We are so glad you enjoyed traveling on the Clipper and time exploring Victoria, BC. Happy travels and we hope to see you on a future adventure.
Amanda says
Thanks so much for making it extra special!
andrea says
I was going to say that this looks pretty European, but you beat me to it. Unexpected mini vacations are the best, I just came back from one myself, but being on the other side of the world, mine was driving through the Pyrenees to France
Amanda says
Nice!! That sounds so dreamy. I hope I make it to France someday!
Katie says
Glad you two got to have a special trip together! Victoria looks so pretty. And I am loving that last photo of the doughnuts and coffee – I have a thing for coffee shops.
Amanda says
Thanks!! 🙂 And me, too. Yummmmm.
Miranda says
Amanda, Canada is so beautiful and people are so lovely too ! I have lived there for 5 years and I am met my boyfriend (right now my husband ) exactly 5 years back !
Miranda Hicks
amandaaude@gmail.com says
That’s awesome! Canada is definitely a place I could see myself living someday. (Especially if Trump wins this damn election!)
Travel Saltea says
The loft looks so cozy! Glad you had a great valentines day 🙂
amandaaude@gmail.com says
Thank you! We definitely did!