Donna's Report: Getaway to Victoria, BC

On day two of our getaway, Wednesday, October 18, Neil and I walked up Government Street starting at the inner harbour.

Inner Harbour with Grand Pacific Hotel in the background

We first stopped at the Victoria Tourist Office to get information about the "Homecoming" statue and tribute bricks in honour of the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Navy. The statue and the tribute square are located on Wharf Street right behind the Tourist office. Our family purchased a brick in memory of our father who served in the Royal Canadian Navy from 1940 to 1947.

Homecoming Statue

Tribute Brick for Dad

I then wandered into Roberta's Hats on Government Street, wondering if they might have hats suitable for women chemo patients who have lost their hair. What a delightful store! Lovely hats including fascinators, and I got absolutely great service. Found some 100% cotton touks and banded hats that would work perfectly to cover a bare head, both of them coming down far enough in the back and front to cover baldness.

Next we stopped at the City of Victoria Archives to drop off some very old photos of my grandparents' home which was located at 619 Bellevue Street in Victoria. This is the present day site of the Royal BC Museum. My grandmother owned the lot from about 1935 to 1955, and the family made it into a wonderful commercial flower growing enterprise, including a flower shop for fresh cut flowers and handmade lavendar sachets, located at the corner of Bellevue & Government Streets. The Archives were very pleased to receive these pictures.

My grandmother at the Flower Shop at 619 Bellevue Street, Victoria, early 1940's

Family house at the back of the lot - 619 Bellevue Street, Victoria

Next off to Oak Bay Village for lunch, and the mandatory scenic drive from there around Beach Drive and Dallas Road back to the hotel.

View of Ocean from Clover Point Park on Dallas Road

Me, sitting on a bench at Clover Point Park looking at the ocean view

That evening we went to the Bard & Banker Scottish Pub on Government Street, for dinner. We were amazed to hear that it had been completely stripped down inside and rebuilt. Everything looks so old and genuine. We sat in a cozy snug beside a fireplace and had a great dinner. Highly recommended.