Canada! Victoria, British Columbia

Today is Thanksgiving Day in Canada. We took the ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria (British Columbia). As we walked out of the customs house, we were greeted by three ladies all dressed up in Victorian clothing. They welcomed us the Victoria wished us a Happy Thanksgiving and even gave us some treats. It was a nice welcoming party and made me think about what kind of welcome people receive when they visit the USA. I also think it is fitting that they were wearing Victorian dresses, and that we were in Victoria, and that we soon found a statue of Queen Victoria in front of the Parliament Building. (See photo to the right)

The British Columbia Parliament Building is very stately with its copper domes and impressive stonework. It was built in 1893 and was designed by Francis Rattenbury who was only 25 years old at the time. There are totem poles that tower above the grounds and not far away there is another kind of tower… We here it before we saw it… The Netherlands Centennial Carillon (see last photo) was built in the 1960’s and has 62 bells.

British Columbia Parliament Building - Victoria

Parliament Building with Totem Pole

Netherlands Centennial Carillon (Bell Tower) - Victoria, British Columbia

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One of my favorite spots in Victoria is Beacon Hill. It is a huge park on a hill. It gets its name from the beacons that shine out to sea. It is a photographer’s and walker’s paradise. It also has a pretty cool play ground. I’m including a couple of my favorite pictures. You’ll notice that they all have a common theme which is leaves and water. They say a picture is worth a thousand words so I’m going to let these three do the talking. Hope you enjoy!

Beacon Hill Park - Duck Pond

Waterfall - Beacon Hill

Rain Drops on Leaves - Beacon Hill Park