I got to take my first voyage to Victoria BC during the most snowfall of 2012! It should have been apparent when I got on the ferry in route to my accommodation in Victoria that I would be arriving in a snow-filled wonderland. It is true that my favorite weather website predicted record breaking snow accumulation in Seattle; I really should have anticipated a decent accumulation of snow in Vancouver Island, but little did I know how much snow they would get! Victoria BC is truly a charming city and I am delighted to have been able to tour that part of Vancouver Island covered in snow.

Eating out in Victoria BC
Between visiting a friend and my snacks around the Victoria Inn, I only ate out once during my trip to Victoria BC and that was for brunch one day at a joint called John's Place. I am a fresh bread lover (and maker) and the first thing the waitress did was bring me a basket of perfectly soft and delicious herb bread. I ordered the fish and chips (BUT WITH HALIBUT !!!) and it was sooo good. Their menu also stated that they had been featured on the Food Network so I suppose you can learn more about them in fancy video clips on the world wide web. I also stopped by a Danish bakery and because it was snowing and their regular customer base didn't seem to stop in, a lot of their fancy pastries were a dollar! I bought a dozen caramel cups with whipped cream, nuts and cherries--- best purchase of the new year so far!

Exploring the Second Oldest North American Chinatown
The oldest Chinatown in Canada is in Victoria BC and it is really cool to enter the red and gold Gates of Harmonious Interest to wander this historic section of town and look at the imports. The local businesses included a wide variety of grocers and fish markets, tea and herb medicinal shops, and an assortment of pan-Asian cuisine. I also really liked their bike parking and trash can --- sometimes it's the simple accents that enhance a destination.

Feeling Welcome
I had always heard that Canadians were friendly, but I find this to be extremely true in the island city of Victoria. There is an environmentally progressive and peaceful attitude in this Vancouver Island city that really enhances the welcoming feel as you explore the neighborhoods.

My home during the two nights I stayed in Victoria was at a Victoria Inn called Accent Inns. Check out their hotel blog to learn more about them. I was very happy to know they supported the Land Conservancy and that they were located next to a nice coffee shop! It made my journey away from home very comfortable.