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Victoria, B.C.

Victoria, B.C. is the perfect place for a relaxing autumn retreat

The all-new Victoria Clipper V can make the journey from Seattle to Victoria in just under three hours

Your journey from Seattle to Victoria begins on the Victoria Clipper high-speed catamaran. The journey, which is just under three hours, affords breathtaking views of the Puget Sound from the comfort of a recently redesigned ferry. Guests can relax as the Clipper’s travel professionals handle the logistics of international transport; their only worry will be deciding what to order from the vessel’s menu of local food and drink. Onboard, guests can choose from treats such as Ellenos yogurt, fresh-baked Macrina pastries, smoked wild-caught salmon and Theo’s chocolates. The galley also has a fully stocked bar featuring Copperworks vodka and gin and Tatoosh bourbon.

The new Comfort Class section offers priority boarding, complimentary snacks and soft leather seats with an unobstructed waterfront view, offering unforgettable panoramas and a unique understanding of the geography of both the Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan De Fuca.

While onboard, be sure to take advantage of the complimentary trip-planning service offered by Clipper staff. The trademark in-seat concierge attendants can help develop the perfect curated trip for your time spent in beautiful Victoria, B.C.

Relax in heated mineral pools on the coast of the Salish Sea

Off the Beaten Path

Only a ten-minute drive from Victoria’s Inner Harbor, the neighborhood of Oak Bay is a hidden gem boasting a truly authentic and local experience to all who visit. Begin your day with breakfast in Oak Bay Village, then stroll down Oak Bay Avenue where you will discover boutique shops, restaurants, art galleries and more. Enjoy a gallery tour, indulge in a cozy matcha latte, and sneak into the candy shop for a sweet treat. At the end of the day, set your shopping bags aside during your chauffeured ride back to the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. Pop by for drinks at the hotel’s Snug pub, Victoria’s first neighborhood pub dating back to 1954 and the perfect place to enjoy good spirits amongst friends. For a more elevated experience, head next door to the hotel’s intimate dining room: a cozy setting showcasing stunning ocean views of the Pacific Northwest and an atmosphere unmatched by any other fine dining restaurant in the city.

Experience the ultimate in relaxation with a visit to the Oak Bay Beach Hotel’s Boathouse Spa and indulge all your senses in a seaside oasis built with one thing in mind: your personal wellness. Take advantage of being a hotel guest with exclusive access to the famous heated seaside mineral pools, open daily from 6:00 a.m. to midnight, to relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Salish Sea. Refreshed and rejuvenated, stop by Kate’s Cafe for a delicious latte and pastry before heading off on your next adventure.

Turning maple leaves in the Japanese Garden at Butchart Garden

Garden City

Autumn is beautiful at the Butchart Gardens.

Located in Brentwood Bay BC, The Butchart Gardens has been enthralling visitors for well over 110 years with its stunning 55 acres of floral display gardens. Open every day of the year, it attracts over a million visitors annually from around the world. Comprised of several major gardens, including the Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Italian Garden, the Concert Lawn, and the Ross Fountain, there is something to enjoy in every season.

As warm days transition to crisp nights, a parade of red, russet and golden maples emerge throughout The Gardens. It’s the perfect time of year to see the Japanese Garden, where Japanese maples are the star of the season along with the soft contrast of gentle green mosses. Not to be overshadowed by the attention given to fall foliage, the outstanding collection of dahlias truly shines at this time of year. The flowering plants have an incredible range of colors, shapes and sizes, and carry on blooming through late October.

Experience the beauty of autumn with a stroll and High Tea served in the warmth of the historic Butchart residence. Take in views of Jennie Butchart’s private garden or overlook the Italian Garden and Saanich Inlet while relaxing with a cup of warm tea, perhaps while you plan your own garden for next year.

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