November 16, 2015. Hiking around downtown Victoria

CAMPGROUND:  2nd night at Westbay RV and Marina

LOCATION:  Victoria, British Columbia on SE point of Vancouver Island

WEATHER:  Cold, windy, some rain. Highs in 40s

Not to be deterred by the weather, we bundled up (George with 6 layers!). We hiked the beautiful 2-mile walkway to downtown.  We could see our RV park and marina across the bay.

Once downtown, we found ourselves in Chinatown.  It is very authentic.

To quench our thirst from the hike, we visited the Vancouver Island Brewery.  Then, we had some hot chili at Moon Under Water brewpub.  

We then headed back toward downtown to the Fairmont Empress Hotel.  It is very elegant and European-feeling.  

It is famous for its afternoon high tea.  We watched some people being served a 3-layered platter of exquisite pastries and a pot of tea.

  We decided to forego that experience (at $53 pp), and instead sipped a scotch in the hotel's elegant Bengal Lounge, decorated with Indian pictures and tigers skins. The bartender, who has worked there 45 years, was the best we've ever experienced. 

Finally, we stopped at a very popular local Italian restaurant recommended by our friend who used to live here.  It was fun...super crowded with tables close together, encouraging conversation with neighbors.

 

 We ordered pasta to go, so that it wouldn't be so late for us to return.

As we left, we saw the harbor lighting up.  The beautiful Parliament building was lit and another government building had special French flag colors reflected on its front.

 

We were lucky to almost immediately catch a bus back to the RV park.

What a fun day!