Victoria, BC: A 2-Day Fairytale Escape
đˇ Victoria, BC: A 2-Day Fairytale Escape Forget predictable birthday partiesâthis year, we traded balloons for castle turrets, cake crumbs for scone crumbs, and party hats for actual British-style fascinators in Victoria, BC. Hereâs how to pack gardens, castles, and seafood feasts into one dreamy weekend, with zero tourist traps. đ˘ Day 1: Blooms, Booze & Bivalves Morning: Sail Like Royalty ⢠BC Ferries from Vancouver: Book the 7 AM sailing for empty decks + golden sunrise over the Gulf Islands. Pro tip: Grab a portside window seat for potential orca sightings! Late Morning: Butchart Gardens Bliss ⢠Tactical Flower Hunting: ⢠Rose Garden: Smell 300+ varieties (peak bloom: late June). ⢠Japanese Garden: Mossy paths + koi ponds = instant zen. ⢠Carousel Hack: Ride it backwards for whimsical photos ($2 well spent). ⢠Outfit Notes: Wear pastel dressesâflowers pop against soft hues. Happy Hour: Finnâs Seafood ⢠$6 Margaritas + Shrimp Tacos so loaded, they defy taco physics. ⢠Secret Perk: Ask for the âwharf-side stump seatsââbest sunset views sans crowds. âď¸ Day 2: Castles, Tea & Golden Hour Morning: Harbor Strolls ⢠Must-Doâs: ⢠Cold Comfort Ice Cream: Order âBrown Butter Brittleâ in a waffle cone. ⢠Street Performers: Catch the bubble wizard near the Empress. Midday: Hatley Castle Adventure ⢠X-Men Fan? The Great Hall doubled as Professor Xâs school. ⢠Photo Ops: ⢠Pose on the stone staircase like a Gothic romance lead. ⢠Sneak into the Italian Garden for peony-framed castle shots. Afternoon Tea: Fairmont Empress ⢠Tea Hack: Swap classic blends for Victoria Cream (black tea + vanilla). ⢠Scone Science: Split them warm, slather with clotted cream FIRST, then jam (the Cornish wayâtrust us). ⢠Birthday Perk: Mention your celebration when booking for free bubbly. Sunset: Red Fish Blue Fish ⢠Line Strategy: Arrive at 6:15 PMâpost-dinner rush, pre-sunset crowds. ⢠Order Smart: ⢠Cod Tacones: Crispy fish + mango salsa = perfection. ⢠Smoked Salmon Chowder: Comes in a bread bowl (carb-load responsibly). đ° Budget Breakdown (For Two) ⢠Ferry (Roundtrip): $120 (car + 2 passengers) ⢠Butchart Gardens: $72 (2 adults) ⢠Finnâs Happy Hour: $35 ⢠Empress Tea: $190 (with tip) ⢠Red Fish Blue Fish: $50 ⢠Hatley Castle Grounds: FREE (tours extra) Total: ~$467 CAD (not including hotel) đ Where to Stay 1. Budget: Ocean Island Inn â Vibrant hostel with free pancake breakfasts. 2. Mid-Range: Hotel Grand Pacific â Harbor views + rooftop hot tub. 3. Splurge: Brentwood Bay Resort â Private balconies over the Saanich Inlet. #NoCakeJustScones #CastleSelfies #VictoriaIn48Hours