Victoria Holiday

Ron and I are enjoying a 3 day holiday in Victoria. We had air-miles we would lose, so on our way, here is the turbulent Active Pass, an S shaped channel  between Mayne and Galiano Islands with 3 ships threading through and not a lot of clearance. Galiano is 27 km long, settled by Salish Natives 3000 years ago while Mayne boasts a shoreline lighthouse and quiet atmosphere.
 
Victoria has the mildest climate in Canada and was voted the 3rd friendliest city on the planet by Conde Naste.
 We walked all over Chinatown, the oldest in Canada started in 1858 with the gold rush, and 2nd oldest in North America after San Francisco.

This place is so authentic that even the trash cans and light  posts feature Chinese.

San Tan Alley was my favorite with the  # 13 1/2 address, in original Chinese characters on the door.
 

 

They had a blackboard with Before I Die, I Would Like To ...... These 2 alleys were only 4 -5 feet wide with many homes from the past and a new care home over on the corner where these people were raised.

 We stumbled on Sager's Furniture Store where a son of our friend's is running the old family business.
The kids have been friends since babies and it was really fun to see Scott C.

 Had a great pub dinner at Bastion Square known for hangings and murders in the early days. The ceremonial entry arch, located at View and Government Streets, welcomes visitors to the original site of old Fort Victoria. The square looks out on the Inner Harbour and boasts some of the finest restaurants, pubs, and cafes in Victoria.

 

Market Square is another lovely spot with old brick and specialty stores. Browse your way through unique, local boutiques in heritage brick-and-beam buildings surrounding an open air courtyard.  I finished my day walking through Trounce Alley, where miners and mariners spent their extra cash on the ladies. The alley is still lit by gas lamps, hung with heraldic crests, and ablaze with flower baskets and potted shrubs. Love Victoria.