Victoria, B.C.: A Slower More Relaxed Pace
By CATHOLINE BUTLER
Every city, in fact every province, has a different atmosphere, and I'm not sure if it's the people or the environment that sets the tone, but each place has its own brand of beauty.
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PICTURED at the Irish Linen store in Victoria is Barbara Lamb, co-owner (third from the right) surrounded by her staff Margaret, Sharon and Sabrina.
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On my recent visit to Victoria, on Vancouver Island, I remarked on the relaxed pace of the city. Even the traffic is easier compared to the daily grid-lock of Vancouver traffic. Flowers are now blooming in profusion throughout the city, and there is a sweet scent in the air. Of course, Victoria is home to the world-famous Butchart Gardens.
The journey across on the ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay is also very scenic. You might even be lucky enough to see some Orca whales along the journey.
The downtown inner harbour of Victoria is alive with ferries and boats of all kinds, bringing tourists from the United States and other islands. The big cruise ships are anchored further out in the harbour.
There were three big cruise ships at anchor when I was visiting, and it is estimated that translated into 10,000 additional tourists in Victoria. What a great boost that must be to the local economy.
Victoria is the seat of government for the Province of British Columbia and at night the Legislative Buildings are outlined in light, giving it a kind of Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale look. I overheard one tourist asking if the building was a castle. Actually, there is a castle in the city, called Craigdarroch Castle.
I stayed at the Abbeylee Bed and Breakfast which is owned and operated by Irish-born Frank and Sheila Ryan. If there ever was a home away from home...this is it. The Abbeylee is a heritage house and the Ryans have furnished it with beautiful antiques. Sheila is also an Irish harpist and sometimes, after one of her sumptuous breakfasts, she may play the harp for her guests.
Another stop was the Irish Times Pub which has just been voted “the best pub and best live entertainment venue in the city.” Situated in a big heritage building that has been beautifully refurbished on Government Street, it is a hive of activity. They also have great food.
I dropped in to speak with Nels Dugstad, the general manager of the establishment. The Irish Times has only been open a year and a half and, needless to say, he and owner/publican Matt MacNeil couldn’t be happier with the way things are going.
My next stop was at C&A Jewellers on Fort Street, which is owned by Adrian and Tina O’Brien. Adrian is a Dublin trained goldsmith who specializes in making beautiful Celtic and Claddagh rings. Adrian is also a real joker so the craic is always mighty around him.
The Irish Linen Store on Government Street is an institution in Victoria since 1977. Co-owners are Maura Lamb (originally from Galway) and Barbara Lamb. They have beautiful lace and linen items and Barbara showed me some exquisite lace from Madeira, where the tradition of lace making is still carried on today. Well worth looking into on your next visit to Victoria.
I also dropped into another Celtic store called Out of Ireland which is also located on Government Street. It’s quite a large store and they carry Celtic jewellery, throws, books, Irish rugby type shirts, Guinness golf shirts, souvenirs, and many other items.
If you’re a chocolate lover, then there is the famous Rogers’ Chocolates of Victoria, also located on Government Street. And, I could not leave Victoria without visiting Murchie’s Tea.
This store has such old world charm, it always reminds me of the famous Bewley’s in Dublin. It’s wonderful to drop in to for lunch or afternoon tea. Their extensive selection of mouth-watering pastries leaves you in a quandry as to which one to choose. Murchie’s are also famous for their unique selection of teas and coffees.
As they say, time flies when you’re having fun, and before I knew it, it was time to catch the ferry back to Vancouver. Special thanks to everyone in Victoria for your hospitality.
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