Yes, we all crave a hot sunny destination these days for some rest and relaxation especially as Covid -19 continues sadly. The good news is instead of heading south, why not go north? You will still experience the warmth and hospitality of Victorians when here and the city will remind you that you are in fact in the tropics as we have palm trees, bamboo shoots, hibiscus trees and even grape vines in a beautifully mild yet, sometimes hot climate during the summer months.
Why did I show you this video of one of my favourite sea creatures? Because there are many more beautiful mammals fish and birds in their natural habitat along Ogden Point such as jelly fish, mud sharks, orcas, humpbacks, seals, star fish and pacific white-sided dolphins, cormorants, bald eagles, turkey vultures and hawks to name a few. Further from the city, we also have bears, cougars and coyotes, so you see Victoria has a plethora of wildlife.
“Here at Frank Whites Dive Store, we our proud to be a part of a thriving dive community. If you are looking for a way to connect, explore and reach out to one of our upcoming events, it may be a perfect fit.
Frank Whites Dive Store- info@frankwhites.com (open everyday from 9:30-5:30).
“We offer a mixture of FREE and paid adventures for you to choose from. Below you can find everything from our upcoming courses, to our free local drop in dives and snorkeling as well as larger adventures”.
As the breakwater curves right, you’ll notice more marine traffic coming and going from the Victoria harbour area including cruise ships in berth with many tourists often their first time in Canada exploring the city.
Not much further and you reach the end at the lighthouse offering spectacular views looking south over the Juan de Fuca Strait.
Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia ; it is situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and roughly has a Lat: 48 25.17 N; Lon: 123 22.13 W. It is an ideal tourist spot for those looking for an inexpensive holiday in a mild, subtropical climate. As Ogden Point is so close to Washington State, on a clear day one can see the breath-taking views of the Olympics Mountains across the strait. There are many ways to reach Victoria as a holiday destination: The Victoria Clipper Ship, the MV Coho car and foot passenger ferry as well as by float plane. Price out which form of transportation best suits your needs and your pocket book.
The Ogden Point Breakwater is a popular walk near downtown Victoria that follows the cement structure from Dallas Road out towards the Juan de Fuca Strait to a lighthouse on its furthest end. The area gives people an opportunity to see Victoria’s busy harbour traffic as cruise ships, ferries, sailboats, float planes, helicopters and more all pass through the area to reach Victoria.
From Dallas Road, walk along the path and out onto the breakwater. It was only in 2013 that railings were installed along the route as the sides used to have nothing between the path and the cement blocks below. Continue walking along the route, taking moments to look back in both directions at the scenic harbour views.
Back a few meters along the route from the lighthouse, there is a metal gate with stairs where it is possible to walk down to the area below. A word of caution, the large cement blocks can be very slippery when wet and winds, waves, and the tide can make things unpredictable, so walking down and along the cement blocks to the lower level is done at your own risk.
After an exciting day of exploring the breakwater pier, lighthouse and cruise ships, why not treat yourself to a snack at the Breakwater Barge; a quaint little place overlooking the water offering mouth-watering treats.
Sample Menu Small Plates include:
HOUSE NACHOS, tortilla chips, cheese, tomato, green onion, olives, green peppers, pickled jalapeños- 17
ORGANIC GREENS, radish, pumpkin seeds, tomatillo and coriander vinaigrette- 17
Traditional CHOWDER with rotating local seafood- 10
House cut KENNEBEC FRIES, Vancouver Island sea salt, kewpie mayonnaise – 6
SWEET POTATO FRIES, served with house aioli. – 8
FALAFEL BITES – 6
Sample Menu Big Plates include:
Wild BC HALIBUT & CHIPS, gluten free chickpea tempura batter, kelp tartare sauce, Kennebec fries, house ferments. 1pc. 17 2pc. 21
SALMON POKE, sushi rice, Sockeye, squash, tamari, greens, sesame, fried onion, spicy togarashi sauce, kelp gomasio
swap sockeye for pickled and root veggies -16
LIME AND BLACK BEAN BOWL, black bean puree, summer squash, cauliflower rice, organic greens, tomatoes and tortilla chips- 14
Two Rivers organic BEEF BURGER on brioche, kewpie mayonnaise, fermented ketchup, mustard, greens, tomato, onion, pickle -14
FALAFEL BURGER, house made patty, kewpie mayonnaise, greens, tomato, pickled vegetables, onion -16
FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH on brioche, pickled jalapenos, pickles, pickled carrots, aged cheddar, kewpie mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato- 16
All sandwiches served with your choice of Kennebec fries or organic green salad -17
Add cheese $2 or two rivers bacon $3.
When looking for more authentic cuisine that is reasonably priced, , stroll up to The Tapa Bar/La Bodega on Broad Street, not too far from Ogden Point. There, you will be tantalized by the variety of Spanish food on offer and the atmosphere is full of beans! 250-383-0093 (reservations are recommended as this is a popular eatery for locals as well as tourists alike.
Well folks, this concludes my blog for today, but more to come in the future. I lived in Victoria for 15 years before I moved to Vancouver and whenever someone approaches me with a question about the island, I always reply, “pack me in your suitcase please”.
Travel On A Dime 