Our Victoria trip started out at the Tsawassen Ferry Terminal, where we almost missed the boat! The ferry was scheduled to depart at 9:00am sharp, we bought our ticket at 8:55 and were the LAST CAR on the ferry! Talk about a close call! Normally, the first Monday morning sailing is very busy as people are heading back to Vancouver Island after spending the weekend in Vancouver. Speaking of Vancouver, you can read about our trip to that city. It wasn't busy this particular day, however which meant that the ferry left right on schedule. We were one of the luckier customers who managed to ride on a "Super Ferry", the latest edition to the BC Ferry Fleet. Basically, the super ferry contains vast vehicle deck space, a quiet ride, lush comfortable seating, and two full-size passenger decks. Not to mention more horsepower which translates into a shorter sailing time: 90 minutes from Tsawassen to Swartz Bay. We got some pictures aboard this great vessel.

The ferry sailing runs across the Strait of Georgia, and then through a narrow waterway called "Active Pass" which separates Mayne and Galiano islands. Those fortunate enough to own waterfront property on these Gulf islands enjoy a relaxed lifestyle complete with ocean views and beautiful island setting. The only drawback is having to put up with ferries blasting their horns as they enter Active Pass. After Active Pass, the ferry continues across to dock at Swartz Bay.

It's about a half-hour drive from Swartz Bay to Downtown Victoria, along the Pat Bay highway (Highway #17). Along the way we stopped off at a Geological Museum where they had displays of all the different ocean and coastlines around the area. We were going to enter the Aviation Museum but they were charging too much admission. So we ventured downtown and into the new Victoria Square Mall. We stopped for lunch at a fast-food chain in the food court. After that we stopped for a look at the historic Parliament Buildings, where our B.C. Government conducts their affairs. We got some real kick-ass pictures in front of the fountain, using the buildings as a backdrop.

Then on to the highlight of our trip: The wet & wild West Coast of Vancouver Island! We took scenic Highway #14 west out of Victoria and the first real small town we hit was Sooke. I could immediately tell the difference in atmosphere between the hectic, high-paced urban lifestyle and the more laid-back, carefree West Coast lifestyle. What a refreshing change! We talked to some locals who recommended a place called "French Beach" to see the open Pacific Ocean. We were on our way past Sooke when we came across a sign that said "Check Your Fuel!" Glancing at the gas gauge, we realized that we weren't gonna make it, so we made a U-turn back to Sooke to gas up.

French beach was great! I ventured into the water and much to my dismay it was FREEZING!! It was only February, so that might have explained it :-) The waves weren't big enough for our liking so we decided to head further up island. Along the way, the highway deteriorated into a twisty, paved over logging road with switch backs and one-lane bridges all over the place. We made excruciatingly slow progress for the next 30 miles until finally hitting Port Renfrew, the official end of the highway. For some unknown reason, they had the speed limit set at 45 miles per hour (70 km/h) even though we never even went close to 30. The scenery, however was awesome. Large wilderness areas, completete with few logging roads into the wilderness added a sense of isolation. Apparently, BC undertook a large tree planting project in the 1950's in response to a large environmental movement. The result of the project can be seen today, with much of the forest being second growth. It was another 2 miles along rough gravel road to a place called Botanical Beach. We got a picture of me doing some skilled off road driving over puddles. Once at the end of the road, it was a hop, skip, and a jump down a trail to the beach.

The beach itself was breathtakingly beautiful. Aside from a bit of land at the tip of Juan de Fuca Strait, the beach faced completely open water across the Pacific Ocean. As the wind was blowing southeast that day, we got the brunt of the surf from the open ocean. What an experience! Waves in excess of 6 feet would come pounding on the rocks, with an occasional 10 footer. I was playing a bit of 'wave chicken' by running out on the rocks and trying to get as close to the water as possible before being swamped by the next wave. 'Twas fun.

By the time we headed back to the ferries, it was pitch black and I had to negotiate the twisty highway back in the dark. It was pretty freaky, as we could maybe see 10 feet in front of us the entire time with only the centre line to use as a guide. And we were using the high-beams too! We got back to the ferries just in time for the 9:00pm sailing back to Tsawassen. As we waited for the boat, urbania welcomed us back with a big-screen TV designed to be watched in your car while waiting in line. You tune in to a radio station and basically watch non-stop advertising. Joy. Anyways we caught the last ferry for the night back and then arrived back home very tired after a great trip!
--by Steve Ruelle

Some links...

• Canada Vacations - Order FREE Brochure!
• City of Victoria
• Victoria & Vancouver Island Travel Guide
• Victoria BC - City of Gardens
• Victoria Networks
• Map of Downtown Victoria
• More sites...