Victoria

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Monday was, in large measure, a sea day as Carnival Pride made her way down the length of Vancouver Island, in view in the distance most of the day. Naturalist Louise kept passengers apprised of whale sightings throughout the day. None approached the ship closer than several hundred yards. Dipping around Vancouver Island's southwest tip, we entered the Strait of Juan De Fuca late in the afternoon. Port Angeles, Washington, was then visible to the south, and after a while, Victoria came into view to the north. Carnival Pride made a port call at Victoria, British Colombia, to count for the ship having traveled outside the USA during the voyage.

We docked around 8:00 p.m. Passengers could go ashore at 8:30 p.m. Shuttle buses to downtown were available, but many decided to take off on foot. Susan and I booked the Horse-drawn Trolley Tour. The hour-long ride around central Victoria was delightful. Allison, our driver and guide, introduced us to her two Percherons and gave an ongoing narration of the sights we were seeing. We clip-clopped past many heritage houses in the James Bay neighborhood and learned they must be maintained in their original colors. Some of the colors revealed codes. In times past, a red door meant a traveler was welcome to enjoy a meal at that home and to stay the night. A blue door meant that the family had an eligible daughter. Reaching downtown, our vehicle took us past the Confederation Fountain, the Parliament Buildings (seat of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia), the Fairmont Empress Hotel, the Victoria Cenotaph, and the Birdcage, the oldest market in Victoria. Parliament was brilliantly illuminated in an outline of lights, reminding me of Tivoli in Copenhagen. Alison continued her narration by telling us the story of Emily Carr (1871-1945), a local artist and unconventional woman who became known for her paintings of First Nations subjects. Her home is one of the heritage houses in the neighborhood. As an added bit of fun, we passed the “0” mile marker on the Trans-Canada Highway. The souvenir shop at the cruise port was mobbed, so we did not tarry for last-minute souvenirs of Canada. We were back at the ship and on board long before 11:30 p.m., the time set to return.

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Photos

Parliament Buildings
The British Columbia Parliament Buildings in Victoria, BC, are home to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. Built in 1893-1897.
"The Parliament Buildings, forming a tasteful group in a square adjoining James Bay, include the Parliament House, the Provincial, Museum, a Library, and the Government Offices."--Baedeker 1909.
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Vancouver Island
In the Salish Sea off Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Carnival Spirit.
"Vancouver Island, at the S. extremity of which Victoria lies, is 290 M. long and 50-80 M. wide, with an area of 20,000 sq. M."--Baedeker 1909.
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Victoria, BC
"Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is a quaint and quiet little city with about 26,000 inhab., forming a strong contrast to the bustling cities we have just been visiting on the American shores of the Sound."--Baedeker 1909.
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Victoria Pilot Boat
Charles H. Cates IV, pilot boat at Victoria BC. Seaspan tug built in 1974, 31 grt. MMSI: 316005724.
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Victoria Cruise Terminal
Welcome to Victoria, Canada, at the Victoria Cruise Terminal.
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Maidment House
Maidment House, built in 1891. A Heritage House in James Bay, Victoria, BC. 119 Oswego Street.
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Patton House
Patton House, a 1½-storey, front-gabled Italianate Cottage built in 1884-1885. A Heritage House in James Bay, Victoria, BC.
"...most of the private residences stand in gardens rich in shrubs and flowers."--Baedeker 1909.
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Kildonan
Kildonan, a 1½-storey, front-gabled, Arts & Crafts house built in 1911. A Heritage House in James Bay, Victoria, BC. 160 Rendall Street/351 Simcoe Street.
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James Bay Branch Library
Greater Victoria Public Library James Bay Branch. Opened in 2018. 385 Menzies Street.
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Carriage House
The Tudor Revival Carriage House, built in 1911 for the BC Parliament, is now used for storage. Heritage building in James Bay, Victoria, BC. 401 Menzies Street.
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Confederation Garden Court
The Confederation Garden Court features a natural stone wall with the shields of Canada's provinces and territories. It was created in 1967 to recognize the 100th anniversary ​of Canada's Confederation.
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Parliament Buildings
The British Columbia Parliament Buildings in Victoria, BC, are home to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. Built in 1893-1897.
"The Parliament Buildings, forming a tasteful group in a square adjoining James Bay, include the Parliament House, the Provincial, Museum, a Library, and the Government Offices."--Baedeker 1909.
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Knowledge Totem Pole
The Knowledge Totem Pole at the British Columbia Parliament Buildings. The totem pole was carved in 1990 by Coast Salish artist Cicero August and his sons Darrel and Doug August.
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The Douglas Obelisk
​​​​​​​​​​Sir James Douglas Monument. Sir James Douglas was the Chief Factor of Fort Victoria​ for the Hudson's Bay Company. He later became the Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the colonies of Vancouver Island and British Columbia from 1851 to 1864. He was primarily responsible for ensuring that the Island and mainland of B.C. remained British after the company's withdrawal.​ Installed in 1879.
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Fairmont Empress
Fairmont Empress Hotel. Built as The Empress for Canadian Pacific Railway in 1904-1908. Châteauesque style. It is a sister to the Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City. 721 Government Street.
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British Columbia Legislature Cenotaph
The British Columbia Legislature Cenotaph, also known as the Victoria Cenotaph, honors Canadian soldiers killed in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Afghanistan Mission. Dedicated in 1925.
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Birdcage Confectionary
Birdcage Confectionary. Corner store built in 1915. Heritage building in James Bay, Victoria, BC. 501 Government Street.
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The Beacon Drive-In
The Beacon Drive-In Restaurant. Opened in 1958. 126 Douglas Street.
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Horse-Drawn Omnibus
Victoria Carriage Tours operates "Horse-Drawn Trolley" tours of Old Town Victoria, BC, from the cruise terminal. But these vehicles do not run on tracks, So I would call them an omnibus rather than a trolley or a tram. The horses are Percherons.
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Carnival Spirit
Carnival Spirt at Pier A, Ogden Point Terminal, Victoria, BC. Spirit class. Launched in 2000, 88,500 gt. IMO: 9188647. MMSI: 229136000.
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