Tag: canada

Seattle, Victoria, & Vancouver

Accepting a gracious invitation to join close friends, I flew to Seattle and began a fun-filled 8-day trip. Because, once you’re in Seattle, you might as well pop up to Canada. But first, we had two days and three nights in Seattle! Our hotel had a roof-top lounge with an epic view of the iconic Space Needle. The wall graphics of the woman dressed in soccer balls is proof that we visited during the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Dinner the first night was in Chinatown at Din Tai Fung. It’s extremely popular so you definitely need reservations. My friends ordered the specialty–soup dumplings. I’m pescatarian but never had a problem finding delicious options everywhere we stopped for food; from market kiosks to fine dining.

Our private tour of the Chihuly Workshop and Boathouse included champagne and narration by a staff member who has worked with Dale Chihuly and his wife for many years.

We watched five artists work together with the ovens and molten glass almost like a ballet creating beautiful components of a sculpture on order. Moving from the workshop, we entered a hallway with a glass ceiling filled with over 2,000 pieces of glass sculpture …

then stopped midway in a room housing Dale’s expansive collection of First Nation woven blankets and pottery.

At the end of the hall is the boardroom. It has six gorgeous Chihuly artworks that are commonly referred to as chandeliers but none of his works have lights so they’re technically hanging sculptures. Fun Fact: This workshop was previously the boathouse for the University of Washington crew team that went to the 1936 Olympics in Berlin (“The Boys in the Boat.”) It’s available to rent for special events. The table is one continuous board and was made from a super-tall tree.

Next up, was the Chihuly cafe and garden. The integration of vegetation and glass art feels so good. I was really inspired by it and only wish the sculptures were more affordable so I could order a dozen or more to be delicately placed throughout our garden.

It’s impossible to choose my favorite piece or even favorite color. They are all so alive with motion and personality. Since they’re handmade, even ones that look similar are each unique.

To continue the day of art, we went to the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) for a private, curated tour of two sections. Like so much art, it was at times beautiful, funny, frightening, or thought-provoking.

There were quite a few pieces by Salvador Dali and other famous artists but the emphasis was on First Nation works by indigenous artists.

As impossible as it may seem, all of that plus a fabulous dinner was in one day! The next day we explored Seattle beginning with famous Pike Market Place.

I enjoyed the flower section most but it was great fun to walk through all of it not knowing what you might find. There were specialty areas for almost everything from produce to teas and books with a lot of hand-crafts like wood and leather creations. Definitely, the most fun was watching the fish salesmen throw the fish to each other (aka flying fish).

Rachel is a 550-pound bronze pig in front of the market and legend is that she will bring you good luck if you rub her snout and make a donation. Proceeds go to the Pike Place Market Foundation which supports local social programs.

I was impressed by the city planning. There were heavily-used, dedicated, bike lanes everywhere and a lot of green space. Many of the tech giants and big companies, including Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks, Boeing, Expedia and Costco, are headquartered in Seattle which speaks to the desirable life-style for its founders and their ability to recruit smart, young employees.

Leaving Seattle by rental car we took the scenic route across the Puget Sound and Olympic Peninsula which included two ferries and a lot of picturesque, small towns. We crossed into Canada by ferry.

By the time we got to Victoria, I was in love with Canada. I’ve been there several times but always on too short of a trip. Back in the day a friend and I drove my little MG Midget up the U.S. coast to Montreal, camped our way across to the Rocky Mountains, drove/hiked/camped south through Banff and Lake Louise with all its splendor, then over to Vancouver before driving south to Pugot Sound Washington to visit a close friend at the Naval base. But even that felt like we were rushing. I suspect it would take years to embrace the Canadian culture and natural beauty.

I was there in July so the weather was absolutely lovely — 70’s or so by day and 50’s or so every night. The winters must be cold and dark plus I hear it’s very expensive to live there but, from my experience, Victoria was a complete delight. The first afternoon I was walking through a small, city park when I saw the tips of antlers bobbing on the other side of a hedge! How surprising to see a deer walking peacefully through a city.

The next day was yet another highlight of the trip — Butchart Gardens in full bloom!

No picture can fully capture the beauty, aroma, and peaceful feeling of the 55-acre gardens.

Afternoon tea fit right in with the old-world elegance of the city and gardens.

But, nothing topped the elegance of happy hour at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. We were served Empress gin & tonic that turns purple since that was the queen’s favorite color. It was an unprecedented explosion of beauty and taste. The elegance of the hotel lounge with a massive bar, numerous sitting areas, and live music can’t be overstated.

Although no royals were present during our visit, the Empress Hotel is certainly fit for a king and queen. This photo shows just the middle section of the huge building.

The next morning, we hopped on our third ferry bound for Vancouver. It’s a bit of a culture shock going from small, lovely Victoria to the big, cosmopolitan city of Vancouver but the variety of the trip kept it interesting. Like all of the Pacific Northwest that we toured, bike lanes were everywhere, it was very pedestrian-friendly, and ride-shares were easy. Our first activity was a self-guided tour of Gastown and happy hour at Top of Vancouver, the revolving restaurant with a view of the entire city.

Gastown is the oldest neighborhood in Vancouver — with cobblestone streets and Victorian buildings from the 19th century; it has a very cool vibe. The historic steam-powered clock draws a crowd when it blows a whistle on the top of each hour.

I hesitate to say anything negative about this great city but walking through Chinatown, even in mid-afternoon, was not fun. There were homeless people on the streets that appeared to be doing drugs and were completely stoned or passed out on the sidewalks.

Right after breakfast the next day we drove to Capilano Suspension Bridge and walked the maze of elevated bridges including this giant suspension bridge.

The afternoon was spent at Stanley Park, an urban park reminiscent of Central Park but bigger, of almost 1,000 square acres with nature trails, wildlife, beaches, cafes and so much to offer. I could have happily stayed in the park much longer than our time allowed.

Our last day was devoted to Vancouver city sites. Again, the FIFA World Cup influence was everywhere.

The sunny weather had turned to clouds, mist, and some rain which I understand is typical weather for Vancouver. Fortunately, we found plenty to enjoy inside while still getting the benefit of the lovely views. We watched a Disney cruise depart from the Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal that has a giant roof resembling sails. The terminal was built for the 1986 World Expo and it has become a symbol of the city.

There is evidence of a vibrant art and cultural community at every turn. The 65-ft, bright blue raindrop sculpture on the left side of the photo below is allegedly symbolic of the power of nature but I suspect it’s also in homage to the rainfall. The city’s nickname is “Raincouver.”

We popped into a lovely art gallery with some beautiful paintings and sculptures including this Dali piece of Lady Godiva on horseback with butterflies on her legs.

We had so many delicious meals that it’s difficult to single out any one but I’ll close with one of the many beautiful, tasty desserts.

Here’s our complete itinerary …

Thursday July 9

Fly from Virginia Beach, VA (ORF) to Seattle, Washington (SEA), check in to the Astra Hotel; dinner at Din Tai Fung in Chinatown

Friday July 10

Chihuly Workshop & Boathouse for a champagne tour then lunch at the Chihuly Cafe & Garden; private, curated tour at the Seattle Art Museum (SAM), dinner at Chinook’s at Salmon Bay

Saturday July 11

Pike Place Market; explore downtown; dinner at Tilikum Place Cafe

Sunday July 12

Thirty-five minute ferry across Puget Sound; scenic drive through the Olympic Peninsula; second ferry across the boarder to Canada, clear immigration; check in to Victoria Inner Harbour Marriott Hotel; two-hour walking tour of Victoria; dinner at Marilena Cafe & Raw Bar

Monday July 13

Butchart Gardens; afternoon tea at the gardens; happy hour at the Fairmont Empress Hotel; dinner at Il Terrazzo Ristorante

Tuesday July 14

Ferry Transfer from Victoria to Vancouver; check in to Marriott Vancouver Downtown Hotel; self-guided walking tour of Gastown; explore Chinatown; dinner at Boa Bei Chinese Brasserie

Wednesday July 15

Capilano Suspension Bridge; lunch at Quay Market; Stanley Park; dinner at Blue Water Cafe

Thursday July 16

Drive from Vancouver to Seattle and fly back to Virginia

At the time of our visit, there were political tensions between the United States and Canada. Many people asked us what we thought of the tariffs and comments by our president. As one might imagine, they were not amused. I heard many people say that they are boycotting U.S. products and avoiding travel to the States but everyone was polite and let us know that we were welcomed in their country. At no time did I ever feel anger; just peaceful resistance.

This trip was very much about making memories with friends and it turned out great. The beautiful places we visited were bonus to the main atraction of spending time together. As all trips do, there came an end and I returned home to Virginia Beach while my friends moved on to other destinations. My flights were all good; no cancellations and a single delay that was nominal. While it’s true that “there’s no place like home,” somehow home is even more precious after I leave it to explore new horizons then come back to my loved ones, bed, piano, garden, and all the things that make it my favorite place on earth. How incredibly fortunate I am to travel freely then return whenever I like.

God bless America — all of it, including Canada.

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“Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow ripening fruit.” Aristotle

“Never miss an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God’s handwriting.” Ralph Waldo Emerson