Cycling Victoria, B.C.

Sometimes when out and about one must find a means of transportation. That was the case with J and L in the lovely city of Victoria, British Columbia.

The Emerald Princess dropped the explorers at the docks in the late afternoon, where, of course, that far north the sun is a friend until after 10 pm, so the afternoon was extended. The question was - do we walk and sight see or find another means of transportation?

Not the Emerald Princess - but sort of like disembarking in Victoria

Many fellow cruisers had arranged excursions and so they boarded buses and taxis. Others decided to just hoof it to town, a short twenty minute walk away. We wanted to explore. So when we spied a large white container at the end of the dock with dozens of bicycles for rent, we opted to roll through town. Victoria Bike Rentals had it all: twenty-one speed bikes, helmets, and even a small bag with emergency supplies. Of course, there was the mandatory item - the bike lock in case the intrepid peddler wanted to do some shopping, or perhaps take a pit-stop at a local pub, and still ensure the bicycle would remain attached to the post where it had been parked.

Ready to saddle up

Inexpensive way to travel - so we jumped on the leather seats and were on our way.

The afternoon was warm and we weren't entirely prepared. We had traveled to Alaska and expected nothing but cool weather. But late that summer afternoon, the temperature in Victoria was hovering around the mid-eighties. A heat wave had arrived. We were wearing jeans and long sleeved shirts.

John was awing and hoping not to get lost

After ten minutes, L was glistening and I was sweating as we peddled around the capital city of British Columbia, Canada. Perspiration or not, the city was stunning . The green trees, elegant homes and wide streets made cycling more than fun, but almost inspirational. Everywhere we looked there were sights which awed.

Laureen wondering where to ride in Chinatown

The city was named after the Queen of England back in 1843. Queen Victoria (actually Fort Victoria since it was trading post for the Hudson's Bay Company) and is the one of the oldest cities in the entire Pacific Northwest. The city boasts a population of nearly 400,000 and is growing. And it's easy to see why. Beautiful street after beautiful street met us as we peddled in the sunshine. Following a simple map given to us by Victoria Bike Rentals, we were able to make our way block after block visiting such sights as: the Government House, Craigdarroch Castle, Chinatown (which is the oldest in the west besides San Francisco), Butchart Gardens, Oak Bay Marina, the Empress Hotel, and more.

the Empress Hotel

Whatever means of transportation, it is imperative to get out and take a walk about, or in this case, perhaps a ride a about. It was more than memorable - it was a great way of taking an adventure in a short time and truly explore more of what is in our northern neighbors back yards, as it were. Faster than walking, we could cover more ground, see more sights. Slower than a car or bus, we could stop and soak in those sights, and speak with some locals. That is how we discovered Craigdarroch Castle, which, among its other claims to fame, served as the backdrop, along with Hatley Castle, for the blockbuster film, X-Men. As a matter of interest, Vancouver Island has served a the location for several major films, including both X-Men, Disney's Descendants, MacGyver, Outer Limits, The Man Who Wouldn't Die, Final Destination, Gracepoint, Emile, the Year of the Dragon, and White Chicks. As beautiful as this island is...we shouldn't be surprised.

Craigharroch Castle

But our highlight was when we stumbled unexpectedly, amid the company of flowers, trees and grazing deer, upon what is believed to be the world's second largest Totem Pole, situated in the Beacon Hill Park. Carved in 1954 by Mungo Martin, David Martin and Henry Hunt, it stands at an outstanding height of 127 ft and 7 inches. 

The World's second tallest Totem Pole

And isn't that what is important in life? Going out and looking for new adventures.

Fifteen miles and a couple of pubs later, we returned the bikes, retaining the memory of having a marvelous time with the sights we had seen.

A Totem Pole at the Government House showing perspective

A funny sidenote:  when we did return the bikes we were met by the owner, Ryan Oleschuk, who asked if we had stopped at a particular pub during our ride by the waterfront. Of course we did! It was a lovely late afternoon and after peddling it was time to cool down with a chilly libation. He agreed and then told us he had been worried since he recognized his rental bicycles as he drove by the pub and noticed the seats had been removed but the bikes were locked to a bicycle parking bar.

We had taken them off the bikes just in case someone may have wanted to 'borrow' them permanently, an old habit for former urban city-dwellers. He laughed and said that was the first time he had ever seen that done. J then advised Ryan that a seat had been stolen off his own bike once and he had to ride seven miles home standing up. He had learned that lesson the hard way.

Smiles all around - what a wonderful experience - visiting a beautiful city in a wonderful country and sharing stories.

Traveling is all about that. Go out and enjoy.

For further information for getting around Victoria, B.C. -

victoriabikerentals.com

www.visitacity.com