It was the only one open late. We got in after 8pm and then he just gave us a tour around. We negotiated a price with him when we got in and honestly it was what we were looking for. Living in Hawai'i, Victoria was pretty chilly for us, so we did a lot of riding around, grabbed donuts and timbits and then walked a bit in town before heading back.
The cruise ships have to stop in a foreign port like Victoria because of the USA's Jones Act of 1885? The reason they only stay a few hours is because the Cruise lines own most of the attractions and gift shops in Alaska and that's where they want you to spend your money!
@@helgazoomer1461 yep, the Jones act makes it so you have to touch foreign land. But they used to stay in Victoria longer, however not so much anymore. But nowadays they do have overnights in Vancouver on some sailings.
So glad you’re recommending diy tour because we also only have 5 hours in the evening. But did you actually have the time to go to Butchart gardens? On their website it says it takes about an hour by cab from the port 😅
If you leave immediately , it's about a 25-30 min drive in each direction. You would definitely have to watch your time closely but you can do it for sure.
@@michellestruik8069 depending on mobility and weather, I usually advise for people to grab the bus or cab. It was really cold so we were glad we took the cab, I wouldn't personally walk it.
@@Cruisingfoodies You definitely CAN walk, many do, it's a scenic walk along the water and you walk by Fisherman's Wharf. I know Americans don't like to walk anywhere , but many do here.
@brentwoodbay yes you can walk but at night and if anyone has limited mobility I usually advise a cab in town, also depending on weather. There's lots of factors that I consider for anybody traveling. We personally walked 11 miles in one day in Rome but there's plenty of people that would not care to do that whether or not they're American
Thanks for all of the ideas and info! It looks beautiful!!
Definitely recommend checking it out, even if it's just for a few hours.
If one Timmy's was open then all of them were open, that taxi driver took you for a ride!
It was the only one open late. We got in after 8pm and then he just gave us a tour around. We negotiated a price with him when we got in and honestly it was what we were looking for. Living in Hawai'i, Victoria was pretty chilly for us, so we did a lot of riding around, grabbed donuts and timbits and then walked a bit in town before heading back.
I’ve talked to a few Hams in British Columbia. Very interesting folks. Nice people. Thanks for sharing this with us.
They are definitely nice people. Everyone we met was so sweet and welcoming.
Thank you for visiting Canada, hope you had fun. As a home-sick Canadian living abroad, thanks. Come back.
@@SchnuffiJames tysm for watching. We hope to be back in Canada real soon!
The cruise ships have to stop in a foreign port like Victoria because of the USA's Jones Act of 1885? The reason they only stay a few hours is because the Cruise lines own most of the attractions and gift shops in Alaska and that's where they want you to spend your money!
@@helgazoomer1461 yep, the Jones act makes it so you have to touch foreign land. But they used to stay in Victoria longer, however not so much anymore. But nowadays they do have overnights in Vancouver on some sailings.
Great thanks for the ideas going to alaska for the first time next month!
You're gonna love it. Lots to see and explore
Thank you for the taxi idea for short visits.
Absolutely, they were super willing to negotiate prices and customize a tour to our interests
We enjoyed touring Victoria as well. I wish we could've stayed a bit longer... maybe next time
Definitely a cute little town to visit. Next time check out butchart gardens
So glad you’re recommending diy tour because we also only have 5 hours in the evening. But did you actually have the time to go to Butchart gardens? On their website it says it takes about an hour by cab from the port 😅
If you leave immediately , it's about a 25-30 min drive in each direction. You would definitely have to watch your time closely but you can do it for sure.
How far is the Empress Hotel, Fairmont and Parliament to Chinatown please?
@@icedteamama176 it was about a 15 minute walk for us including traffic and lights.
@ so we could take a taxi downtown and just walk to these places? Thank you!
@icedteamama176 absolutely, that's exactly what we did only we asked for a little tour around first and strip to Tim Hortons
How to find a cab on the way back to the ship is there an area where you go to get a cab?
Yes, right across from the empress hotel by the waterfront, there were lots of cabs. You'll also see them right by the parliament building
High Tea for 90 to almost 140? But if it's worth it, why not. It's does look like a luxury old school.hotel which I like.🤙
LOL, I don't know if I'd say it's worth it but it's definitely an experience. You're there for the experience, right ? hahahahah
It's not HIGH tea but afternoon tea which is quite different!
What month did you visit?
@@TheOriginalMarimoChan this trip was in June,we were there in May as well and once in October
what was the name of the ice cream shop?
Victoria Ice Cream & Fudge Factory on Government St
@@Cruisingfoodies Thank you!
Its a far away the cruise port to british columbia downtown ? Need a vehicle?
You definitely cannot walk but there are cabs every minute or so. It was super quick n easy by cab.
It is roughly a 20 minute walk, no need for a vehicle.
@@michellestruik8069 depending on mobility and weather, I usually advise for people to grab the bus or cab. It was really cold so we were glad we took the cab, I wouldn't personally walk it.
@@Cruisingfoodies You definitely CAN walk, many do, it's a scenic walk along the water and you walk by Fisherman's Wharf. I know Americans don't like to walk anywhere , but many do here.
@brentwoodbay yes you can walk but at night and if anyone has limited mobility I usually advise a cab in town, also depending on weather. There's lots of factors that I consider for anybody traveling. We personally walked 11 miles in one day in Rome but there's plenty of people that would not care to do that whether or not they're American