We wanted a quick getaway from Seattle so popped up to Victoria for a night.  We’ve been wanting to try a seaplane for years and Kenmore Air offers a few options daily.  It’s a quick 45 minute flight from Lake Union in Seattle to Victoria, and no hassle with airport security lines etc. – door to door a very quick and convenient way to go, with a sense of adventure thrown in.

The flight between Seattle and Victoria Harbour is gorgeous with spectacular views of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands.

Kenmore Air lands right in Victoria Harbour, and you can walk or taxi to lodging from there.  In addition to the traditional taxi cabs, you can also take a water taxi.   The taxis stop at various locations around the harbor.  The fare is $6 one way or $10 round trip.  You don’t need to buy tickets in advance and can buy them from the captain on board.

 

The Empress is an icon in the Victoria waterfront.  But the hotel was under renovation and most of the front was covered in scaffolding.  Normally this is a must-see, perhaps a stop for high tea?  There’s a rose garden around the south side that is worth a look too.

Walking past the Empress, we continued our stroll through the Inner Harbour, around the marina and past the Parliament Buildings.

This getaway was all about relaxation for us, so after our walk we headed back to the hotel for a massage and a cocktail overlooking the water.

That evening on our walk back to the hotel after dinner, we were treated to a gorgeous sunset.

We woke up the next morning to great views of the harbor and the sun shining.  (What, you see clouds?  I’m from Seattle – I see BLUE SKY!)

An easy 10 minute walk from the Inner Harbour is Fisherman’s Wharf.  (You can also take a water taxi.)  There you will find colorful houseboats (most are currently lived in), some walk up food options, and a few shops and tour guides.  It’s a great spot to grab some fish and chips and enjoy the surroundings.

 

Some popular wharf visitors hang around the docks begging for food.  You can buy raw fish at The Fish Store to feed to them.  Be careful, they might hypnotize you with their eyes and get you to buy more and more fish for them.

 

This was a quick trip for us, we could have easily spent more time in Victoria.  I’d love to take a floatplane again too.  This itinerary I just came across from Kenmore Air sounds fun.  Maybe next time!