Amy Marie Visits: Victoria - By Bike & Boat
What could be better than docking in front of the Empress Hotel Approaching Victoria from the water is an interesting exercise. The city is located on the southeast corner of Vancouver Island and just off the Straits of Juan de Fuca. This is an area notorious for strong currents, confused seas, and wild winds. It did not disappoint. We experienced all three as we rounded the corner and wove our way through the Chatham Islands towards the inner harbor. The sea conditions could be compared to boating inside a washing machine. There were no waves. That implies some semblance of order. Instead, the water was jumping and spinning randomly. We followed two fishing boats, on the assumption that they were locals and knew the best route through the islands, rocks, and reefs. They were also much larger than us. If they didn't hit anything, then we would not either. The plan worked. We turned to starboard, passed the cru...