Day and night, morning and evening, good and bad, lager and stout.
I could almost leave it there (I know, but I won’t!) as this about describes our trip to Victoria last weekend.
If you’re going to spend some time in a city, then Victoria is a pretty good one. Much is made of the relatively warm and dry climate, and we were lucky enough to have a mostly dry weekend. Not sunny, but dry. Other Victoria plus points? Waterside location, distant mountains, not too big, a mostly walkable downtown, many coffee shops and microbreweries, and the rather lovely Royal BC Museum.
We stayed at Spinnakers over in Esquimault because it is only a short waterside walk from the downtown. At night, the lights reflecting on the water was a sparkly sight, and by day there’s always a floatplane taking off or landing, as well as various marine craft large and small. Spinnakers claims to be the oldest craft brewery in Canada, producing decent beer since 1984. I believe Mrs PC suggested we stay there, and after much protest, I agreed.
The beer menu is quite substantial, although once I’d ruled out sours and ciders, it all became manageable. Mrs PC enjoyed their Pilsner, I preferred the Original Pale Ale. And the Scottish ale. And the PNW ale. And the imperial stout. And the nut brown. Anyway, enough about breakfast.
Should you find yourself in Victoria, can I recommend the First Peoples gallery at the museum? Excellent displays depicting life pre and post European contact, with thoughtful and thought-provoking exhibits. Many items included original language as well as English explanations, and it was a joy to hear the language out loud. I know I’m preaching to the choir here, but the connection to – and respect for – land and sea came over as common sense time and again. We’ve lost so much, yet could still look back to find a model to help us move forward, environmentally speaking. Oh, and while we’re using common sense, let’s include total respect for ancestors and elders. Who’d have thought?
Enough of the preaching, because you’re probably desperate to know which beer was my favourite? Being a decisive sort, and after much consideration, I think it was the Original Pale Ale. No, the PNW ale. No, the stout, or was it the nut brown? The Scottish? My memory is failing me here, so I’ll have to go back for another visit, put in some proper research time. I think Mrs PC will insist on staying there again. Oh well…
Thanks for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
OldPlaidCamper 
I totally love your first paragraph, haha Dickens’ book The Tale of Two Cities came to mind. Victoria is a fantastic city and when we visited back in the ’80’s. We spent about 5 hours at the museum which isn’t very long but we had young children with us at the time. I especially loved all First Nation artifacts.
I have to come back to read this more in depth later. I just had to shout out “me too”! in regards to your post. If I could I would go back for another visit. Have a wonderful weekend!
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Thanks, Margaret! Victoria is a lovely little city, and I hope you do get a chance to visit again.
Have a great week!
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I had a really fun time reading this Victoria post, pc, all the beer jokes had me laughing pretty hard. I’ve been to this sparkling city once, and wouldn’t mind going again; and it’s clean and thriving and gorgeous with all the waterfront views and activities. Your photos were lovely, especially liked the Parliament Building at night. This is where I laughed the hardest: “Mrs PC enjoyed their Pilsner, I preferred the Original Pale Ale. And the Scottish ale. And the PNW ale. And the imperial stout. And the nut brown. Anyway, enough about breakfast.” Cheers, my friend!
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Cheers, Jet! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day…
Glad you liked this one, and it’s nice to know you’ve enjoyed a visit to Victoria – it does sparkle, rain or shine.
I hope your week is going well!
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Reminds me of an old adage, “Beer, More Than Just a Breakfast Drink!” And to taste it there, no matter the time of day, must have been an awesome appointment to the tour of waterfront, museum, Spinnakers, and all… A fine post, PC, a sure-fire inspiration for anyone, like myself, to visit and enjoy this western province.
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Great adage, Walt! Hmm, if I ever do find myself with beer for breakfast, it’s probably too late to intervene meaningfully…
You’d enjoy BC, a place of lakes, mountains and mighty rivers, as well as the fabulous rainforest coast. I believe the fishing can be pretty good for those that are looking for it!
Thanks, and I hope your week has got off to a good start!
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Enjoy your visit! I like what you said about the respect for the land and sea, hearing original languages (Yay!) and respect for the elders and ancestors. I watched a heart-warming video today at Athabasca university about Indigenous artists getting ready for a festival in the Yukon called “Adaka” meaning “coming into the light.”
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Thanks, Jane! We did enjoy our visit, particularly to the museum. Some of my indigenous colleagues are learning their language, reviving, rediscovering and rejoicing in being able to do so. They come into the schools to share their learning, such important work. There are fewer than ten fluent speakers of the local dialect, and huge efforts are being made to learn from these elders. It’s part of the program at the new preschool recently opened by the nation.
I like the sound of the video you described from the Yukon.
I hope your week is off to a good start!
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Wonderful photos, especially enjoyed the shots of the Parliament Building and Taxi! Hope you’ve had a relaxing weekend after having to make so many beer menu decisions last weekend, although I disagree with that cider decision. With the waterside location, coffee shops and walkable downtown, it sounds like a great city to visit and lucky Mrs. PC saved you one less decision by choosing such a great place to stay!
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Thank you! My youngest brother drinks cider and will not drink beer. I don’t think we are actually related…
Yup, Mrs PC chooses the best places to stay – anything to keep me quiet if we must visit a city!
I hope your week is off to a good start.
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