Peaceful Gorge is aptly named. What a lovely serene spot on the water but nicely connected by bus (and shanks’s pony!) into downtown Victoria and beyond. We parked our car and never needed to drive for 4 days. We came for the annual Victoria Classic Boat Festival in the Harbor and were overwhelmed by the beauty, history and adventures of all the boats just a quick 20-minute bus ride away or hour by foot. Favorite restaurant: The Flying Otter Grill (one of Brenda’s recommendations). Great fun watching the bustling harbor full of float planes, whale watching boats and water taxis taking people to and fro. Order the paella — it was even our waiter’s favorite!!!
Back at Brenda’s place, we enjoyed having coffee every morning and wine in the evening outside on the patio, watching the tide come and go, flowing past the property. We also enjoyed seeing canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, row boats, tour boats — and seals which put them all to shame with their natural grace and agility.
If you can pull yourself away from sitting by the water, it’s a lovely stroll right around the corner in Gorge Park to see families swimming and playing at the end on the point and look over the water and see the happy red Adirondack chairs you’ve relinquished back at Brenda’s place. Along the way, learn the fascinating history of the history and evolution of the Gorge and waterway. Brenda herself is a very warm, gracious and knowledgeable host, having grown up in Victoria, and it was a delight to meet Peter briefly too, keeping the property ship shape. Thanks to both of you for a lovely stay on the US Labor Day holiday weekend!