Postcards from Montreal: "Beautiful British Columbia": Vancouver and Victoria

Once we had finally reached the end of our train journey, over eight hours late, we arrived in Vancouver. It was warm, there was NO snow, there was . . . GRASS, and beautiful cherry blossom. I was one happy camper, well hotel-stay-inner. As we'd lost most of our first day, of only two, we stopped only momentarily at our hotel in English Bay before heading out to explore Stanley Park and get our bearings.

Following four days on a train, stretching our legs . . . especially in such fair weather and with such beautiful views was a delight. I had fantastic time travelling with Mum before I headed to my conference, and I'll leave it mostly to the pictures (and they're quite a few . . .) to speak for themselves.

Day One: English Bay, Stanley Park and Vancouver Skyline

Anyone knows me knows how I feel about lighthouses. Especially red and white stripy ones...

Day Two: Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is ultimately . . . a bridge across a very picturesque gorge. However the whole location was really worth the visit. Throughout the trees, impossibly tall and straight, there were several walkways, and most impressively a new metal walkway that hangs over the gorge, a series of cantilevered bridges anchored to the stone at only sixteen points.

We then took a cable car up Grouse Mountain. We had dinner reservations at the Observatory Restaurant and spent the time prior to it exploring the peak. It was incredibly quiet as a lack of snow has closed nearly all of the ski slopes up there, but it left us time to walk in the silence with staggering views. We wandered within inches of two bears hibernating in the bear sanctuary, and I attempted to ice skate however the ice was so melted that I settled an inch straight into it! Our meal was lovely, and the sunset was beautiful: So. Much. Sky.

Day 3: The Float Plane to Victoria, Vancouver Island

We were up bright and early to fly across to Victoria from the mainland for my conference. Normally the journey isn't one of the very exciting bits of a holiday, but this was a really unique experience. Apologies for the windows getting in the way of all of these shots!

Days 4 and 5: Exploring Victoria

While for the most part I was based at the University of Victoria (originally a college of McGill, who knew) or with my host in the neighbourhood of Oak Bay, I had a little time to explore in the brief while I was as far from home that I had ever been! I won't dwell on the conference here, other than to say it was (what a surprise) another fantastic experience that I glad to have added to my academic arsenal and I was very glad to meet some very warm and wise people.

British Columbia Parliament Buildings

Having woken up to -30 degrees and snow for the last few months, opening my window to sunshine - and indeed a nest of bald eagles - was a real joy. I walked along Oak Bay and instantly decided I was going to retire here, one day, I mean look at that for a view!

Oak Bay: I'm going to retire here.

Fisherman's Wharf, part of Victoria harbour, is a beautiful little alcove home to the floating houses. Not house boats, these require another boat to move anywhere, but each of these are occupied year-round and there are no vacancies at present! It was a very sweet place with live music, fresh seafood and some friendly seals. I popped on the water taxi home, a tiny vessel that genuinely looked like a bright yellow toy boat for $4 and was overall just in total disbelief that it was so sunny and summery. I even stood on an actually sandy beach (I am typing this as it is -22C outside).