Victoria, B.C.--Poutines, Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf

Victoria, B.C.- Crown Princess Wine Country Coastal Cruise Day 7, May 1, 2015

After we got off the bus across from Fairmont Empress, we walked along the harbor to find the restaurant ChC had in mind for lunch. It was just a beautiful day to be in this gorgeous city.

Boat show in the harbor.

                            

We just followed Wharf Street and found the Flying Otter Grill.

It was close to 2:30, so the restaurant was not full. We got a table by the window. 

What a wonderful view!

ChC had his eyes set on the poutines...

                           

and I had a delicious club sandwich which came with a side of ceasar salad.

After our satisfying lunch, we continued our walk on Wharf Street to Bastion Square.

Bastion Square Entrance on Government Street.

After a couple of blocks we reached Chinatown.

Fisgard and Government Street, the second oldest Chinatown in N. America.

While on the bus back from Butchart Gardens, the driver told us about Fantan Alley, which had been shown in many movies. I am not a movie person and did not remember the movies that he mentioned.

Fantan Alley is right next to the Fantan Cafe (where the yellow sign is.)

Fantan Alley

The alley is very narrow and when other tourists wanted to walk in, we walked back out to the street to clear the way for them. After walking up and down the street looking at stores we walked back into the alley. This time we walked all the way to the other end (Pandora Avenue.)

Double-Happiness. I assume that these are bike racks?

We spent some time exploring the downtown area and finally back to the harbor. These water-taxis looked so cute and fun that we decided to catch a ride on one of these back to the port. It cost $5pp. from here to Fisherman's Wharf, a short walk from the pier.

Inside the water-taxi.

Last glance of the Fairmont Empress from the water-taxi.

The Flying Otter Grill

Our water-taxi arrival at Fisherman's Wharf.

Very unique house boats.

When we were ready to leave, we walked up this ramp to the parking lot...

followed the signs...

enjoyed a leisurely walk...

back to the pier where two princesses were docked on that day.

A picture of the port from the ship.

Open-seating for dinner this evening because of the late sailing out. 

We had a quiet dinner at a table for two in Botticelli.

A perfect ending to a wonderful cruise.

Our ship was to leave port at 11:59, but for some reason it left port some time after 11:00. It was around 11:20 that we felt the motion and realized that we had left Victoria already. 

Vancouver, here we come!