Butchart Gardens Finally!

2023 Cunard Queen Elizabeth - 29-Day Transpacific Yokohama to Vancouver

June 18, 2023 (Sunday) At Sea – Father’s Day

I got up at 5:30 again this morning and got ready for the day. The sea was calm still and seemed like a nice day ahead. Hopefully, it’s not going to be too bad. For the rest of the day. We went around and took some more videos and photos before going to the Sunday service at 10:00. 

Signage outside the theater.

Golden Lion Pub

Casino alley

Queen's Room

Chair exercise

Again, the Sunday service was  run by the captain. Everything seemed to be the same, singing the same hymns, and using the same program, except reading the different scriptures. Within half an hour, it was over. Personally, I really appreciate their efforts in putting this together so we could all worship together on the ship!

Then we went to the Queen’s Room for the sale, but nothing was cheap enough for us. Unlike other ships we have been on, this ship sells expensive merchandise. Then we rest in the cabin for a little before going to the buffet for lunch. After lunch MOR went to do laundry on deck 7. We all napped in the afternoon until dinner.

We decided that we should go to the MDR for the Gala Night dinner. We were in our Chinese attires  again. Menu was a repeat but it was fine. I believe it was Wellington Beef as one of the mains. After dinner we just went back to the cabin for the night. QE did not do anything special for Father’s Day. Maybe because it’s an American holiday?

June 19, 2023 (Monday) Victoria, B.C., Canada

Our last port before going back to Vancouver and we have a whole day here this time. There was still a group that wanted to go to Butchart Gardens with us so by 9:30, we left the ship and took the free shuttle to downtown.

Weather was not the best, but we still want to make good use of our day here.

Waiting for the free shuttle here, different from the regular paid-shuttle that's located on the other end of the port.

Like a week before, we were dropped off here at the Convention Center.

Inside the Convention Center.

We found the tour bus to Butchart Gardens right outside the front of Empress Hotel. Bought the tickets for $88 Canadian each, which included the bus rides and entrance fee which is like $39 C. With the group, I didn’t think it would be a good idea to take public transportation. The bus left Empress at 11:00 and it was a nice ride with the driver commentating the whole way.

Bus schedule for the day.

This lovely lady helped us with our tickets.

A group picture before getting on the bus.

We reached Butchart Gardens a little after 11:30. It was quite crowded even for this Monday morning. Good thing it did not rain the whole time we were there, only starting to drizzle after we got on the bus ride back. The Gardens were very pretty as always and we went through all the gardens so people could enjoy the gorgeous sights. 

Obligatory group picture.

Stunning!

Rose Fountain

Rose Carrousel

Italian Garden

Japanese Garden

Made some good friends on this trip!

We left the park on the 3:00 bus and back in town by 3:30. Then we separated and went our separate ways so we can explore on our own. The three of us went to the Dollarama store in town to get some little things before taking the shuttle back to port. We made it in time so son could get a hamburger from the Grill before 5:00.

We decided dinner would be at the buffet tonight. More varieties but tonight was Oriental dinner night. Nothing much for us who are craving for authentic Chinese food. Tomorrow will be our chance. We finished dinner and went back to pack our bags. We had enough time so everything went well before we called it a day. Tomorrow, we will be in Vancouver for debarkation.

For video of this day, please click here.

"For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life.'   -- Proverbs 6:23