To all our family and friends in Texas: for the last time, we are not getting married in Victoria, Texas, but in Victoria, British Columbia. During our first trip here in late September 2002, we fell in love with everything in this town, from the inner harbor views during Empress high tea to the fabulous roses of Butchart Gardens. We selected this town not only for the incredible waterfront scenery, but also because Jason proposed here, at our now reception site, the Empress. Below are all the nitty gritty details needed to make your stay as memorable as our first trip.
Our sincere thanks to Joanne Hauge of Royal Victorian Weddings, who helped us organize and plan this weekend. We couldn't have done this without her assistance!
Getting to Victoria
The absolutely easiest way here is to fly directly into Victoria aiport and take the Airporter Shuttle (250-386-2525) or a taxi to your hotel. Aside from this option, there are several other pleasant and scenic routes to Victoria, that will not require car rental. The Victoria Clipper runs between downtown Seattle and Victoria. The frequency and times vary throughout the year, so please check their schedule. Pacific Coach Lines (800-661-1725) runs from Vancouver (from both the downtown bus terminal and the airport) by way of an absolutely breathtaking ferry ride from Tsawwassen to Schwartz Bay across the Straight of Georgia.
Of course, there is a slew of other options including waterplanes and helicopters, all of which are listed neatly at the Chateau Victoria website.
Hotels
Rooms have been blocked off for the Shipley/Mayhew wedding at Chateau Victoria (800-663-5891) for $117 CAD ($89 US) for a traditional room with one queen bed or two double beds. You can also upgrade to a larger room with two queen beds, a sitting room and a view of the city or harbor for $153 CAD ($130 US). This hotel is conveniently located about a five minute walk from the Chapel at Saint Ann's Academy, where the wedding will take place, and the Fairmont Empress, where the feasting and merriment will take place.
If you like, spend a few nights at the historic Fairmont Empress. Reservations can be made online or by calling (250) 384-8111. Prices start at $349 CAD ($265 US).
Saturday Night Gathering
Join us Saturday night at the Canoe Brew Pub at 7 pm for drinks and hearty appetizers, as we begin celebrating our wedding weekend. The Canoe Brew Pub (250)361-1940 is located along the waterfront, at 450 Swift Street. The pub is a leisurely 30 minute walk from the Chateau Victoria, or a short cab ride.
Ceremony and Reception
The ceremony will take place at the Chapel at Saint Ann's Academy, 835 Humboldt Street, at 2:30 pm. Join everyone at 5 pm in the Balmoral Room at the Fairmont Empress, 721 Government Street, for cocktails, dinner and dancing.
These locations, along with the Chateau Victoria, are marked on this map.
Entertaining Yourself
There are tons of things to do in Victoria. Here are some of our personal favorites:
- The Willow Stream Spa at the Empress provides an excellent opportunity to relax, while enjoying their full range of facials and massages.
- Royal BC Museum is a very interesting museum, with a great overview of the region's history.
- Butchart Gardens has several separate areas to wander through that contain everything from their famous roses to bamboo and other Japanese plants.
- Afternoon Tea at the Empress will fill you up as much as an entire meal.
- Vista 18 on the 18th floor of Chateau Victoria had spectacular views of the city, and excellent food for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
- tourismvictoria.com has information on whale watching trips and other outdoor activities.