I wonder if the local eateries realise how good the Hop on Hop Off bus is for their business....we usually pick a venue that we see on the way. We have been spotting the Swan Inn on our rounds and so we settled on this as the brunch destination of the morning.

We did call in to the Fudge Shop and Chinatown to stock up on supplies for tomorrow's ferry adventure . Our Chinatown adventure was made complete with a walk down Fan Tan Alley - the narrowest trading alley in BC.

The Swan was an absolute treasure. Clam chowder to die for (@LizMcPhee!!!) and seafood prepared to perfection washed down with a locally brewed raspberry beer and a root beer - all with a view of the hustle and bustle of the entrance to the Inner Harbour.

This was our final day to take advantage of the Hop On Hop Off Bus and we jumped on board for the hour scenic route to get us across to Craigdarroch Castle. Completed in 1890 this castle was built for coal baron Robert Dunsmuir and was a reflection of the family's amassed wealth. The castle extended over four floors and featured extensive woodwork, exquisite stained glass windows and ornate Victorian era furnishings. It is a restoration work in progress as the castle was sold by the family in the early 1900s and the building has been used through the last century as a hospital for returned soldiers, a university and a Conservatorium . It has now been identified as a heritage listed site and "The Friends of the Castle" are painstakingly restoring the building room by room. As always, it was great to chat with the tour guide to get the details of the castle and the family.

Next adventure was a quick stroll down the road to have a look at the gardens and grounds of Government House. The estate is open to the public every day and again the gardens are just beautiful. The rose garden was in the early stages of bloom and featured roses in all colours and sizes. The tour inside the building was limited to Saturdays, so our view was a peek through the glass front doors.

Our trip home was our last ride on the Hop On Hop Off bus which has been very kind to us over three days and again the next "eatery" was spotted from the bus. Tucked behind The Empress was The Old Spaghetti House. Who would have thought. It was sort of a "sizzlers" for pasta and the food was really delicious . Mac tried a clam chowder and a hot and spicy chicken penne and I went for a seafood Alfredo. The meal was washed down with the special cocktail of the day "The Bellini" and we took a double. Certainly not on the list of "classy" eateries but we had a really positive experience!

And the "piece de resistance" of the day...our horse drawn carriage ride with Molly (the horse) and Alysa (the driver). This was an ambling hour long carriage ride that retraced all of the highlights of the last week. Along the Inner Harbour past Parliament House, onto the gardens at Beacon Hill Park, out onto Dallas Street and Clover Point, above the ocean at Ogden Point and by the cruise ships just in time for sunset and then back through the heritage homes of James Street.

The carriage ride was leisurely, relaxing and a perfect end to Victoria. And it was topped off by THE RING.

Since we have arrived in Victoria I have visited Stone's Jewellery store each day in the foyer of The Empress salivating over a little opal and diamond combination that was featured in the window showcase . I have tried it on each day, it fitted perfectly...as if it were made just for me..... I checked it out from every angle, in various lights as it flashed blue, green and red.... and hummed and haa-ed over parting with my savings.

When we boarded the carriage, Mac produced a little pink box from his pocket. He opened it....and surprise, there was my little opal and diamond combination. Thank goodness I had previously seen most of the sights on the carriage ride because, truth be known, I was too busy admiring the flashes of the opal. Lucky me!

The night finished with a stroll along the marina outside The Empress. And the marina was FULL! There is a boat race in the harbour tomorrow so it is all hands on deck ... literally.

Time to start thinking about the next leg of our journey in Vancouver. Tomorrow is the bus, ferry, bus combination for our next six days of adventure.

Friday
Temperature: 18
Pedometer: 12 553
Bear Sightings = 0

Total Bear Sightings = 2