We picked up our rental car in the morning at Vancouver International Airport in Richmond. We had reserved the car at AVIS in Germany before our trip. The AVIS staff was very friendly: When they saw my height (1.95 m), they provided us with a free upgrade to a bigger car, and so we got this fantastic Buick Century Custom. Thanks, AVIS!

Off it went to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. BC Ferries operates their passages to and from Vancouver Island hourly, so you usually should not wait too long before getting on board.

You can always take a sun bath on board, if the weather allows for it.

The 90 minute trip to Vancouver Island will bring you into full vacation mood.

The water got calm once we reached the small channels of the Southern Gulf Islands.

Here, we met the sister ship.

On our way from Swartz Bay to Victoria we took the Marine Scenic Drive, which will guide you close to the shoreline, and stopped by in Cadboro Bay. A nice harbour, and a wonderful beach.

Oak Bay.

One of Victoria's most scenic golf courses is located at the Beach Drive.

The Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria is located directly at the harbour.

Canada is most British in Victoria. You will see red double decker buses (like in London), horsedrawn coaches and bagpipers.

Victoria harbour with the Parliament buildings in the background.