Bowen Island day trip

On Tuesday, August 20th, Mum, Dad, Finley and I went to Bowen Island for the afternoon. Bowen Island is a scenic 20 minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay. We parked our car at Horseshoe Bay, had fish and chips for lunch, boarded the ferry, and enjoyed the sunshine and ocean views on our short trip to the small (50 square km) island.

Finley and Grandma on the ferry

Approaching Bowen Island

Passengers on the ferry

Approaching Snug Cove Ferry Terminal

On Bowen Island, we ate some gelato while being harassed by sugar-craving bees, then wandered along the road and spent a couple of hours relaxing in the park, looking out over the picturesque harbour, and venturing into the forest on a short-lived walk.

Snug Cove

Looking towards the mainland from Snug Cove

Napping

Heading into the forest

Soon it was time to board the ferry for the ride back to the mainland, during which Dad was convinced he was spotting lots of whales. Mum and I never saw any and were pretty sure they were just waves. ;)

Waiting for the ferry

"Look! Another whale!"

Approaching mainland BC

Another ferry sailing out of Horseshoe Bay

Approaching Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal

Finley with Grandma and Grandpa

It was a fun and spontaneous day trip, worth doing for the scenic ferry ride alone!

Whistler day trip

On Saturday, August 17th, we headed to Whistler for the day to show Mum and Dad the world famous ski resort, as well as the incredible scenic views along the Sea to Sky Highway during the 1.5 hour drive there and back.

Whistler Village turned out to be extremely packed, as Crankworx, a mountain bike festival, was being held there at the time. We had a yummy Thai lunch at a restaurant overlooking a village square, wandered through the shops, ate some gelato, and ran into two separate groups of our friends from Vancouver!

We didn't take many photos, but here are a couple from Whistler...

Ski runs in the summer

Whistler Village

At Porteau Cove on our drive home...

And looking down at Vancouver from a lookout on Cypress Mountain...

Stanley Park and downtown Vancouver

David and Wendy

Lions Gate Bridge

Point Grey

3 days in Victoria, Post 3: Miniature World

On Wednesday, August 14th, Mum, Dad, Finley and I had a few hours left in Victoria before we needed to start heading to the ferry, so we decided to visit Miniature World. It's right next to the Fairmont Empress Hotel, but I'd never been before. It turned out to be well worth visiting - the detail in the miniature models was just phenomenal!

There were all sorts of scenes... futuristic space scenes, war zones, the World's Smallest Operational Sawmill (not operating due to fire risk, a sign said!), the Great Canadian Railway (extremely impressive), European castles, fairytales and nursery rhymes, dollhouses, New London Town and Olde London Towne (my favourites), and a miniature circus (also extremely impressive). Over 80 displays in total!

The Fields of Glory (war/battle displays)...

The Enchanted Valley of Castles...

Fantasy Land...

There was an old woman who lived in a shoe...

Humpty Dumpty

Swiss Family Robinson

I enjoyed taking some close-up shots of small scenes within the overall displays, and the level of detail is absolutely amazing!

New London Town...

Olde London Towne...

World of Dickens...

Oliver Twist

Dollhouses...

Circus World...

Amazing, yes?! :D

After we left Miniature World, we had lunch nearby and then headed to the ferry. And that was our fantastic 3 day trip to Vancouver Island!