British Columbia

I’ve wanted to go to Victoria for as long as I can remember. Maybe it was because of a light brown teddy bear my Dad bought me from the island – he was on a business trip there when my mom called and told him she was pregnant. Maybe it’s because my grandma goes on and on about how much she loves it (and spoiler, she is contemplating disowning me because we didn’t go to Butchart Gardens…y’all that place is expensive and I don’t appreciate flowers enough).

It wasn’t raining, which was a huge plus, but it was pretty foggy and mostly overcast. Still, enjoyable. I was a bit underwhelmed. It reminds me of Guelph (where I live) a bit….which, is fine, but I wouldn’t vacation here. I’m happy we decided to spend the extra day in Vancouver instead; Thursday morning – Saturday morning in Victoria was just enough.

Ferries and Goldstream Provincial Park (the 600+ year old redwoods are unbelievable) and RedFish BlueFish (so good! definitely my favourite thing in Victoria) and the rose garden at the Empress (for free) and a very cool building (thanks Katelyn for spotting it years ago) and wild roaming peacocks in Beacon Hill Park.

(the only reason my grandma hasn’t disowned me for not going to Butchart Gardens is because I took 15 photos of roses for her. The rose garden outside the Empress is beautiful; we indeed smelled ever variety, and like always, loved everything more than the red ones; so typical so boring)

ps: planning a trip? travelling soon? have you tried the app HotelTonight? We used it in Victoria and stayed at the Hotel Grand Pacific which was super fancy: the beds were so comfortable, they have the best smelling hand soap and cream, the nicest, sweetest cleaning staff, and my hair has never been softer after that shower. Wanna try it out? Use my code ABRIDGMAN for $25 off your first stay. (not sponsored, just awesome)

pps: planning that trip to BC? reach out to @helloBC on twitter (OMG and follow their insta, such beautiful photos); their tweeps are super awesome and super helpful if you’re looking for any recommendations

miss any of the other re-caps? catch up now: road tripping with Ford – Vancouver

Last week I got back from my 5th trip to the West Coast (4 Canada, 1 US/Canada) in the last 3 years. And let me tell you, the West redeemed herself (I’m looking at you 2012…rain in Vancouver, snow in Calgary).

Over Christmas holidays last year, not quite ready to go back into the condo after seeing American Hustle (I’m sure we were the only 2 people that thought it sucked) sister and I leaned on the 3rd floor railing over looking the dark ocean talking about when she decided to move home we would first fly down to San Francisco, drive north up the coast then back to Calgary then pack up and come back to Ontario. Which morphed into let’s not wait and just go to San Fran and drive the coast this summer/fall. Which turned into let’s reach out to Ford Canada again and see if we can Canadian road trip in October.

Y’all remember Henry from last year, right?

Last summer, Henry chauffeured us to Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake, and Bow Lake. A true gentleman.

Ford said yes, I booked my plane ticket in less than 20 minutes (thank you WestJet seat sale) and counted down the days. For this road trip I had but one request: fuel efficient. Without further ado, meet Clara:

Yes, Clara Ford; a sleek 2014 Hybrid Fusion. Henry Ford’s wife. Get it? Get it! (all sis; she’s the true brains behind our car naming game). Clara, such a pretty girl, escorted us on the Trans Canada Highway through Alberta,

through BC,

and to beaches and an olympic village and islands and wine country and then back home.

Girl was tricked out: told us where to go (I know you all love that trait in a good woman), played our favourite tunes, let us make calls and brag about our sweet ride. She has a heated steering wheel and hot buns. I mean I have hot buns. I mean Clara has SEAT WARMERS…that also warm your back. She’s magnificent. And the one thing I wanted, she delivered. This baby is mega fuel efficient!