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#11
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Victoria and Butchart Gardens
D Ball wrote:
If we decide to just take the shuttle from the ship into town, is there anything to do there besides have dinner? We want to get off the ship, but since we're not there very long I'm kind of stumped. I've been reading reviews of the gardens...pro and con...and it is kind of expensive. I'd only feel comfortable going that far in the time we have with a shore excursion booked through the ship. This will be on a Saturday night. Thanks, Marcia Hi, Marcia, haven't we visited about Butchart Gardens in the past? I can't recall if it was you, but I know I was gushing to someone in the past few months. Anyway, I am not a "gotta see the gardens" person when we travel--my husband is the one who adores gardens, so my appreciation of them has been acquired over many years of garden visits! (And I do have whatever is the opposite of a green thumb--no plants in our home. Pitiful.) Nonetheless, I thought Butchart was amazing--well worth the money. Like anything, YMMV...I simply have a hard time understanding how there could be "con" opinions, and I'm a person who could easily relate to a "con" garden opinion! On Sat. nights in July/Aug (roughly), there are fireworks at the gardens...spectacular ones (very different, old-fashioned). Don't know if that coincides with your trip. But...if you skipped the gardens, would you suffer and beat yourself up over missing that "must see?!" Not at all. In fact, for a first visit, spending all of your port time wandering the town is a perfectly wonderful plan. "Charming" is probably the adjective you've read ad nauseum, but it fits. Victoria is quaint, has lots of character, is situated in an incredibly scenic setting--all in all, a totally delightful place. What will you do? Stroll, window shop, shop, eat, stroll some more, sit and look out over the harbour, etc. If you arrive in time to space it out, you could take tea at The Empress and then have a late dinner. Fabulous bookstore, Munro's, if you like that sort of thing. No doubt there'll be live music in a variety of venues on a Sat. night. Could rent bikes and see a little more. (We did that once...or was it mopeds? I can't recall, but easy and fun.) Good luck making your decision! You can't go wrong either way. Diana Ball Austin, TX I don't think it was me, because up until a few days ago I didn't know that excursion was even an option. I saw the EPCOT version of Butchart Gardens years ago and had it in my mind to go there. I'm not usually a garden person. We will be in Victoria the night of June 12 from around 7 until midnight, which is probably too early in the season for the fireworks and music. One of the cons I read was that it can be really crowded in the garden, which makes it had to see stuff or get around. I live in Las Vegas, and I know how it feels to be in the Bellagio conservatory and not be able to take pics because there are people everywhere. I'd be really happy having stores to look in (we'd love to find some Olympic pins) and seeing the harbor would be nice. I guess it's the government buildings that I see pics off lit up at night that look so great. We just want to see a little of Victoria in not a lot of time. Thanks, Marcia |
#12
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Victoria and Butchart Gardens
On Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:39:09 -0800, "Marcia R."
wrote: D Ball wrote: If we decide to just take the shuttle from the ship into town, is there anything to do there besides have dinner? We want to get off the ship, but since we're not there very long I'm kind of stumped. I've been reading reviews of the gardens...pro and con...and it is kind of expensive. I'd only feel comfortable going that far in the time we have with a shore excursion booked through the ship. This will be on a Saturday night. Thanks, Marcia Hi, Marcia, haven't we visited about Butchart Gardens in the past? I can't recall if it was you, but I know I was gushing to someone in the past few months. Anyway, I am not a "gotta see the gardens" person when we travel--my husband is the one who adores gardens, so my appreciation of them has been acquired over many years of garden visits! (And I do have whatever is the opposite of a green thumb--no plants in our home. Pitiful.) Nonetheless, I thought Butchart was amazing--well worth the money. Like anything, YMMV...I simply have a hard time understanding how there could be "con" opinions, and I'm a person who could easily relate to a "con" garden opinion! On Sat. nights in July/Aug (roughly), there are fireworks at the gardens...spectacular ones (very different, old-fashioned). Don't know if that coincides with your trip. But...if you skipped the gardens, would you suffer and beat yourself up over missing that "must see?!" Not at all. In fact, for a first visit, spending all of your port time wandering the town is a perfectly wonderful plan. "Charming" is probably the adjective you've read ad nauseum, but it fits. Victoria is quaint, has lots of character, is situated in an incredibly scenic setting--all in all, a totally delightful place. What will you do? Stroll, window shop, shop, eat, stroll some more, sit and look out over the harbour, etc. If you arrive in time to space it out, you could take tea at The Empress and then have a late dinner. Fabulous bookstore, Munro's, if you like that sort of thing. No doubt there'll be live music in a variety of venues on a Sat. night. Could rent bikes and see a little more. (We did that once...or was it mopeds? I can't recall, but easy and fun.) Good luck making your decision! You can't go wrong either way. Diana Ball Austin, TX I don't think it was me, because up until a few days ago I didn't know that excursion was even an option. I saw the EPCOT version of Butchart Gardens years ago and had it in my mind to go there. I'm not usually a garden person. We will be in Victoria the night of June 12 from around 7 until midnight, which is probably too early in the season for the fireworks and music. One of the cons I read was that it can be really crowded in the garden, which makes it had to see stuff or get around. I live in Las Vegas, and I know how it feels to be in the Bellagio conservatory and not be able to take pics because there are people everywhere. I'd be really happy having stores to look in (we'd love to find some Olympic pins) and seeing the harbor would be nice. I guess it's the government buildings that I see pics off lit up at night that look so great. We just want to see a little of Victoria in not a lot of time. Back in May of 1994 I was in Seattle for training for work. I did a day trip to Canada from Seattle. We left from Seattle on a bus on a Saturday about 4:30 am., drove north and the bus and all of us got on a ferry at Anacortes and went to Friday Island and then on to BC. We got to Butchart Gardens about 10 or 11. They are big enough that they can absorb a large amount of people. I never saw any of my fellow bus travelers while I was there. I ate lunch in the cafe there. Then we got back on the bus and did a mini tour through Victoria and they let us off by the harbor. That was the end of the tour. It was Victoria Day, so the harbor was full of boats all decorated, and there were pedicabs that I could have taken. I went to the Empress hotel for tea, and also walked over to the Natural History Museum and bought an anniversary present for my husband (it was our Jade anniversary). Then I got a high speed ferry back to Seattle arriving there about 10:30. It was a long day but very fulfilling. |
#13
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Victoria and Butchart Gardens
On Feb 19, 11:39*pm, "Marcia R."
wrote: D Ball wrote: If we decide to just take the shuttle from the ship into town, is there anything to do there besides have dinner? *We want to get off the ship, but since we're not there very long I'm kind of stumped. *I've been reading reviews of the gardens...pro and con...and it is kind of expensive. *I'd only feel comfortable going that far in the time we have * with a shore excursion booked through the ship. *This will be on a Saturday night. Thanks, Marcia Hi, Marcia, haven't we visited about Butchart Gardens in the past? I can't recall if it was you, but I know I was gushing to someone in the past few months. Anyway, I am not a "gotta see the gardens" person when we travel--my husband is the one who adores gardens, so my appreciation of them has been acquired over many years of garden visits! (And I do have whatever is the opposite of a green thumb--no plants in our home. Pitiful.) Nonetheless, I thought Butchart was amazing--well worth the money. Like anything, YMMV...I simply have a hard time understanding how there could be "con" opinions, and I'm a person who could easily relate to a "con" garden opinion! On Sat. nights in July/Aug (roughly), there are fireworks at the gardens...spectacular ones (very different, old-fashioned). Don't know if that coincides with your trip. But...if you skipped the gardens, would you suffer and beat yourself up over missing that "must see?!" Not at all. In fact, for a first visit, spending all of your port time wandering the town is a perfectly wonderful plan. "Charming" is probably the adjective you've read ad nauseum, but it fits. Victoria is quaint, has lots of character, is situated in an incredibly scenic setting--all in all, a totally delightful place. What will you do? Stroll, window shop, shop, eat, stroll some more, sit and look out over the harbour, etc. If you arrive in time to space it out, you could take tea at The Empress and then have a late dinner. Fabulous bookstore, Munro's, if you like that sort of thing. No doubt there'll be live music in a variety of venues on a Sat. night. Could rent bikes and see a little more. (We did that once...or was it mopeds? I can't recall, but easy and fun.) Good luck making your decision! You can't go wrong either way. Diana Ball Austin, TX I don't think it was me, because up until a few days ago I didn't know that excursion was even an option. *I saw the EPCOT version of Butchart Gardens years ago and had it in my mind to go there. *I'm not usually a garden person. *We will be in Victoria the night of June 12 from around 7 until midnight, which is probably too early in the season for the fireworks and music. *One of the cons I read was that it can be really crowded in the garden, which makes it had to see stuff or get around. *I live in Las Vegas, and I know how it feels to be in the Bellagio conservatory and not be able to take pics because there are people everywhere. Marcia, I feel so much better--I was having a middle age moment, wondering if I was repeating myself to you, LOL! Rosalie's comment echoes our experience--we have visited twice (neither during cruise ship stop) and did not feel the crowds, including the "peak" July or August night when we saw the fireworks. I know exactly what you are talking about with the Bellagio conservatory--we were there one Christmas season, and it can get uncomfortably crowded. Three things make a difference at Butchart: (1) open air--as "tall" as that conservatory is, and light and bright, it still felt closed in to me; (2) garden expanse--don't know how many acres, but the place is huge; and (3) ample, wide sidwalks / paths / viewing spots--the conservatory passages seemed narrow, and the plants were right up on the walkways vs. at Butchart, the paths are fairly wide and the plants are a distance away, it is a very natural setting, lots of hills and trees and water features (which certainly influenced me to prefer it over more traditional, manicured gardens, as I love being outdoors in nature). Diana |
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Victoria and Butchart Gardens
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#15
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Victoria and Butchart Gardens
D Ball wrote:
On Feb 19, 11:39 pm, "Marcia R." wrote: D Ball wrote: If we decide to just take the shuttle from the ship into town, is there anything to do there besides have dinner? We want to get off the ship, but since we're not there very long I'm kind of stumped. I've been reading reviews of the gardens...pro and con...and it is kind of expensive. I'd only feel comfortable going that far in the time we have with a shore excursion booked through the ship. This will be on a Saturday night. Thanks, Marcia Hi, Marcia, haven't we visited about Butchart Gardens in the past? I can't recall if it was you, but I know I was gushing to someone in the past few months. Anyway, I am not a "gotta see the gardens" person when we travel--my husband is the one who adores gardens, so my appreciation of them has been acquired over many years of garden visits! (And I do have whatever is the opposite of a green thumb--no plants in our home. Pitiful.) Nonetheless, I thought Butchart was amazing--well worth the money. Like anything, YMMV...I simply have a hard time understanding how there could be "con" opinions, and I'm a person who could easily relate to a "con" garden opinion! On Sat. nights in July/Aug (roughly), there are fireworks at the gardens...spectacular ones (very different, old-fashioned). Don't know if that coincides with your trip. But...if you skipped the gardens, would you suffer and beat yourself up over missing that "must see?!" Not at all. In fact, for a first visit, spending all of your port time wandering the town is a perfectly wonderful plan. "Charming" is probably the adjective you've read ad nauseum, but it fits. Victoria is quaint, has lots of character, is situated in an incredibly scenic setting--all in all, a totally delightful place. What will you do? Stroll, window shop, shop, eat, stroll some more, sit and look out over the harbour, etc. If you arrive in time to space it out, you could take tea at The Empress and then have a late dinner. Fabulous bookstore, Munro's, if you like that sort of thing. No doubt there'll be live music in a variety of venues on a Sat. night. Could rent bikes and see a little more. (We did that once...or was it mopeds? I can't recall, but easy and fun.) Good luck making your decision! You can't go wrong either way. Diana Ball Austin, TX I don't think it was me, because up until a few days ago I didn't know that excursion was even an option. I saw the EPCOT version of Butchart Gardens years ago and had it in my mind to go there. I'm not usually a garden person. We will be in Victoria the night of June 12 from around 7 until midnight, which is probably too early in the season for the fireworks and music. One of the cons I read was that it can be really crowded in the garden, which makes it had to see stuff or get around. I live in Las Vegas, and I know how it feels to be in the Bellagio conservatory and not be able to take pics because there are people everywhere. Marcia, I feel so much better--I was having a middle age moment, wondering if I was repeating myself to you, LOL! Rosalie's comment echoes our experience--we have visited twice (neither during cruise ship stop) and did not feel the crowds, including the "peak" July or August night when we saw the fireworks. I know exactly what you are talking about with the Bellagio conservatory--we were there one Christmas season, and it can get uncomfortably crowded. Three things make a difference at Butchart: (1) open air--as "tall" as that conservatory is, and light and bright, it still felt closed in to me; (2) garden expanse--don't know how many acres, but the place is huge; and (3) ample, wide sidwalks / paths / viewing spots--the conservatory passages seemed narrow, and the plants were right up on the walkways vs. at Butchart, the paths are fairly wide and the plants are a distance away, it is a very natural setting, lots of hills and trees and water features (which certainly influenced me to prefer it over more traditional, manicured gardens, as I love being outdoors in nature). Diana Thanks, Diana. I'm interested in everything you are writing! I'll have to sit down and talk to my beloved to see what he wants to do. Maybe if I can find out the fireworks schedule and if they start so early in the month, it might help with our decision. Marcia |
#16
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Victoria and Butchart Gardens
Marcia R. wrote:
D Ball wrote: On Feb 19, 11:39 pm, "Marcia R." wrote: D Ball wrote: If we decide to just take the shuttle from the ship into town, is there anything to do there besides have dinner? We want to get off the ship, but since we're not there very long I'm kind of stumped. I've been reading reviews of the gardens...pro and con...and it is kind of expensive. I'd only feel comfortable going that far in the time we have with a shore excursion booked through the ship. This will be on a Saturday night. Thanks, Marcia Hi, Marcia, haven't we visited about Butchart Gardens in the past? I can't recall if it was you, but I know I was gushing to someone in the past few months. Anyway, I am not a "gotta see the gardens" person when we travel--my husband is the one who adores gardens, so my appreciation of them has been acquired over many years of garden visits! (And I do have whatever is the opposite of a green thumb--no plants in our home. Pitiful.) Nonetheless, I thought Butchart was amazing--well worth the money. Like anything, YMMV...I simply have a hard time understanding how there could be "con" opinions, and I'm a person who could easily relate to a "con" garden opinion! On Sat. nights in July/Aug (roughly), there are fireworks at the gardens...spectacular ones (very different, old-fashioned). Don't know if that coincides with your trip. But...if you skipped the gardens, would you suffer and beat yourself up over missing that "must see?!" Not at all. In fact, for a first visit, spending all of your port time wandering the town is a perfectly wonderful plan. "Charming" is probably the adjective you've read ad nauseum, but it fits. Victoria is quaint, has lots of character, is situated in an incredibly scenic setting--all in all, a totally delightful place. What will you do? Stroll, window shop, shop, eat, stroll some more, sit and look out over the harbour, etc. If you arrive in time to space it out, you could take tea at The Empress and then have a late dinner. Fabulous bookstore, Munro's, if you like that sort of thing. No doubt there'll be live music in a variety of venues on a Sat. night. Could rent bikes and see a little more. (We did that once...or was it mopeds? I can't recall, but easy and fun.) Good luck making your decision! You can't go wrong either way. Diana Ball Austin, TX I don't think it was me, because up until a few days ago I didn't know that excursion was even an option. I saw the EPCOT version of Butchart Gardens years ago and had it in my mind to go there. I'm not usually a garden person. We will be in Victoria the night of June 12 from around 7 until midnight, which is probably too early in the season for the fireworks and music. One of the cons I read was that it can be really crowded in the garden, which makes it had to see stuff or get around. I live in Las Vegas, and I know how it feels to be in the Bellagio conservatory and not be able to take pics because there are people everywhere. Marcia, I feel so much better--I was having a middle age moment, wondering if I was repeating myself to you, LOL! Rosalie's comment echoes our experience--we have visited twice (neither during cruise ship stop) and did not feel the crowds, including the "peak" July or August night when we saw the fireworks. I know exactly what you are talking about with the Bellagio conservatory--we were there one Christmas season, and it can get uncomfortably crowded. Three things make a difference at Butchart: (1) open air--as "tall" as that conservatory is, and light and bright, it still felt closed in to me; (2) garden expanse--don't know how many acres, but the place is huge; and (3) ample, wide sidwalks / paths / viewing spots--the conservatory passages seemed narrow, and the plants were right up on the walkways vs. at Butchart, the paths are fairly wide and the plants are a distance away, it is a very natural setting, lots of hills and trees and water features (which certainly influenced me to prefer it over more traditional, manicured gardens, as I love being outdoors in nature). Diana Thanks, Diana. I'm interested in everything you are writing! I'll have to sit down and talk to my beloved to see what he wants to do. Maybe if I can find out the fireworks schedule and if they start so early in the month, it might help with our decision. Marcia It looks like they start July 3rd, so I think that's going to be the deal breaker along with the price of the excursion. It sounds like we can just wander around the town by ourselves. Thanks for all the info. I appreciate your taking the time. Marcia |
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Victoria and Butchart Gardens
John Sisker wrote:
"Marcia R." wrote in message ... We are planning on doing the excursion to Butchart Gardens when the Sapphire Princess docks in Victoria. Does anyone know how far it is from the ship and if we get to see any of the town while driving there? My beloved keeps asking me questions AFTER I hang up with Princess. LOL. Marcia Marcia, You have already received a lot of good suggestions, but as far Victoria itself, we personally by-passed Butchart Gardens for a general City/Island tour itself. Not to downplay Butchart Gardens, we have seen such gardens before, both here at home and while in Vancouver, but this was our first trip to Victoria. It was more important for us to see and learn what we could about Victoria itself. Likewise, after our tour, we were dropped off in town. That was actually the highlight of our entire time while in Victoria.. If you only could do one thing, and with such limited time, explore downtown Victoria on your own. Believe me, you won't regret it. To assist you somewhat in this decision, take a look at the photo album we put together while in Victoria at... http://www.tinplatedesign.com/Victoria/. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words. John Sisker - SHIP-TO-SHORE CRUISE AGENCY® (714) 536-3850 or toll-free at (800) 724-6644 & (Agency ID: 714.536.3850) www.shiptoshorecruise.com / www.tinplatedesign.com Facebook/Twitter/Blog/Flickr/MyPage Thanks John. I did call Princess this morning, although I didn't get too much info. They can't tell me yet where the Victoria Shuttle drops us off until we're on the ship apparently. I have no clue what "in town" means. My only concern is that we chose that option over a sightseeing tour only to find out all the shops are closed. Hopefully, we can make that decision on board without all of our choices sold out. I do agree about the gardens, though...not really being a flower/nature kind of girl. It just seemed like a good idea at first. Marcia |
#18
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Victoria and Butchart Gardens
On Mon, 22 Feb 2010 10:07:43 -0800, "Marcia R."
wrote: Thanks John. I did call Princess this morning, although I didn't get too much info. They can't tell me yet where the Victoria Shuttle drops us off until we're on the ship apparently. I have no clue what "in town" means. My only concern is that we chose that option over a sightseeing tour only to find out all the shops are closed. Hopefully, we can make that decision on board without all of our choices sold out. I do agree about the gardens, though...not really being a flower/nature kind of girl. It just seemed like a good idea at first. Marcia Victoria isn't that large so you really don't need to worry about where you will be dropped off. My guess is that it will be near the Empress Hotel. That puts you in the center of almost everything with the parliament buildings and the BC museum basically toward the ship and the shopping (parliament. the inner harbour,the empress and the shopping area all line up) |
#19
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Victoria and Butchart Gardens
Joseph Coulter wrote:
On Mon, 22 Feb 2010 10:07:43 -0800, "Marcia R." wrote: Thanks John. I did call Princess this morning, although I didn't get too much info. They can't tell me yet where the Victoria Shuttle drops us off until we're on the ship apparently. I have no clue what "in town" means. My only concern is that we chose that option over a sightseeing tour only to find out all the shops are closed. Hopefully, we can make that decision on board without all of our choices sold out. I do agree about the gardens, though...not really being a flower/nature kind of girl. It just seemed like a good idea at first. Marcia Victoria isn't that large so you really don't need to worry about where you will be dropped off. My guess is that it will be near the Empress Hotel. That puts you in the center of almost everything with the parliament buildings and the BC museum basically toward the ship and the shopping (parliament. the inner harbour,the empress and the shopping area all line up) Sounds good, thanks. I looked at the google satellite map of the area, so I have an idea where that all is. :-) Marcia |
#20
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Victoria and Butchart Gardens
On Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:19:11 -0800, "Marcia R."
wrote: Joseph Coulter wrote: On Mon, 22 Feb 2010 10:07:43 -0800, "Marcia R." wrote: Thanks John. I did call Princess this morning, although I didn't get too much info. They can't tell me yet where the Victoria Shuttle drops us off until we're on the ship apparently. I have no clue what "in town" means. My only concern is that we chose that option over a sightseeing tour only to find out all the shops are closed. Hopefully, we can make that decision on board without all of our choices sold out. I do agree about the gardens, though...not really being a flower/nature kind of girl. It just seemed like a good idea at first. Marcia Victoria isn't that large so you really don't need to worry about where you will be dropped off. My guess is that it will be near the Empress Hotel. That puts you in the center of almost everything with the parliament buildings and the BC museum basically toward the ship and the shopping (parliament. the inner harbour,the empress and the shopping area all line up) Sounds good, thanks. I looked at the google satellite map of the area, so I have an idea where that all is. :-) Marcia I should have nmentioned, since you have google maps open that the ship will be out in the outer harbour. which as you can see is n't really far from the center of things. |
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