by Dennis Augustine
After docking in Victoria, British Columbia—our final port after an unforgettable Alaska cruise—Cecile and I were surprised with a heartfelt tribal welcome by a local Indigenous group. It set the tone for a magical final chapter.
We boarded a bus for a pre-paid narrated excursion to the legendary Butchart Gardens, and our driver Leroy made the ride as memorable as the destination. A former police officer of 12 years, Leroy joked that unlike the passengers in his squad car, today he drives only happy tourists—“and that,” he smiled, “is a blessing I never take for granted.”
Butchart Gardens, designated a National Historic Site of Canada and now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, began in 1904 when Jennie Butchart transformed her husband’s exhausted limestone quarry into a garden paradise. Today, it draws over a million visitors a year from around the world.
We explored the serene Sunken Garden, the dramatic first creation; wandered through the fragrant Rose Garden; paused in the contemplative Japanese Garden with its arched bridges and maples; and strolled through the Italian and Mediterranean Gardens, each corner offering its own seasonal charm.
To end our visit on a sweet note, Cecile and I treated ourselves to a creamy scoop of authentic Italian gelato from the Gelateria on the grounds. The perfect taste of summer to go with a truly magical day.
