Hi! We've recently moved to the Tacoma, WA area I would like to plan a trip to Victoria. I've been reading the messages posted here but I have a few more questions. Can someone recommend a bed & breakfast in the downtown area? It seems that most of the recommendations are for the larger hotels. I have a 3 year old, though, so children must be ok (Abigail's doesn't allow young children). I was thinking of taking the trip in mid to late October because of the lower rates. What is the weather like that time of year? Finally, can someone advise me on which is the best ferry to take in terms of scenery and/or whale spotting? We were thinking of taking our car, but if this will limit us we can always rent one once we're there. Thanks in advance for any help! Susan

We stayed at a B and B a little ways out from down town on the Pat Bay Highway. It was in a spacious house on a spacious lot, with a nice room and private bath. Really quite convenient. <BR>The name was Elk Lake Chalet B and B. <BR>The last listing I have is from the 1997 BC Accommodations Guide, which gives a toll free number of 1-800-601-8999. <BR>You might call 1-800-663-6000 and get more information from the BC Reservation Service, but it is not a 100% comprehensive service. <BR>There are many B and B's in the area, but some are quite expensive. The Prior House about a mile from downtown goes for $115 and up per night. <BR>

I can't help you with the B&B's however I will take a shot at the ferry. The most scenic ferry trip to the island is on the Anacortes, WA to Sidney, BC ferry. It is a beautiful trip through the San Juan Islands. Anacortes is about 60 miles north of Seattle on I-5. Sidney is about 20 miles from Victoria. October is off season so it shouldn't be too crowded. Another ferry option is to take the Port Angeles - Victoria ferry. It will be the quickest way but is not very scenic. It is just a straight shot across the water. Port Angeles is a fairly close jaunt from Tacoma. I personally would take the Anacortes ferry for the beautiful scenery trhough the San Juan Islands. You can take your car on both ferries. <BR> <BR>The weather will be cool and may be rainy. Victoria is drier than the Seattle/Tacoma area. Rain is a fact of life in the Pacific Northwest and you just have to get used to it. Seeing as you are living in Tacoma, I would just play it by ear. Seeing as you will be going in off-season, there will be no trouble getting accomodations at the last minute. Just wait for some decent weather and do it.

I don't know the validity of poster #2 in saying that you can get last minute accommodations. I would recommend booking in advance. I have lived here for 4yrs and every time visitors have just showed up it's been difficult to get satisfactory accommodations. BCbob is right however in suggesting the Anacortes ferry. It's much more scenic. As for having a car you can get away without one but considering a three year old and the season I would recommend either bringing or renting. If budget is of concern look into the cost of a walk-on vs drive-on for the ferry. For places to stay go to travelbc.ca. They have an extensive listing of B&B in Victoria and area. One of my favorites is the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. Ok, so it's not a B&B but off season rates are reasonable and it's just a great place. www.oakbaybeachhotel.bc.ca/ Have fun.

For B&B's - try the Gatsby Mansion or the Dashwood Manor (?). Don't know if they take kids or not.

hi--I highly recommend Joan Brown's B&B. It's a fabulous place in the heart of historic Victoria homes...a converted 1881 mansion with all the rooms gorgeously decorated with Laura Ashley. Ms. Brown is extremely hospitable and a gourmet cook, so your breakfast will be delicious. My husband and I stayed during the off-season and loved it, and though I don't remember her rates, I do remember that they were very reasonable for what you got. Her phone number is: 250-592-5929. Good luck and have a great trip!

Hi Susan <BR>If you are a first time visitor I would suggest that you take the BC Ferries from Twassan to Swartz Bay (Victoria) as this is a very senic route. You could then take the Port Angles Ferry home or the Anacortes which is a very nice trip through the gulf islands from Sidney to Anacortes. A vehicle is nice to have depending on what you want to see. If you are going to tour the greater Victoria area I would suggest a car. things to see are the BC Museum, Buchart Gardens, Under sea Gardens, Imax theater. would suggest a downtown motel against bed and breakfast. There are lots of them and on the BC Ferry there are brouchers offering discounts. <BR>October can have variable weather so bring an umbrella and warm coat. Enjoy your visit to one of the nicest cities in BC

Susan, <BR> <BR>For Whale watching just go to: <BR>WWW.greatpacificadventures.com <BR>We went twice with this company and saw at least a dozen Orcas each time we went. They were no more than 6 feet away and swam around and under the boat. They use small rigid inflatable boats which are very low to the water. They supply excellent suits that keep you warm and dry and, if the worst happened, will keep you afloat also. <BR>The only thing I'm not sure about is whether they'll take children out. Go to the site, I'm sure there'll be a way of contacting them to find out. Good luck.