Hemingway's by the Sea in Victoria BC

One rainy Spring afternoon, I walk from my place beneath gentle showers of pink cherry blossoms to Hemingway's by the Sea, a lofty Tudor-style Mansion, on the West side of Victoria. A robin is taking a furtive puddle-bath in the driveway. Another one is singing in the Garden. The salty wind is picking up, blowing in from Fleming Beach. I go to the side door and ring the bell, already starting to feel like I've just traveled to some exotic country, that I'm arriving somewhere in Europe or Africa or South America. And I've just walked a few blocks!

. . . Read more at our VANCOUVER ISLAND TRAVEL MAGAZINE

Beacon Hill Petting Zoo - Don't forget the Finch House!

The Children's Petting Zoo at Beacon Hill Park has something for everyone, whether you like hanging out with pigs, horses, peacocks, or the kids (baby goats, that is - You can even groom them, if you have the inclination!)

Amidst the entertainment and carryings on of all these critters, however, the Finch House is often overlooked. If you'd like a few moments of quiet time, check out the little shed near the entrance of the Zoo. Inside, you can sit with a wide assortment of these diminutive, free-flying, birds while observing their their daily activities - eating, nesting, playing, resting... They seem to take pleasure in observing their human observers, as well!

It may take you a while to find all of them as many enjoy hiding in secret places - tiny nests, plastic cups, or camouflaged against straw angels as seen above. Be careful not to let them escape when you leave, as some have! These little opportunists are very curious about the rest of the Zoo (who wouldn't be?) and they're always trying to make a run for it!

For Spring Hours and More Info, visit the Beacon Hill Park and Petting Zoo Web Site.

Bear Country Knight Inlet

If you travel north on Vancouver Island to Telegraph Cove, there you can catch a ride with Tide Rip Grizzly Tours and travel into Knight Inlet by boat to see the magnificent Canadian Grizzly Bears. This is an exceptional trip due to the incredible scenery along the inlet and then of course your interactions with the grizzly bears. It is so exciting to see them up close and personal. Along the way you may see whales, dolphins, porpoises, eagles and bears. The visit to the quaint Telegraph Cove is worth the trip alone. This is a highly recommended activity while on Vancouver Island.