Feeding the Wild Harbour Seals At Fisherman's Warf

This is Alissa's newest favourite thing to do in Victoria- visiting the Harbour Seals at Fisherman's Warf. No doubt we hit this place up a few times with her family while they were down.

Fisherman's Whorf is, in itself, pretty cool. Thirty-three floating houses make up this funky fishermany neighbourhood. There are some really fresh seafood to eat and buy.. but of course these cute seals are the main attraction.

"Are We On the Trail?" Finding Our Way Down Mount Douglas

We decided to take the trail less traveled on our way down. We choose to explore the North face of the mountain and were rewarded with majestic Arbutus trees (Canada's only broad leaf evergreen trees)and wild lilies. We kinda got lost and then ran into a Arbutus tree with Ryan's initials carved into the natural peeling trunk. We knew that it was a sign that we were on the right path. Before we knew it we were down the mountain. But when we finally got there, we realized our car was on the other side!

Here is a link to the map...

Something we probably should have printed off before going on our hike:

link

A View From the Top Of Mount Douglas

At the summit we were rewarded with a clear sunny sky and 360 degree views of Victoria, Cordova Bay, and the Gulf Islands. We even spotted Salt Spring Island- a place we would visit a few days later.

The Climb Up Mount Douglas

Alissa's sister and brother-in-law were in town. The first full day they spent in town we decided to climb to the summit of Mount Douglas. These are some of the sights from that hike.

Sunbathing In Ucluelet

Spent the last afternoon on our trip to the Pacific Rim National Park in the little town of Ucluelet, situated opposite Tofino-just below the National Park. The clear sunny skies encouraged temperatures to try to creep into the mid-teens. After days of hiking, the soothing mid-day sun beating down on us and the sound of hurried waves breaking the rocky shore was a lullaby that put us into a lazy nap.

Learning About the Old Growth Trees: A Hike On Rainforest Trail In Pacific Rim National Park

This the entrance to this trail was once cleared for Cold War surveillance stations. As it grew back, it displayed how this type of temperate rainforest regenerates itself. The further you go into the trail the closer you gradually get to the original growth of the ancient rainforest. Cool stuff.

Fun At Low Tide: Schooner Cove Trail In Pacific Rim National Park

After a short hike through ancient forests on Schooner Cove Trail we are thrust upon the picturesque cove. With the tide low and the beach to our selves we climb over the rocks and play with the green sea anemones, muscles, and purple shore crab. You can just walk out to the island just off the sore. We take in the sea air, soft breaking waves, and accompanying view. If we had any stress residing in us by now it has surely melted away like mist vanishing into the blue sky above.

A Hike Out To The Cove: Schooner Cove Trail In Pacific Rim National Park