Help w/ excursions

[Suzila]

We now have the final payment on our VISA for our August 11 Alaska cruise. One step at a time. We will pay that off next week.

Next, we will sit down this weekend with our friends and figure out which excursions we want to take. I already have my list made out, so I'm one step ahead of the rest. I will just agree, or not, with them. Hubby wants to go salmon fishing again, and there is no way on this earth you would get me on a small boat, throwing up, using bait, and waiting around for a fish to jump on. Been there, done that, and it's not my type of vacation. So, instead, I am booking a wild extravaganza culinary experience for myself (and I assume my girlfriend) while the boys knock themselves out waiting around for that fish to appear.

In addition, I'm looking at the whitewater rafting in Juneau (we've done it before, but it bears repeating), the Seattle highlights and Space Needle...that will take us off the ship early and directly to the airport, and possibly the salmon bake in Skagway. We've already done the White Pass Railroad and I want to do something different. I'm trying to convince everyone to do the Musher's Camp and Dog Sled experience, but so far, no one wants to go with me...they all want the salmon bake. We just had salmon for dinner last night, for crying out loud...we have it once a week! Try something different for a change!

The only thing I'm having difficulty deciding on is an excursion in Victoria. We've never been there and everyone says Butchart Gardens, but there are a lot of different excursions to take there, including the Gardens...the Craigdarroch Castle, Victoria highlights, Empress English Tea, Mt. Tolmie, etc. Do any of you have any suggestions, for someone who has never been there? Here are the choices:

Grand City Drive & Empress Tea

Victoria Highlights & Craigdarroch Castle

Craigdarroch Castle & Picnic at Butchart Gardens

English Tea at Butchart Gardens

Victoria by Horse Drawn Trolley

Which excursion would allow me to see the most of Victoria?

Ahhhhh...so many decisions to make. Thanks for any assistance.

[JoeyandDavid]

Sue Congratulations on Final payment........Havent been to Alaska.. so I can't help you there dear....sorry...............

[Suzila]

In true 'Suzila' style I couldn't wait for anyone to figure out which excursions I wanted, so I did go ahead and book them this evening.

We're going to do the Craigdarroch Castle and picnic at Buchart Gardens.

Also, after much cajoling, we are all going on the Musher's Camp & Dog Sled Experience. I can eat salmon anytime...how often can I get a dog sled ride in so. California?

I'm happy with the choices, and now reeeallly looking forward to the trip. August can't come fast enough.

[hamster92256]

Suzilla - Have fun on your excursions, one of my favorite t-shirt saying from when we lived in Alaska was- "If you're not the lead dog - The view is always the same" :grin: :grin:

[jacketwatch]

:cool: In Victoria we originally had planned tea at the Empress and switched to a whale watch and are we glad we did! I have also heard very good things about those gardens but to see the whales up close was amazing! I'll never forget it and when compared to your list its is different :grin: :cool:

[Shari2]

Sue...

I haven't been to Alaska, yet, but your excursions sound great. Hope you have a fabulous cruise!

[hazelson]

Sue - You have made the right choice for Victoria - Butchart Gardens is fabulous - just allow yourself plenty of time - it is very big and there is lots to see.

Just wandering around downtown Victoria is great too. You will want to take lots of photos - like our Parliament Buildings, The Empress Hotel, the horse drawn carriages. And Victoria boasts some of the most incredible hanging baskets I have ever seen - they hand from the lamp posts all over town.

If anyone ever gets to the Island and has time for a drive around for a couple of days there is a fort that was set up to ward of any impending Pacific Coast invasions during WW2. It is called Fort Rod Hill and it was fascinating. I grew up in Vancouver and never heard of it until we went over to the Island about two years ago. You can find the most amazing things right in your own back yard.

[schatje]

Did the gardens twice and loved it both times. The gardens are over 50 years old and in beautiful shape. If you have not seen them, I would urge you to go :smiley:

[Suzila]

Thanks everyone...I'm really looking forward to it now.

Unfortunately, whale watching is not from me...did it once from a small boat, and I'm just not great with motion sickness. Let's just say that Catalina Island (you know the song: 26 miles across the sea, Santa Catalina is a-waiting for me)...well, the only way they can 'see' me is if I arrive on a giant cruise ship. Can't do the shuttle boat and can't do the small airplane to get over there. !!!

Been there, done that, and can't see putting myself or anyone else through that horror again.