Sunday was one of those days that reminded me to slow down and simply be.
The morning started gently. I ordered room service and allowed myself to ease into the day without an agenda. After a few intense days of connection, growth, and masterminding, it felt good to just breathe and exist for a while.
Later that morning, Kiara, Shelby, and I boarded a water taxi for a tour of the Gorge. Our “captain,” Buzz, was a quirky and entertaining storyteller who made the entire experience memorable. He cracked jokes the whole time but also shared fascinating bits of local history as we glided through the calm waters of Victoria’s Inner Harbour and surrounding inlet.
Buzz dropped us off at Fisherman’s Wharf, where we explored the colourful floating homes and vibrant food stalls. On his recommendation, we stopped for lunch—and I was thrilled to find a dedicated gluten-free section. That meant I could actually enjoy halibut and chips without worry. Delicious and inclusive? Yes, please.
After lunch, we returned to the Fairmont so Kiara could grab her bags and head home. Then Shelby and I moved into my new room—a stunning corner suite at the Empress with two full walls of windows, one overlooking the bustling harbour and the other framing downtown Victoria. It felt luxurious and grounding all at once—a physical reflection of the space I’m stepping into, personally and professionally.
With no plans and plenty of daylight left, Shelby and I went exploring. We walked to Chinatown so I could show her Fan Tan Alley, and then continued all the way to Craigdarroch Castle, admiring the architecture and lush greenery. From there, we strolled to the Government House gardens, where the rose garden was in full bloom and the entire space felt peaceful and timeless.
Next, we wandered south toward the ocean and watched as parasailers danced through the sky, floating effortlessly with the wind. It was one of those moments that made us pause—beautifully still and awe-inspiring.
We ended up in Beacon Hill Park, where peacocks, ducks, and locals filled the space with life. We paid a visit to the Moss Lady, wandered the paths, and took in the beauty of this massive green space before Shelby left to catch her flight home.
But the day didn’t end there.
As the sun dipped lower, I boarded a whale watching tour with Eagle Wings—something I’d been looking forward to for days. And it did not disappoint. We first spotted a pod of orcas, sleek and graceful as they sliced through the water. Then—completely unexpectedly—we encountered a pair of humpback whales. Watching them surface and dive was absolutely magical. It’s hard to describe what it feels like to witness creatures that powerful and majestic in the wild… but “grateful” comes close.
I returned to the harbour after dark, walking back to the hotel through quiet, lamp-lit streets. Victoria at night is something else—peaceful, historic, a little romantic. Back in my room, I sank into bed feeling incredibly full—of experience, of awe, of life.
And while it felt like a perfect finale… I still had one more day in Victoria.
