Monday morning started slow—exactly how I needed it to.

I slipped into my Fairmont robe and slippers and made my way to the hot tub, letting the warmth settle into my body after several packed and emotional days. It was one of those rare mornings where nothing needed to happen, and that in itself felt like a gift.

Back in my suite—this beautiful corner room wrapped in windows facing both the harbour and the city—I curled up on the windowsill, matcha oat milk latte in hand, and just sat with everything. My breakfast from Tractor was simple but nourishing, and for the first time in a long time, I gave myself permission to stay still.

This trip wasn’t just a retreat—it was a reset. And in that stillness, some truths floated up:

• I’ve worked hard to get here.

• I’ve carried a lot of pressure, sometimes trying to prove I’m enough.

• I’ve questioned my worth more than I care to admit—especially when others don’t see the value I know I bring.

But something shifted this weekend. Between the quiet conversations, deep inner work, and new sisterhood, I remembered who I am outside the hustle.

I don’t need to do more to be worthy. I just need to keep showing up with heart and integrity—and trust that it’s more than enough.

Before heading to the airport, I took myself for a final treat—raspberry sorbet dipped in dark chocolate from Chocolats Favoris—and then hopped in a taxi to Butchart Gardens. I let myself wander without a plan, just soaking in the beauty. But it was the Rose Garden that truly stopped me. Something about the way it bloomed unapologetically, fully, wildly—it made me pause. It reminded me that growth can be both soft and powerful.

I ended my time in Victoria right there, among the roses, letting it all land.

Related Topics:

• Sunday in Victoria: Water Taxis, Rose Gardens & Whale Watching

• Elevated Reflections: A Real Estate Mastermind Retreat in Victoria, BC

Kristen Edmunds is a Calgary-area REALTOR® and Associate Broker with KIC Realty, specializing in acreages, luxury homes, and smart buy/sell strategies. With expertise in rural properties (water wells, septic, equestrian facilities) and a client-obsessed approach, Kristen helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.

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.

Related Topics:

• Saturday in Victoria: Leadership Lessons & Ocean Views

• Slow Mornings, Sweet Endings: My Final Day in Victoria

Kristen Edmunds is a Calgary-area REALTOR® and Associate Broker with KIC Realty, specializing in acreages, luxury homes, and smart buy/sell strategies. With expertise in rural properties (water wells, septic, equestrian facilities) and a client-obsessed approach, Kristen helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.