If you have time on Vancouver Island, there are 3 Relaix en Chateau restaurants. Sooke Harbor House is a little west of Victoria. Hastings House is on a great little island known as Salt Spring-a most wonderful place with a faboo outdoor market on Saturdays. The Wickaninish is about 4 hours from Victoria near the Pacific Rim Park in Tofino. These are world class establishments and considering the Canadian dollar against the US-as of today 1.47 per 1 US-they can be quite a bargain. Outside of Victoria is Sydney, a charming town. There you’ll find a waterfront place I think called Dock 507-not totally sure but it’s Dock something. Most excellent food and killah drinks.
We’ve been to Vancouver and Vancouver Island for the past 3 years and love it. You are in for a real treat!!!

THat hotel would be the Empress, another choice for great tea is at Buchart Gardens.

I would highly recommend Ferris’ Oyster Bar and Grill
536 Yates St (in Downtown Victoria) I haven’t had a bad dish there yet. weekend mornings it is a bit crowded, but not that long of a wait for a table if a wait at all.

Another nice place (but a Bit out of Town) is the 17 Mile House Pub.
5126 Sooke Rd.

Right on the harbor is a unique old hotel that has been restored. I do not know the name of it, but you cannot miss it as it is the most obvious old hotel in the area and it is know for its afternoon teas. Great snacks, tea, coffee and probably a little libation if you desire.

I crossed the Straits of Juan De Fuca for Port Angeles, WA to the island. Spent the night there.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN