Explore:NW explorenw_spr2019 | Page 52

From Jan. 15 to March 15 visitors are invited to visit the Butchart Residence to see how the family lived in the early 1900s. The historical display features a vast collection of photographs and memorabilia. Below, custom pillow-top mattresses at Oak Bay are a plush excuse to dream your vacation away. Hike Victoria and spent the day hiking at Gowlland Tod Provincial Park. The peaks of the Gowlland Range (from which the park derives its name) loom high above Saanich Inlet. Mark picked us up from the hotel and in less than 30 minutes we were at the trail- head. As we hiked along the snow-cov- ered trail Mark taught us about the local flora and fauna of the region and generously offered to snap our photo at each overlook. We were astonished with the short amount of time it took to reach the top. Once there, we were able to take in the breathtaking fjord and panoramic views of the San Juan and Gulf islands. As Seattle residents, we are accus- tomed to invariably hiking along trails brimming with people. We thoroughly relished our day of having both an infor- mative local guide with us and the trail to ourselves. Feeling as though we had hired our own personal photographer for the day felt especially novel. Along with guided hikes, Hike Victoria also offers a natural beauty walking tour for those feeling a little less adventurous. After a quick pit stop at our hotel we popped back into Victoria for dinner at 10 Acres Kitchen. Known for its inventive use of local products 10 Acres Kitchen grows a majority of their menu items at their farm in North Saanich, a short distance from their downtown restaurant. After a full day of hiking we were ravenous and devoured everything 50 explore: NW | The Official Magazine for kenmore air | Spring 2019