Victoria Weekend and Empress Tea Update – March 10-11, 2018

Ruth wanted to give you who are attending and you who are yet considering, an update on our Victoria weekend.  First, here is an approximate time schedule:

8:00 AM:  Departure from Pier 69, Seattle, WA.  Clipper recommends you arrive one hour before departure.  You can park in a lot a few blocks south of the pier at 254 Belleville Street, information is on their website.  You must be ready to board and through customs by 7:45 AM. You will need your Passport or Expanded Driver’s License.  Last year we had plenty of time and even had a bite to eat on the pier, however food is available on the boat as well.

10:45 AM:  Arrive in Victoria BC.  The Chateau Victoria has a complimentary van that can transport us and our luggage to the hotel.  The check-in time is 3:00 PM, but you can call them and request an early check in.  Ruth did this for our room and we were able to get in early and change for tea.  Even if only one of our group gets early check-in, we could all change in that room if need be.  We highly recommend calling them and asking for the early check-in option.  

3:00 PM:  Tea at the Empress Hotel.  If you are staying at the Chateau Victoria, this is a short walk over. We suggest to meet in the lobby at 2:45 PM to go over together.  The tearoom seats us at tables of 6 per table, so we should have at least 2 tables there.  We need to be prompt.

After the tea is over, we have time to go back to our rooms to rest and/or change.  If you are still hungry (which I can’t imagine!) you could go out to get a bite to eat.  

6:45 PM:  Walk over to the Langhorn Theater.  We are invited to a preplay reception with the Directors at 7:15 PM.  They are delighted that we are coming in costume and JASNA is possibly coming as well that same night.  The play starts at 8:00 PM, and we have been invited to meet with the actors after the play as well.  It should be a wonderful experience for us!   (Please Note:  Ruth has obtained tickets for those of you who responded to my hasty notification.  If you would still like to be part of the group, write Ruth at president@waregency.org and she can put you on a waiting list, or you can call the theater yourself and see if there are any tickets remaining.)

After the play, we are on our own to go back to our hotel or enjoy the nightlife in Victoria.

Sunday, March 11:  This day is on your own, and quite open to whatever you would like to do.  We did find that there are not too many actual restaurants open for breakfast in downtown, however, our hotel recommended Blue Fox and despite a wait to get in, we had a delicious breakfast.  Other options are the various coffee bars and tearooms that might be open. 

Other suggestions for Sunday are the BC History Museum, various open shops ( loved the hat shop, needlework shop, Roger’s Chocolates, and Murchie’s Teas).  You could also head to Craigdarroch Castle if you wish.  Victoria has a lot to offer, even in winter!

Costumes:  Ladies, we will be attending a very nice tea in the afternoon, so a nice afternoon dress is appropriate.  We very much appreciated having a warm Spencer, shawl, or Redingote for walking outside, and a weatherproof bonnet, or umbrella is suggested as well.  For the evening play, you may dress up in evening attire if you wish, but it means bringing another outfit in your luggage.  You could alternately “upgrade” your afternoon attire with jewelry, turban, shawl, etc if you don’t wish to carry extra.  For the Gentlemen:  A nice tailcoat, vest, and shirt, top hat if you own one,  would be very nice!  

Packing:  Most of us plan on going up to Victoria in our regular clothes and changing at the hotel.  Clipper allows 2 pieces of luggage.  Last year, I packed a suitcase and a handled hatbox and that worked just great.  They check your luggage when you arrive .  You can also carry a bag or backpack on board the boat.  If you have any questions on packing, call Clipper Vacations at 1-800-888-2535

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to write Ruth at president@waregency.org, or on the Facebook event page.