VICTORIA, BC — Looking for a getaway this holiday season? There’s no shortage of Christmas magic in Victoria, British Columbia. And with Kenmore Air, you’ll think it’s magic with how quickly you can get to Canada.
“We're talking about only 45 minutes to get up to Victoria,” said David Gudgel, president of Kenmore Air. “It's the most scenic flight that you'll ever have."
The float plane departs from Seattle’s Lake Union. The flight starts with amazing city views before passing along the islands in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and ultimately landing in Victoria’s Inner Harbor.
Once you arrive, you’re just steps from downtown and the Fairmont Empress hotel where Christmas is steeped in tradition.
"We've been doing afternoon tea for over 100 years,” said Victoria Dyson who’s the Director of Sales and Marketing at the Fairmont Empress. “Coming in for the holidays with the families, kids, and grandparents for afternoon tea is a big staple."
This year, the hotel has added a fun twist on the tradition. Sunset Sips is an evening tea experience with tea-infused cocktails.
"They are fabulously clever cocktails in glass tea pots,” said Dyson. “There's some great little noshes to eat and a little bit of a different vibe with some really cool music.”
Outside on the Festive Veranda, visitors can enjoy hot chocolate, fondue and s’mores with homemade marshmallows and graham crackers.
“You're outside on the Inner Harbor with the most gorgeous view of Victoria,” said Dyson. “People really can come in here, cozy up in a blanket around the fire, but still have all of the beautiful, elegant experiences that people have known and come to love here at the Fairmont Empress."
The veranda also offers views of the boats in the harbor and the legislative building, which have been lit up for the holidays.
"We love to turn moments into memories for people," said Dyson. “There's just so much here that it warms my heart. To be a part of creating traditions and experiences for families, it's really special."
If you can tear yourself away from the hotel, visit nearby Butchart Gardens where tens of thousands of lights brighten the dark days of winter. As you walk around, see if you can spot all of the displays depicting the Twelve Days of Christmas.
The lights at Butchart Gardens are on display through the first week of January.
Sponsored by Kenmore Air.
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