Victoria & Vancouver Dessert Tours
Walking through the Vancouver island airport, we headed toward the baggage claim to meet our driver. This trip was Justin's and I's first visit to this region, and we chose to rely on a travel agent's services. The agent arranged drivers, ferry arrangements, and flights for our international travel. I'd recommend Brentwood Travel to anyone in the St. Louis area; we appreciated the agent's guidance.
Back to the story! Once we reached our hotel, we checked into our room and immediately set out for a late lunch/early dinner, our first meal of the day. Yeah! We were super hungry!
After burgers, fries, and a refreshing cider, Justin and I walked around the harbor that tracked around downtown Victoria. Soon the sun started to dip past the horizon line. We were exhausted after a day of traveling, so we headed back to the hotel room and rested for our week-long trip exploring this region of British Columbia.
But enough about us,
you're here for information about desserts!
Our first stop was Crust Bakery on Fort St. (@crustbakeryonfort). Approaching the bakery, I immediately realized that this is where I needed to be! The large front window framed a beautiful spread of tarts, croissants, fruit danishes, and sweet rolls. Justin chose a crème brûlée custard tart, and I selected a blueberry tart with a whipped cream topping. Delicious! If I lived in this city, I would undoubtedly pick up desserts from Crust Bakery frequently.
Of course, three days isn't a lot of time to experience all of the desserts that one city has to offer, but I would try. Before heading to the mainland to visit Vancouver, we had the chance to enjoy beignets at Little Jumbo Restaurant & Bar (@littlejumbobc), cake at Dutch Bakery & Diner (@dutchbakeryvictoria), and cinnamon rolls at Milano Coffee (@milanoroasters).
Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress
Mini cookies, cakes, and custard-filled cups made of chocolate? Yes, please!
On our last day in Victoria, we had the pleasure of experiencing the Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress (@fairmontempress), complete with mini cookies, cakes, and custard-filled cups made of chocolate. It was such a lovely afternoon, and I hope to experience this again. After we finished our tea, we walked across the street to the harbor. We waved goodbye to the Parliament building (not really) and docked the V2V ferry and set off to the seaport city of Vancouver.
On our first morning in Downtown Vancouver, my husband and I pretty much had the same plan that we had in Victoria - walk around in search of food and activities. After getting a good night's rest, we awoke in search of breakfast the next morning and the quickest route to Granville Island. A few days before we left St. Louis, my friend let me borrow her Guide to Canadian to Travel. Justin found it quite helpful, and we were able to gather some great pointers on where to go in the cities.
After breakfast, we docked a water taxi and enjoyed the 4 minute trip across the harbor to Granville Station. The shopping center was delightful, a must-do for any Vancouver tourist. We walked all around the stalls and booths, looking at the crafts and produce available for purchase. Of course, I zeroed in on the desserts! I'd made my final decision: Lee's Donuts (@leesdonuts.ca), that day's dessert purchase! Frankly, I made a good choice. A warm, soft, glazed donut is classic, and I loved every bite.
Unique Flavored Macarons from Thierry Chocolates
Over the next few days, we also visited Soft Peaks (@softpeaksicecream) for ice cream and the Cactus Club (@cactusclubcafe) for lunch, followed by an apple galette. The night before we prepared to leave British Columbia, we stopped by Thierry Chocolates (@thierrychocolat). I was surprised to find that it was packed so late at night. Popular spot. I remember I was feeling very adventurous, so I opted for an unfamiliar macaron flavor. Cassis, do you know what that is? I didn't at the time, but I was intrigued. If you're interested in a wine flavored cookie, then visit Thierry Chocolates in downtown Vancouver.
I had a fantastic honeymoon, and it was made even sweeter by a delicious dessert tour.
