Victoria IS for Seniors!
May 19, 2008 | Tips from Travellers > Victoria, Accommodations
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I am from Quadra Island. Recently my elderly parents from Saskatchewan spent a week in Victoria as part of a bus tour. Although they have been to BC on numerous occasions, this was the first time that someone else had all the planning responsibilities and did all the driving. They happened to be there over the Mothers Day weekend. I took an extra day off work and went down to meet them. It was the first time I've been with my mother on Mothers Day since the mid-80’s!
My comment here is really related to the wonderful service that they received while in Victoria, particularly from the Queen Victoria Hotel where they stayed. On Mothers Day morning we went to leave the hotel for breakfast nearby (too close to be worth driving). My father was silently grumbling (but loud enough for anyone in the vicinity to hear J ) about having to “walk” and everything being uphill etc. (remember, they are from SK). The staff at the Front desk quickly, and unsolicited, came to the rescue and offered to take us in the shuttle. They then picked us up when we were done. Later that evening the shuttle wasn’t available but they cheerfully paid for a cab for us to go out to dinner and return! What great service! It really changed the logistics of our brief visit as we were able to get my 80++ Dad out a bit further than the immediate vicinity of the hotel without having to have a dreaded walk.
While in Victoria they also greatly enjoyed being able to get to the Casino. I think the highlight for them was the shuttle trip and the casino's shuttle driver. They thought he was a great and colourful character.
On Mothers Day I took them for a drive out to Sooke. On the way home we happened to come across “Mom’s Café”. I would never have known it was there except that my “Garmin” navigation device directed me to it as the nearest restaurant. It is a bit tucked away off the main road, but what a buried treasure. Kind of a 60’s look with everything immaculate! A varied menu with a nice blend of old-time favourites and modern items. The best thing… mile high pies! Too bad we were only there for a coffee break as the menu was quite enticing and I would have liked to try it. I did try a bowl of chowder and it was one of the best I’ve tasted in my 18 years in BC!
In conclusion, I think the hospitality staff in Victoria are generally great when dealing with and anticipating the needs of seniors.
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