Sometimes you need a break. Not just from the laundry pile that鈥檚 threatening to become sentient, or the jar in the fridge marked 鈥�?鈥� but from politics screeching like nails on a chalkboard, the doom-and-gloom news cycle, and that bottomless pit known as doom-scrolling.
So, I took a vacation. Didn鈥檛 plan it, didn鈥檛 overthink it too much, just went. First stop: English Bay, Vancouver. Sunshine, salt air, and a delightful stay at the Sylvia Hotel. Toss in the colour, glitter, and joy of the Vancouver Pride Parade and you鈥檝e got yourself a cure for the political blues.
Now, people ask: 鈥淲hy leave 91大黄鸭 in the middle of summer? Cherries, peaches, sandy beaches, are you mad?鈥� No, friends. I just know that if you stare at the same scene for too long, even paradise starts to feel鈥� routine. A change of scenery is the best palate cleanser for the soul.
From Vancouver, we sailed to Sidney, a sweet little seaside village where lunch at Riva鈥檚 patio comes with ocean views and a side of serenity. Then off to Victoria for a few nights at Hotel Zed 鈥� retro chic with a rebellious streak. Think bold colours, 70s nostalgia, and staff who proudly call themselves 鈥渞ebels.鈥� And the bed? Let鈥檚 just say it was nothing like the spring and slat contraption from my youth that guaranteed a midnight wrestling match with gravity.
We wandered downtown as the sun set, watching the legislature building and the Empress Hotel light up like they were posing for postcards. Dinner at *Wind Cries Mary* was a treat with incredible sharing plates and the kind of patio that makes you wish summer lasted forever. And yes, Victoria *allegedly* has more restaurants per capita than anywhere else in Canada. (Don鈥檛 fact-check me. I鈥檓 happier this way.)
The next day was Butchart Gardens, my first visit in 30 years. Still a jaw-dropper. A rainbow of blooms, winding paths scented with summer, and a 100-year-old sequoia standing tall like it鈥檚 got all the time in the world.
The trip鈥檚 not even over, but I鈥檓 already feeling fresher, lighter, and more grateful. BC, you鈥檙e stunning. And 91大黄鸭, I鈥檓 coming back to you for a staycation before reality knocks again. But for now, my elbows are up, and my heart is full.
- Wilbur Turner, LL.D. (Hon.)
~ Wilbur Turner is a political strategist and community advocate based in 91大黄鸭, British Columbia, with deep roots in Alberta. With experience on the ground in federal and municipal campaigns, and a passion for civic engagement, Turner offers sharp, accessible insight into the political and social issues shaping our region and country. He was selected by the University of British Columbia for an Honorary Doctor of Laws for his significant contribution to the community. He also writes articles as QueerGranddad on Substack.
