re: Settled on a trip to Vancouver Island, BC

I have been to that part of the world twice, both times in conjunction with Alaskan cruises. The last time was in May of 2008. We arrived a week in advance of the cruise and divided our time between Victoria and Vancouver. That is when we stayed at Abigail's. We enjoyed it even though the room did not have much of a view. I would compare it to going to New Orleans and staying at a B&B in the Garden District or near St. Charles Avenue. We did not rent a car. Victoria is a small, compact and very walkable city. We took the bus to Buchert Gardens. Otherwise we walked every place else. Abigail's is centrally located. We did not go to the Grand Pacific but it looks very nice. It is a much bigger hotel right on the waterfront. You can't go wrong either way.