Certainly we all look forward to that most perfect of summer vacations. Come along with this PE&D writer on a sublime, sun-filled adventure in Victoria, B.C., where our neighbors to the north are consummate hosts. A fairly short drive of 230 miles up I-5 to Port Angeles, Wash., will put you on an hour-and-a-half ferry ride to Victoria's' inner harbor. Currently, the value of the U.S. dollar is all the reason one needs to make Canada their next holiday destination.

Checking into my Bed and Breakfast, the "Postern Gate," just about sent me into seventh heaven. The old grooms' cottage for Craigdarroch Castle has been converted into one of the coziest Bed and Breakfasts in Victoria. Jacuzzi, fireplace, private phones, fully equipped kitchens, private garden and a delicious breakfast brought to your room each morning is definitely enough to spoil anyone! Attention to detail is one aspect not always found when traveling; the beautifully decorated rooms lend themselves to a very romantic atmosphere. I highly recommend this establishment, not only for the superb accommodations and great service, it is also very affordable.

Hazel Prior, owner of the Pos-tern Gate, is a lovely English woman who will gladly give you tips on where to go and what to see. Located on Meares street, it's just a five-minute walk from downtown. For more information call (250) 744-8787.

Once I had settled in, my guide and escort arrived. Robert, an RN from Victoria, was asked by a mutual friend to show me all the highlights of this wonderful city.

As dusk fell, the tour started with a visit to Swans, one of the many fine pubs that feature live music, not to mention a great pint of ale. A good blues act by the name of Barrelhouse caught my attention, as well as the guest musicians that jammed with them. After visiting several different clubs, I was beginning to realize that there is a wealth of diversity in the music performed in Victoria. I had no idea that so many fine musicians culminated on such a relatively small island. Basically, you can find every kind of music to suit your taste any given night of the week; tell me that's not paradise.

< If the plethora of music and clubs weren't enough, the restaurants I was introduced to made me groan inwardly at the amount of time I knew would have to be spent at Gold's Gym in atonement for my sampling everything from rich French pastries, to authentic east Indian cuisine. By the way, there is a Gold's Gym located in downtown Victoria on Blanchard Street in case your conscience wins out. Food and music were only a start in this city; it was now time for a little relaxation.

A few miles drive up Beach Drive led me to Willows Beach, a basking place of local sun worshipers. A small park fronts this beautiful stretch of beach where you can soak up the rays, or lazily watch sailboats glide by with the San Juan Islands as a backdrop. Beware, the sun's rays might not seem as strong due to the cool breeze coming in off the shore and the milder climate, but this writer found herself looking for the nearest drug store in search of a big bottle of Aloe Vera gel.

Warm summer nights with clear skies are perfect for star gazing. The Royal Dominion astrophysical observatory is open to the public on Saturday nights from May until October. I personally had wanted to visit the observatory for quite some time and was lucky enough to not only see the 72-inch diameter telescope, but have a volunteer from the observatory show us a binary star through a smaller telescope set up in the parking lot.

English gardens abound in practically every yard that you see in Victoria; the largest and most spectacular is Buchart Gardens. Rain or shine, open all year, this floral wonder attracts tourists from all over the world. The gardens are extensive with varying themes of Roman to Japanese; plan to spend at least a few hours there to be able to walk through it all. Several restaurants and a gift shop are located on the garden grounds, or bring a picnic. Either way, Buchart Gardens should definitely not be missed.

Whale watching from a Zodiac boat was a new experience. I could not believe you could get that close to whales, as well as other various sea life. Great Pacific Adventures gave us a very informative and interesting three-hour tour that I will always remember. Perusing various antique and gift shops is always fun and the decidedly English influence that pervades this charming city can make you feel as if you're a world away. Isn't that the whole point of a great vacation?

There is so much to experience in Victoria that several vacations would not be able to cover it all. I did my best, but only scratched the surface. From everything to hiking, camping, or cultural, our northern neighbors have it all and are more than happy to accommodate. Check out the chamber of commerce for more information, I assure you, it will be one of the best vacation spots you ever visit.