Our family vacation in Victoria in July using a Home Exchange guest point exchange was truly a special experience. My husband and I drove from Kelowna, making a memorable stop along the way to pick up my mom. Meanwhile, my daughter flew in from Edmonton, adding another layer of excitement to our trip. Our son, who is studying at the University of Victoria (UVIC) and lives in the city year-round, was already there, and it was such a joy to be reunited as a family. Having everyone together in the same place was a gift in itself, and Victoria provided the perfect backdrop for our time together.
The house we stayed in was incredible. Built in 1912, it had all the charm and character of a historic home, but it was also extremely comfortable and spacious, making it a perfect fit for our group. The garden and patio area were stunning, with plenty of greenery and a peaceful atmosphere where we spent many quiet mornings and relaxing afternoons. We enjoyed our meals together outside whenever we could, taking full advantage of the beautiful weather and the tranquil surroundings. It felt like we were in our own private oasis right in the heart of Victoria.
Sharing meals was one of the highlights of the trip. We gathered around the dining table or outside in the garden, enjoying simple but delicious food and, more importantly, each other’s company. There’s something so special about slowing down and savoring the time we had as a family. Even preparing the meals together became a shared activity, filled with laughter and conversation.
One of the unexpected delights of our stay was hearing the sound of a foghorn for the first time overnight. It was such a unique experience—something I had never encountered before. There was a certain comfort in that sound, reminding us of the proximity to the ocean and adding to the charm of our Victoria stay.
Another highlight of our trip was watching the Olympics together. We all gathered in the living room and cheered on the athletes, sharing in the excitement and pride. Watching the games as a family added a fun, lively dynamic to our evenings. It became a special routine, and those moments are ones I’ll always remember.
Victoria itself was a joy to explore. We wandered through the city, visiting its beautiful parks, the iconic Inner Harbour, and taking leisurely strolls through some of its charming neighborhoods. It was wonderful to spend time with my son, who showed us around the city he now calls home. It was comforting to see how much he has grown to love Victoria, and it was heartwarming to experience it through his eyes.
While the sights and activities were incredible, the best part of the entire trip was simply being together as a family. Between busy schedules and the physical distance that often separates us, having this time in Victoria felt like a precious opportunity to reconnect, laugh, and make new memories. Our Home Exchange stay offered the perfect setting for that, and I left feeling incredibly grateful for the experience and for the chance to spend it with the people I love most.
