Victoria, British Columbia // A Jazzfest Weekend

So, if I’m being honest here (and I am), I’m about 4 days late on posting this because I should have posted it on Canada Day in celebration of all things Canadian. Although, a country that has given us the gift of Ryan Gosling really should be celebrated every day, amiright? Also, my grandparents moved to the US from Canada, so I’m like technically 2nd generation American on my mom’s side. Yep, I’m playing that card.

Anyway, June 22nd kicked off the start of Jazzfest – a 10-day music festival held in Victoria, British Columbia. There were over 425 artists that contributed to 90-some performances – a majority of them for free. My mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and I all headed up for the weekend (a package offered through a local Seattle jazz station) for some jazz, tea, and girl time.

I haven’t been to Victoria since 1988…when I was 6. Needless to say it was pretty much a whole new experience for me. We did touristy things like visit the Butchart Gardens, have afternoon tea at the famed Empress Hotel, and of course the jazz concerts. I always love visiting Canada because the people are beyond nice and they have those cute little accents that make them pronounce the Americano coffee that I ordered as ‘uh-mer-i-can-no’ (seriously, I giggled every time).

But the best part of the whole trip? I still really like my in-laws.