Exploring More than Robots in a Trip to Victoria, BC

After 6 years of a yearly spring pilgrimage with a March trip to Victoria, BC, I think I may have made my last trip to this West Coast City. This decision was not due to any shortcomings of the city; it remains a beautiful, family-friendly, and easily accessible destination. Instead, it is for personal reasons that I have decided to end our tradition. You see, this year was the end of our involvement with the FIRST Robotics Competition held annually in Victoria.  It was an amazing run with a lot of memories made. All good things must come to an end as the family gets older and priorities change.

But I am getting ahead of myself a bit. First off, as this is a global audience, I need to tell you more about where we went, why we went, where we stayed, and what we learned.

I live in a city in the suburbs of Vancouver, BC, Canada. We like to say we are on the West Coast (Left Coast), but there is an entire series of islands to the west of us. The biggest of these is Vancouver Island. Vancouver Island is the largest island on the Pacific side of North America and roughly equal to the size of Belgium or Taiwan, and three-quarters as large as Switzerland.

A lot of people think when they hear the name “Vancouver Island”, they think that Vancouver is part of it. It is not. I recall back when I was at University I worked with Tourism Vancouver as a travel counselor [now known as Destination Vancouver]. Someone once came up to us looking lost and forlorn wondering how long it would take to get to Nanaimo (on Vancouver Island) by riding the Nanaimo bus? I had to break it to them that Nanaimo was a street in Vancouver, but it was also a city that was several bus rides and a 90-minute ferry ride away. So, we have a history of confusing tourists that goes back decades at least.

I also have heard of people taking flights to Sydney or Victoria thinking they were Australia bound, but nope… they found themselves ‘lost’ on Vancouver Island too. But if you found yourselves stranded there for a day or two, that is definitely not a bad thing. In fact, taking day trips to Victoria and Vancouver Island were some of the things that I recommended most often to visitors way back when I answered letters for Tourism Vancouver (pre-email days… yes I’m old).

Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and a charming city in its own right. It is the home of the legislature and is full of heritage buildings, lovely gardens, quaint shops, and some great places to eat. From Vancouver, it is accessible by car/bus + ferry or a nice Harbour to Harbour flight. From Home to the Hotel, it took us just over 4 hours.

Victoria has the mildest weather in Canada, and it always appears to be the first city in which the blossoms come out after long, dark, and rainy winters. And thus, over the past 6 years whenever I have visited, I have used these blossoms as a signal that winter is over, spring is coming, and it is time for renewal.

There are a lot of reasons why one might visit Victoria: sightseeing, government business, being a fan of olde England charm, but for us – it is the home of FIRST Robotics Canadian Pacific Regional.

FIRST Robotics and the Canadian Pacific Regional

FIRST Robotics is an international organization that aims to inspire students to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education and careers through competitive robotics programs. In the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), high school students work in teams to design, build, and program robots to compete in various challenges. The competition aims to foster skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork, while also exposing students to real-world engineering and technology concepts. Pretty cool right? There is a reason why the hashtag they use across social platforms is #MoreThanRobots.

The Canadian Pacific Regional is one of the first FRC events of the season. In fact, in 2023 we were the very first event of the season! This meant that we had attracted teams from across the Pacific Northwest, Alberta, California, Michigan, and Hawaii as well as teams as far away as Taiwan, Australia, and Turkey. It was a true multi-national event with youth from around the world brought together and guided by a philosophy of Gracious Professionalism.

The Canadian Pacific Regional is one of several regional events held across Canada and is organized by local FIRST Robotics volunteers and sponsors. The event provides a unique opportunity for students to showcase their robotics skills, network with peers and industry professionals, and learn from experienced mentors and coaches. It also helps to promote STEM education and careers in the region and encourages innovation and creativity among young people. Each year, teams compete in a series of matches, with the winning teams advancing to the international championship event.

While this past year, things were not meant to be for our team from Garibaldi High School, our family’s love for robotics and FIRST began in earnest back in 2018 when the then group of students (mostly aged 13 and in grade 8), surprised themselves and their parents in making it all the way to the international championships in Houston, TX. From small beginnings, grow big memories.

UpNext’s Involvement and Sponsorship

Over the years, as a company we have been able to play a key sponsorship role for the team. We gave up financial resources, time, and even a not-yet-used carpeted office that was perfect for weekend build and driving practice. I have always encouraged my kids to ask my partner, Chris, for his support, leaving me on the sidelines as a biased individual. Chris and the company always stepped up when asked, and for that, I am eternally grateful. Thank you!

While the kids may have been attracted to robotics, programming, and engineering, what resonated with me as an entrepreneur is FIRST’s belief in Gracious Professionalism. Gracious Professionalism is a guiding principle for all participants in the program. It is a concept that emphasizes the importance of showing respect, kindness, and empathy toward others, while also striving for excellence and fairness in all endeavors. It is about creating a positive and supportive community that is committed to learning, growth, and innovation. It recognizes that everyone has something to contribute, and that success is best achieved through collaboration and mutual support.

This past year, my oldest was a mentor after being a competitor for five years. With plans for university next year, this will be his last year participating. Similarly, my youngest has stated that with anticipated commitments in his senior year, this too will be his last go around. They both learned a lot about technology and gracious professionalism thanks in part to their coaches, their mentors, and the FIRST community. Once again, I am grateful to all those involved.

So What Happens Next?

As we were leaving Victoria, we saw evidence of blossoms and buds. Spring was indeed coming soon, and with that, new beginnings. Driving back to the ferry, we saw highway exits to the University of Victoria. My son is contemplating attending UVIC in the fall – yes to pursue a career in engineering, robotics, and aerospace thanks in part to a passion that began with FIRST. So maybe my initial declaration of this past trip being my last was a little premature. I’ve already found myself searching for places to stay near UVIC. Victoria… we may see you again soon.

As a guide to other families, I have put together some tips for making the most of your next trip to Victoria, be it for a day trip from Vancouver, or for your own trip to next year’s FIRST robotics competition.

Where to Stay in Victoria, BC

Victoria is a walkable city within the downtown area. We stayed in numerous places, but over the past 4 years, we have called the Hilton DoubleTree Victoria our home for the duration of the competition. Though there are also amazing B&Bs and quaint vacation rentals in Victoria for you to consider, our group was too large to make these practical.

If you desire a hotel, here are a few Victoria BC Hotels that may meet your needs:

Things to Do in Victoria, BC

While we were pre-occupied on this trip (and most of our other trips), here are five things to do in Victoria:

1. Visit the Royal BC Museum – This museum is one of the top attractions in Victoria and features exhibits on the natural and human history of British Columbia. It’s a great place to learn about the province’s indigenous peoples, explore the interactive exhibits, and marvel at the impressive collections of artifacts and specimens. Massive renovations are being debated, so pay attention before you travel.
2. Take a stroll around the Inner Harbour – The Inner Harbour is the heart of downtown Victoria and is a picturesque area with scenic views, historic buildings, and bustling activity. You can watch boats coming in and out of the harbour, browse local artists’ stalls, and take in the sights and sounds of the city. Make sure you post your night-time photos of the parliament buildings on Instagram
3. Explore Butchart Gardens – Located just outside Victoria, Butchart Gardens is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. The gardens are renowned for their stunning displays of flowers and plants, as well as their beautifully landscaped grounds. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon or evening, whether you’re strolling through the gardens or enjoying a concert or fireworks show. Taking a winter trip in December to see the Christmas lights at Butchart Gardens is also worth the journey.
4. Go whale watching – Victoria is one of the best places in the world to go whale watching, with opportunities to see Orcas, humpbacks, gray whales, and more. There are several tour companies that offer whale-watching excursions, which can include informative talks from marine biologists and naturalists.
5. Visit Craigdarroch Castle – This historic mansion is a testament to the wealth and grandeur of the early 20th century. Built in the late 1800s for a wealthy coal baron, the castle features 39 rooms and is adorned with intricate woodwork, stained glass, and other lavish details. It’s a great place to take a guided tour and step back in time to an era of opulence and elegance.

Where to Eat When Visiting Victoria

On this last trip, we had a few nice dinners out, including an amazing view of the Parliament Buildings across the harbour from Milestones and another intimate group dinner at Moxies. [I have also included Pagliacci’s on the list below, which is my all-time favorite in Victoria, which I have visited ever since I was a teenager myself].

Post Script

As I reflected on the trip and the many others we took to Victoria, I realized that the destination is not the story. As a busy parent, I am proud to have never missed an event, even though my career has taken me around the world [Once, I red-eyed a flight from Singapore to make the event in Houston, TX. Another time, I made two of the three days, prior to departing a little early on the final day, and watching their last match ascending to 38,000 feet on the way out of town]. 

Similarly, in retrospect, where we stayed didn’t matter too much (I mean, it contributed to rest and bonding at the end of the day), but it was the memories made through long days at the venue that we will cherish. I am sure that looking back, my kids will not recall the sights and sounds of Victoria, but their friendships and the power of teamwork. Seeing the team collaborate, support each other, and persevere through adversity was a testament to the importance of building strong relationships with others. And even though they were competing against other teams, it was the gracious professionalism that made the experience all the more meaningful.

I can’t wait to see what’s up next for them and the team. Victoria… I will be back soon enough.