Yes, we drove to Butchart Gardens on W. Saanich (from Sooke, which is where we spent the early part of the day - on the beach & the Spit - and then had a late lunch in a pub in town) We intended to take 17 instead of 17a on the way back to Victoria, but after a mile, hubs (who was driving) asked to go back the other way because it was so dark. The other way wasn't really better (and probably 17 would have been great if he'd made it there) but we'd already driven it once so it felt more familiar and easier.

I mean - we live in the country. WAY out in the country. We're used to dark roads and no lights, but we KNOW our roads -that's the difference. Totally fine in the end, but a bit scary at the time! It was cold and rainy and temps were dropping etc. Ah well. It was worth it! I was on the fence about visiting, and hubs really didn't want to, but one of the Fairmont concierges really convinced us to do it (we were in a Gold room at the Empress in Victoria - their lounge is so lovely! And they're expanding, I guess - hubs talked to a concierge and contractor, he talks to everyone ;-)