Royal Bay at Sunrise

Royal Bay is one of those spots I keep coming back to, mostly because it just works. It’s close, it’s easy to get to early in the morning, and at sunrise you’re not bothering anyone. No neighbours, no dog walkers wondering what the buzzing sound is, no awkward “should I even be here right now?” moments. Just open space, cold air, and a clear view east.

From this angle, you get a fantastic look back toward Victoria. The lagoon sits off to the side, the coastline stretches out, and the sun usually comes up right where you want it to. On a good morning, you’ll also catch ships sitting out on the water, barely moving, which always adds a bit of scale and calm to the scene. It’s quiet in that way that only really happens early in the day, before the rest of the city wakes up.

It’s also funny how often I run into the same people down there. There’s a guy named Greg I seem to cross paths with almost every time. I think he’s ex-military, drives a similar vehicle to mine, and we usually end up having a quick chat while watching the light change. Nothing deep, nothing dramatic — just two guys standing in the cold, talking cars, weather, and whatever else comes up. It’s become part of the routine, honestly.

Royal Bay always feels colder than everywhere else. I don’t know why, but it does. Even when it’s calm, that air coming off the water cuts a bit sharper. Still, that’s kind of the trade-off. You put up with cold hands for a few minutes, and you get views like this. No crowds, no rush, just a clean look at Victoria starting its day.

These images were taken on one of those crisp January mornings where everything lines up just right. Not dramatic, not overcooked — just a simple reminder of why I keep the drone charged and the alarm set early. Sometimes the best places aren’t far away or complicated. They’re just familiar, reliable, and quietly beautiful if you catch them at the right time.