VICTORIA

Victoria is a charmingly small city. Town itself is quite small and decidedly walkable; you’ll have no problem getting from one end of town centre to the other. Greater Victoria itself is more spread-out and has an abundance of hills—so watch when you’re walking or on your bike. If you’re here for a few days, I’d recommend driving up island to see the wilderness. Victoria is made up of multiple municipalities that have grown together—so you have Victoria itself and Greater Victoria.

To Drink

Caffeinated

Ruth & Dean

A great spot for food and amazing baking (get a cookie or a Nanaimo bar!). There’s one in Estevan village (get a coffee then go to Willows!) and a new one on Store Street.

Parsonage Cafe

A favourite. Delicious coffee and food—I’m especially partial to the ginger scones and their breakfast bagel (the best in town! Made on Mount Royal bagels). They also have the best London Fog in town, in my humble opinion.

Hey Happy

A happy place in town :) a go-to spot. Their honey-latte is my usual order.

Cafe Fantastico

Cafe Fantastisco has 3 locations about the city. My go-to is along Harbour Road, with a large patio, it overlooks the water and the Galloping Goose Trail. It also has a licensed side, a small pantry section, and great sandwiches/cheese selection. Tres Fantastico, just outside town, has great brunch options.

Hide and Seek

A great selection of coffee beans to buy from different spots and good coffee. There’s one tucked into Fairfield and one in Vic West (pop into Market Garden with your coffee!)

Union Pacific

Tucked through Fan Tan Alley (the narrowest street in Canada!) decorated with fairy lights and serving a delicious chai latte. Big tables so great for studying or writing. A great pit stop as you wander around this historic part of town (also the oldest Chinatown in Canada!).

Saint Cecila

The best macha in town, according to my sources. Very vibey and good coffee—limited seating.

Wairua

A new kiwi cafe in town! Great coffee; a bit out of the way with no patio and a small inside. As it’s a bit out of the way I would recommend for a takeaway or if you’re planning on sitting inside.

Boozy - Beer & Cider

Ile Savage

My favourite local brewery known for their sours. The brewery is a bit out of the way in Burnside but it’s a lovely wee spot with an array of their amazing beers. Their sours will hit you in the molars!

Phillips Brewery

Local and delicious (great pizza available, too), with a patio that feels like Copenhagen.

The Drake

A tap room with great selection and a cosy interior and a large patio. Their tap rotates every other day or so. Great pretzels! I would not recommend having a cocktail here—we’ve always been disapointed.

Whistle Bouy Brewing Co.

A great brewery with a patio in Market Square and a nice inside. They have great NA options, too :)

Sea Cider

Available in liquor stores around the city, but if you have a chance drive out to the cidery just outside Sidney for a tasting and a charcuterie board. Beautiful views of the water.

Victoria Cider Co.

A new-to-me spot! Delish cider and a great spot for a picnic! They have ingredients to make your own charcuterie board.

Penny Farthing Public House

A cosy and lovely pub on Oak Bay Avenue.

The Churchill

Another cosy and lovely pub on Yates street.

Boozy - Cocktails & Wine

Rabbit Rabbit

A new wine spot in town—cool and delish and high on my list to go back to.

Wind Cries Mary

Cocktail central, baby!! Great cosy spot and rotating local menu. Rudi is also owned by the same people.

Perro Negro

Wine and tapas—great stuffed dates.

Tourist Wine Bar

A cosy, chic spot for a drink. There’s no patio and it’s small inside so can be hard to get in. There’s also a Tourist Cafe next door that is licensed.

Bray’s

A great patio spot in the summer. One of my favourite reds is there—Monvin Italian Red.

to Eat

Brunch & Lunch

Mount Royal Bagels

Fresh bagels; one of my favourite spots in the city, especially in the morning when the bagels are still warm from the oven (mmmmm does it get any better?). My favourite is the cinnamon raisin with their (homemade) vanilla honey cream cheese.

JAM Cafe

A great brunch and lunch spot; gets busy so better to get there early.

Blue Fox Cafe

A small, local staple famous for their eggs Benedict, which I personally believe pairs perfectly with one of their mimosas. Get there early on a weekend because there will be a line but I promise they’re worth the wait. My local trick is to go for a brunch-after-lunch at 3pm when the restaurant is empty and there’s no line.

Crust Bakery

The PASTRIES!

Nourish Kitchen, Cafe & Restaurant

The best spot for those with gluten/dairy intolerances—but heavy on the cashew substitutes for those with allergies. The owners also have “Charlotte and the Quail” which is farther out but also very delicious and cute. Also a spot for dinner.

Dinner

Green Cuisine

A veggie spot that does food by weight, with a hot and cold assortment plus desserts and smoothies. Their falafel is a must.

Dumpling Drop

A pandemic business that has flourished, started by a mother-daughter duo. Frozen dumplings to go (or for your freezer) or eat in. There’s not too much seating but there is a bar to sit at and it’s one of the best spots in town! Their chilli sauce is aaaaaamazing.

10 Acres Bistro

A farm to table restaurant that is oh-so-good! On the fancier side. I’d recommend Bistro over Commons—if you’re going to Commons I’d recommend a reservation as they get busy with cruise ships.

Mesa

The best Mexican in town, I think, located in the beautiful Fernwood square! Great tacos and margs.

Il Terrazzo

The best Italian in the city, tucked away just off Johnson Street inside a quirky and cosy nook. It gets busy so if you’re going with a group of more than 2 I would recommend a reservation.

Superbaba

A great spot for wraps / burrito bowls. Their falafel wrap is AMAZING and their ice cream sandwich is one of my favourites in town.

Big Wheel Burger

The best (and local!) spot for a fast food burger and milkshake in town. It won’t disappoint.

Boomtown

Another great Mexican spot up Yates with a great marg. They have brunch but my favourite is dinner—great sauces and homemade tortilla chips.

Sizzling Tandoor

Best Indian spot in town!

Standard Pizza

Amazing pizza; takeout only so bring it to the beach! You have to call EARLY to get a spot (because all the locals know it’s the best).

Prima Strada Pizza

A great location for dinner along Cook St. They don’t take reservations and it can get busy. A great happy hour menu deal.

Ice Cream

Parachute Ice Cream

Delicious ice cream with the option for dairy free! Better than Cold Comfort in my opinion. I’d recommend the location in Oak Bay as there is a beautiful field to sit in across from it or a short walk to the water.

49 Below

Another great local spot with especially different and delicious flavours. There’s a spot in Oak Bay (the OG) and a new one in Vic West along Craigflower Road; go for a swim at the dock or play tennis in Banfield then get a cone!

Cold Comfort

Another OG ice cream spot in town; there’s a location along Cook Street. Grab a cone and go to Dallas Road, my friends!

Kid Sister Ice Cream

Made-from-scratch ice cream and popsicle shop. My most recent was an aperol and grapefruit popsicle and yes it was as good as it sounds. They now don’t have a spot in town but are sold in freezers in other business (like at Dumpling Drop).

Desserts & Snacks

Pendray Inn & Tea House

A great alternative to the Empress for high tea, Pendray Tea House is just off the Inner Harbour, so an easy walk from town.

Red Barn Market

A market with a great selection of healthy and organic food, and, most importantly, the best sandwich bar in town.

Empire Donuts

The best donut in town—according to me! Recommend getting there early if you’re truly keen because they sell out fast.

Goodside Bakery

I haven’t gone yet but it’s high on my list with everything I’ve heard!

To See & Do

Around the city

Moss Street Market

The biggest Sunday farmers market in the city. Lovely spot to wander!

Bastien Square Market

A smaller market but Bastien Square is in the middle of town during the summer; Bastien Square is the old town square where they did the public hangings back in the day!

Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is the main dock for floating homes where you can wander about and get some food. It gets busy with tourists (you don’t find locals here) so I’d recommend getting there early if you’re keen to go. If you’re coming from town you pass Nourish Cafe & Restaurant so it’s a perfect place to stop before the wharf, and then continue on to the breakwater and along Dallas Road (although this would be a long walk).

The Breakwater, Dallas Road, & Ross Bay Beach

The breakwater is just outside of town and not far from Fisherman’s Wharf; it’s a bit of a walk from town centre but all flat along the sidewalk. There’s a cafe at the base of the breakwater for a stop either on your way out, or back. Continue up from the breakwater (away from town) up to Dallas Road to keep walking along the sea—a beautiful walk in any season and a must-do for any want-to-be local. Dallas Road is the local evening/weekend walks for dog-walkers, bikers, and strollers alike. If you carry on down to Ross Bay beach you can sit along the driftwood and watch the sunset or take in the mountains.

Abkhazi Garden & The Teahouse at Abkhazi Gardens

A beautiful, beautiful garden originally started by a husband and wife from Georgia. You can go to the gardens for a small donation. There is a teahouse there that you can get food / high tea (picture above!). Great food and beautiful view; you need to book ahead. I think the Empress high tea is overrated and would recommend here or Pendray Inn instead.

Royal BC Museum

A good museum with an IMAX (the biggest screen in BC!).

Ghost Tour

Daily walking ghost tours around the city; quite fun! Victoria is one of the most haunted cities in Canada; the Songhees Peoples believe that the bedrock here holds spirits.

Chinatown

Worth a wander—the oldest Chinatown in Canada. Fan Tan alley is the highlight—the narrowest alley in BC.

Around the greenery

Butchart Gardens

The beautiful curated gardens just outside the city; there’s coaches up there if you don’t have a car. It’s stunning when the flowers are in bloom, and, at Christmas, they string lights all around. It’s a wee bit expensive for entry (and for the snacks around the gardens); I would recommend the Horticultural Society over Butchart.

Galloping Goose Bike Trail

Victoria is the biking capital of Canada! This winding trail takes you from Victoria proper up to Sidney with great views. Biking to Mitchell’s Farm for ice cream is a friend-group staple!

Lochside Trail

A favourite bike trail in town; our end goal is usually Michell’s farm. A local farm with an outside bistro to get delicious food (made from theirs and another local farm). There’s also pumpkin patches there in autumn.

Cattle Point, Uplands Park, & Willows Beach

One of the best beaches in town! Wander through Oak Bay to see the lovely high street before going to the beach. Cattle Point is a small walk from Willows; not strenuous and on a paved path. In the summer the city scatters pianos about Oak Bay and Willows Beach, so the public can play a wee tune; jolly. A great place for a picnic or evening dinner.

Beacon Hill Park

A park with paved walkways in town; it can get a bit dodgey in the evenings so be mindful.

Horticultural Society

A beautiful garden with a patio and full restaurant. Go there and then Charlotte and the Quail for a cofee that is right next to it. I’d do this over Butchart Gardens.

Pacifica Paddle Sports (Brentwood Bay)

Rent a boat and enjoy the scenery. (Above!)

Fort Rodd Hill

A National Historic Site of coastal artillery. Bring a picnic and explore!

Around the water

Thetis Lake

A go-to lake for locals. There’s paths to walk around and a beach. The beach gets BUSY in the summer but if you walk up to Upper Thetis you can sit on the rocks and still swim. There is a small parking fee in peak season (May-October). My suggestion: take a Red Barn Market sandwich for a picnic.

Durance Lake

There’s a small beach at the end here that gets busy. Locals bring towels and chairs and just set up along the banks. A floaty is nice to have for this one. There parking lot is free but very small so be prepared to park along the side of the road (in true BC fashion) and walk in.

Banfield Dock

The locals know this is THE spot in town for a summer dip. The water gets warm and the dock is a great spot to lounge in the sun. Again, it gets very busy but it’s usually possible to get a spot on the dock. You can also put your blanket in the park on the grass. Don’t forget your ice cream from 49 Below!

Willows Beach

The sandiest beach to spend a day on.

Sooke Potholes

A great spot in the summer, these naturally occurring potholes have cliffs to jump from and swim around. It’s an easy day-trip from Victoria and a different way to take in the views and cool down. There’s no amenities about so make sure you come prepared! Again, gets very busy in the summer so get there early.

Around the trees

Gowlland Tod Provincial Park

A Provincial park with different hikes inside it. Jocelyn Hill is a personal favourite.

Mount Work

Steep at parts to get to the Summit but worth it. There are also flat trails around it.

East Sooke Park

A bit out of the way for Victoria but a beautiful park and a spot to see wildlife.

PKOLS (Mount Doug)

You can either climb or drive to the top, but either way it’s a great place to watch the sunset.

TO DAY TRIP

(or not to day trip)

Salt Spring Island

A short and easy ferry ride away, Salt Spring is a lovely getaway for the day. They have a farmers market that, in recent years, I haven’t found amazing so I don’t think there’s a need to go there on a Saturday for it. Recommendations here!

Island Wineries

Cowichan Valley is the only spot outside of the Okanagan in BC that’s been given the status of wine country. Most of the wineries are in the Cowichan Valley (up island from Victoria) and are a great day out! They have a wine festival in August.

Sidney

A lovely seaside town. You can bike there via the Galloping Goose Trail, or, of course, drive up there for the day. Pop to Sea Cider while you’re there!

To Shop

Neighbourhoods

Oak Bay

One of the neighbourhoods with British influence, Oak Bay has a beautiful high street to meander through, looking at shops and beautiful homes. While you’re there, walk down to the marina and along Beach Drive.

Lower Johnson Street

The best boutiques in town! Be sure to check out Still Life and Flavour and pop into Market Square to see if anything is on.

Books

Munro’s Books

(Downtown) A beautiful book store, founded by Alice Munro and her first husband, along Government street. It’s in an old bank and so the architecture inside is stunning (be sure to look up!).

Russell Books

(Downtown) The local institution has just moved to a newer and bigger location which isn’t quite as magical as their old spot; however, their new and used books has an extensive selection. Especially great for out of print books that I couldn’t get other places.

Ivy’s Bookshop

(Oak Bay) The perfect, wee bookshop in the heart of Oak Bay.

Book Shenanigans

(Cook St.) The newest bookshop in town, located right beside Moka House in Cook Street Village. Their front steps are painted with BEAUTIFUL book spines. Both used and new, this spot is definitely worth a browse.

Bolen Books

(Hillside Mall) Although slightly out of the way, Bolen is a staple in the Victoria literacy scene. A great selection of new books, board games, and vintage lamps.

Stationary

The Regional Assembly of Text

(Downtown) One of my favourite spots for some stationary; you can also write a letter (or whatever strikes your fancy) on a typewriter!

The Papery

(Downtown) The perfect stop for all thing stationary and ribbon related!

Homeware

Paboom

(Downtown) The fun place for homeware in the city.

Fan Tan Homewares

(Chinatown) My favourite for homewares in the city.

Nichollas Randall

(Oak Bay) The perfect mix of homeware, stationary, clothes, and jewellery.

Clothes & More

Luna Collective

(Upper Fort) Artwork by local female artists. A must visit.

The Vend Collective

(Upper Fort) A great consignment clothing shop right beside Luna.

Violette Boutique

(Downtown) Beautiful jewellery and one of my favourite stores in town. There’s also a location in Oak Bay.