Guidebook for Victoria
Food Scene
Located in the heart of Chinatown, this coffee shop imports and roasts the finest coffee beans from around the world.
63 recommandé par les habitants
Bean Around The World
533 Fisgard StLocated in the heart of Chinatown, this coffee shop imports and roasts the finest coffee beans from around the world.
Floating at Fisherman’s Wharf, you can’t go wrong with Barb’s Place!
40 recommandé par les habitants
Barb's Fish and Chips
1 Dallas RdFloating at Fisherman’s Wharf, you can’t go wrong with Barb’s Place!
This is a great all day breakfast place with a lot of character within walking distance of the condo. It is an organic, free-run, and local place that serves generous portions.
106 recommandé par les habitants
Blue Fox Cafe
919 Fort StThis is a great all day breakfast place with a lot of character within walking distance of the condo. It is an organic, free-run, and local place that serves generous portions.
With hand selected beans from all over the world that are roasted in-house, you will be sure to enjoy your coffee!
104 recommandé par les habitants
Discovery Coffee
281 Menzies StWith hand selected beans from all over the world that are roasted in-house, you will be sure to enjoy your coffee!
Just around the corner from the condo, this restaurant offers West Coast meat and fish entrees in an upscale setting. You can sit inside in the elegant dining room or enjoy Victoria’s temperate climate on the outdoor patio.
Fire & Water Restaurant
728 Humboldt StreetJust around the corner from the condo, this restaurant offers West Coast meat and fish entrees in an upscale setting. You can sit inside in the elegant dining room or enjoy Victoria’s temperate climate on the outdoor patio.
This restaurant within walking distance of the condo serves all day breakfast and lunch. This place gets really busy so plan to go early or wait in line!
201 recommandé par les habitants
Jam Cafe
542 Herald StThis restaurant within walking distance of the condo serves all day breakfast and lunch. This place gets really busy so plan to go early or wait in line!
This is a classic Italian restaurant that also has salads that are to die for! As if things could get better, Pagliacci’s offers take out and delivery!
126 recommandé par les habitants
Pagliacci's
1011 Broad StThis is a classic Italian restaurant that also has salads that are to die for! As if things could get better, Pagliacci’s offers take out and delivery!
This cute restaurant happens to be pescatarian (almost vegetarian but includes eating fish) and DELICIOUS!
55 recommandé par les habitants
Rebar
50 Bastion SquareThis cute restaurant happens to be pescatarian (almost vegetarian but includes eating fish) and DELICIOUS!
Red Fish Blue Fish is a seasonal restaurant in an old cargo container with an outdoor waterfront eatery in the inner harbour and delicious food!
163 recommandé par les habitants
Red Fish Blue Fish
1006 Wharf StRed Fish Blue Fish is a seasonal restaurant in an old cargo container with an outdoor waterfront eatery in the inner harbour and delicious food!
Tacofino is one of those places that people rave about. If you’re looking for a quick bite of cheap and delicious soft shell tacos or burritos, this is definitely the place to go!
78 recommandé par les habitants
Tacofino
760 Pandora AveTacofino is one of those places that people rave about. If you’re looking for a quick bite of cheap and delicious soft shell tacos or burritos, this is definitely the place to go!
If you’re looking to stay in and could go for a yummy pizza dinner look no further! The Joint Pizzeria and Deli offers many unique meat and vegetarian pizzas along with gluten free and custom options. You can even order online!
10 recommandé par les habitants
The Joint Pizzeria
1219 Wharf StIf you’re looking to stay in and could go for a yummy pizza dinner look no further! The Joint Pizzeria and Deli offers many unique meat and vegetarian pizzas along with gluten free and custom options. You can even order online!
10 Acres Kitchen, 10 Acres Common, and 10 Acres Bistro are all part of the same company. 10 Acres is an organic farm in North Saanich just an hour north of Victoria that provides most of the food for these sustainable restaurants. Any additional food used at these restaurants is from other farms and fishermen that are like-minded. The Kitchen serves as a fine dining location, whereas The Commons and The Bistro are a more casual place to eat. The Commons even has live music every night except Mondays.
14 recommandé par les habitants
10 Acres Commons
620 Humboldt St10 Acres Kitchen, 10 Acres Common, and 10 Acres Bistro are all part of the same company. 10 Acres is an organic farm in North Saanich just an hour north of Victoria that provides most of the food for these sustainable restaurants. Any additional food used at these restaurants is from other farms and fishermen that are like-minded. The Kitchen serves as a fine dining location, whereas The Commons and The Bistro are a more casual place to eat. The Commons even has live music every night except Mondays.
With healthy, vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, and meat lover options, there is definitely something for everyone at Nourish Kitchen & Cafe. With whole, unprocessed, natural, organic, and seasonal ingredients, this restaurant focuses on your health.
56 recommandé par les habitants
Nourish Kitchen & Cafe
225 Quebec StreetWith healthy, vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, and meat lover options, there is definitely something for everyone at Nourish Kitchen & Cafe. With whole, unprocessed, natural, organic, and seasonal ingredients, this restaurant focuses on your health.
The entire menu here is available for takeout and delivery. Whether you want pasta or pizza and you want to stay in or go out, this is a great option.
34 recommandé par les habitants
Romeo's
1703 Blanshard StThe entire menu here is available for takeout and delivery. Whether you want pasta or pizza and you want to stay in or go out, this is a great option.
Right across the street from the condo, Noodlebox is a great place. Originating in Victoria’s own Chinatown, their Southeast Asian street food was in such high demand that they have now opened many stores throughout BC and Alberta.
39 recommandé par les habitants
Noodlebox
3749 Shelbourne StRight across the street from the condo, Noodlebox is a great place. Originating in Victoria’s own Chinatown, their Southeast Asian street food was in such high demand that they have now opened many stores throughout BC and Alberta.
In the mood for a burger? The Pink Bicycle is the place to go! With an ideal location just around the corner from the condo, you can either sit there or get takeout and bring it back to the condo.
44 recommandé par les habitants
The Pink Bicycle
1008 Blanshard StIn the mood for a burger? The Pink Bicycle is the place to go! With an ideal location just around the corner from the condo, you can either sit there or get takeout and bring it back to the condo.
Shopping
If you want to go to a mall nearby, this is one of your options. It has lots of brand name stores.
125 recommandé par les habitants
Mayfair Shopping Centre
3147 Douglas StIf you want to go to a mall nearby, this is one of your options. It has lots of brand name stores.
A mall that is really close by and has lots of great stores!
112 recommandé par les habitants
The Bay Centre
1150 Douglas StA mall that is really close by and has lots of great stores!
This is the famous Nobel Prize winner Alice Munro’s bookstore and is definitely worth checking out!
31 recommandé par les habitants
Munro's Books
1108 Government StThis is the famous Nobel Prize winner Alice Munro’s bookstore and is definitely worth checking out!
Fan Tan Alley at 3-6 feet wide and 240 feet long is the narrowest street in Canada. It dates back to 1885 when Chinese and Western landowners filled the area with buildings. It is now a popular tourist spot with many small businesses.
Victoria’s Chinatown is the oldest in Canada and was the forefront of Chinese anti-racism in Canada.
101 recommandé par les habitants
Fan Tan Alley
549 Fisgard StFan Tan Alley at 3-6 feet wide and 240 feet long is the narrowest street in Canada. It dates back to 1885 when Chinese and Western landowners filled the area with buildings. It is now a popular tourist spot with many small businesses.
Victoria’s Chinatown is the oldest in Canada and was the forefront of Chinese anti-racism in Canada.
Essentials
Located in a historic building downtown Victoria, this venue features fresh seafood, local cheese, meats, farm fresh groceries, pies, a French bakery, oils and vinegars, fresh flowers, specialty retail, gourmet food, and much more! This market is a combination of food, art, and entertainment all in one place!
71 recommandé par les habitants
Victoria Public Market at the Hudson
1701 Douglas StLocated in a historic building downtown Victoria, this venue features fresh seafood, local cheese, meats, farm fresh groceries, pies, a French bakery, oils and vinegars, fresh flowers, specialty retail, gourmet food, and much more! This market is a combination of food, art, and entertainment all in one place!
This spa is urban and chic. They offer massage, facials, body treatments, and pedicure with organic products!
The Spa Magnolia Victoria
625 Courtney StThis spa is urban and chic. They offer massage, facials, body treatments, and pedicure with organic products!
Sightseeing
Check out the provincial government buildings that we have here in British Columbia’s capital city just a 6 minute walk away. There are FREE guided tours that happen throughout the year and times during the week where you can walk around exploring on your own.
218 recommandé par les habitants
Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
501 Belleville StCheck out the provincial government buildings that we have here in British Columbia’s capital city just a 6 minute walk away. There are FREE guided tours that happen throughout the year and times during the week where you can walk around exploring on your own.
This Victorian style castle was built between 1887 and 1890 on a hill that overlooks Victoria. It has 39 rooms and over 20,000 square feet of interior space full of history.
234 recommandé par les habitants
Craigdarroch Castle
1050 Joan CrescentThis Victorian style castle was built between 1887 and 1890 on a hill that overlooks Victoria. It has 39 rooms and over 20,000 square feet of interior space full of history.
Take a trip to see, internationally renowned painter and writer, Emily Carr’s family home to see how she emerged from traditional colonial upbringing.
51 recommandé par les habitants
Emily Carr House
207 Government StTake a trip to see, internationally renowned painter and writer, Emily Carr’s family home to see how she emerged from traditional colonial upbringing.
Having opened in 1908, this hotel is one of the oldest and most famous hotels in Victoria. With 477 rooms, a gorgeous luxury spa, world class high tea, and a view of the inner harbour that can’t be beat; this famous and historic hotel is worth the visit.
194 recommandé par les habitants
Hotel Fairmont Empress
721 Government StHaving opened in 1908, this hotel is one of the oldest and most famous hotels in Victoria. With 477 rooms, a gorgeous luxury spa, world class high tea, and a view of the inner harbour that can’t be beat; this famous and historic hotel is worth the visit.
See secret bunkers, military command posts, and original buildings from the 19th century at Fort Rodd Hill. This fortress was active from 1895 to 1956. At this location you can also see Fisgard Lighthouse which is the oldest on the west coast of Canada.
110 recommandé par les habitants
Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse NHS
603 Fort Rodd Hill RdSee secret bunkers, military command posts, and original buildings from the 19th century at Fort Rodd Hill. This fortress was active from 1895 to 1956. At this location you can also see Fisgard Lighthouse which is the oldest on the west coast of Canada.
Completed in 1908, this castle is now the administrative centre for the Royal Roads University. There are guided tours of this historic site daily and you can take public transportation to this venue.
35 recommandé par les habitants
Hatley Park National Historic Site
2005 Sooke RdCompleted in 1908, this castle is now the administrative centre for the Royal Roads University. There are guided tours of this historic site daily and you can take public transportation to this venue.
This is a unique marina that includes fishing vessels, pleasure boats, and floating homes. Here you can grab a bite to eat, wander around, and spend some time in the park across the street.
Fisherman's Wharf Bed & Breakfast
1 Dallas RdThis is a unique marina that includes fishing vessels, pleasure boats, and floating homes. Here you can grab a bite to eat, wander around, and spend some time in the park across the street.
The harbour is one of the most beautiful in the world. It was first used by the First Nations people. In the summer there are festivals, shows, and music. This harbour makes for a gorgeous place to walk around.
If you’re looking to see the ocean, this is a beautiful walk or bike to do right from the condo! Simply head towards the water and then follow the Dallas Road Waterfront Trail all the way around, cutting back inland wherever you wish. You can even come back through Beacon Hill Park!
16 recommandé par les habitants
David Foster Way
David Foster WayThe harbour is one of the most beautiful in the world. It was first used by the First Nations people. In the summer there are festivals, shows, and music. This harbour makes for a gorgeous place to walk around.
If you’re looking to see the ocean, this is a beautiful walk or bike to do right from the condo! Simply head towards the water and then follow the Dallas Road Waterfront Trail all the way around, cutting back inland wherever you wish. You can even come back through Beacon Hill Park!
Arts & Culture
After opening in 1951, situated in a historic mansion from 1889, it has now grown to have seven modern galleries. This gallery has over 18,000 works!
111 recommandé par les habitants
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
1040 Moss StAfter opening in 1951, situated in a historic mansion from 1889, it has now grown to have seven modern galleries. This gallery has over 18,000 works!
Miniature World is open from 9am-9pm daily and contains over 85 exciting dioramas and displays including the world’s largest dollhouse. This is a great activity for a family.
52 recommandé par les habitants
Miniature World
649 Humboldt StMiniature World is open from 9am-9pm daily and contains over 85 exciting dioramas and displays including the world’s largest dollhouse. This is a great activity for a family.
Learn about the history of British Columbia with a visit to this museum. The museum also includes Thunderbird park which contains many totem poles and other First Nation monuments.
534 recommandé par les habitants
Royal BC Museum
675 Belleville StLearn about the history of British Columbia with a visit to this museum. The museum also includes Thunderbird park which contains many totem poles and other First Nation monuments.
This isn’t just butterflies; it’s a whole lot more! This tropical jungle housing creatures, insects, and garden species is just 5 minutes away from the Butchart Gardens and you can take public transportation to get here!
137 recommandé par les habitants
Victoria Butterfly Gardens
1461 Benvenuto AveThis isn’t just butterflies; it’s a whole lot more! This tropical jungle housing creatures, insects, and garden species is just 5 minutes away from the Butchart Gardens and you can take public transportation to get here!
Visit one of Canada’s beautiful west coast campuses here in Victoria. The University of Victoria dates back to 1903 where it began as Victoria College. However it achieved its degree granting status in 1963.
78 recommandé par les habitants
University of Victoria
3800 Finnerty RoadVisit one of Canada’s beautiful west coast campuses here in Victoria. The University of Victoria dates back to 1903 where it began as Victoria College. However it achieved its degree granting status in 1963.
Parks & Nature
In 1904, Mr. Butchart developed a quarry in search for limestone deposits. Mrs. Butchart decided to a make it into a beautiful sunken garden that was maintained by the Butchart family for a long time. This Natural Historic Site of Canada can be incredible to walk through in all four seasons.
Public transportation can take you to these gardens.
254 recommandé par les habitants
Butchart Gardens
In 1904, Mr. Butchart developed a quarry in search for limestone deposits. Mrs. Butchart decided to a make it into a beautiful sunken garden that was maintained by the Butchart family for a long time. This Natural Historic Site of Canada can be incredible to walk through in all four seasons.
Public transportation can take you to these gardens.
This park is a 200 acre wonder in downtown Victoria. Its name comes from a pair of masts that are placed strategically to aid mariners in navigating into Victoria’s inner harbour. In the park you can find a children’s farm, sports fields and playgrounds, plenty of wildlife, and what used to be the world’s tallest totem pole (38.9 meters tall).
Beacon Hill Park also features a zoo. With peacocks, potbellied pigs, and a petting zoo with galloping baby goats, children love Beacon Hill Park!
While you’re in Beacon Hill Park, you can find the Mile 0 monument which marks the start of the over 8,000km Trans-Canada Highway.
503 recommandé par les habitants
Beacon Hill Park
100 Cook StThis park is a 200 acre wonder in downtown Victoria. Its name comes from a pair of masts that are placed strategically to aid mariners in navigating into Victoria’s inner harbour. In the park you can find a children’s farm, sports fields and playgrounds, plenty of wildlife, and what used to be the world’s tallest totem pole (38.9 meters tall).
Beacon Hill Park also features a zoo. With peacocks, potbellied pigs, and a petting zoo with galloping baby goats, children love Beacon Hill Park!
While you’re in Beacon Hill Park, you can find the Mile 0 monument which marks the start of the over 8,000km Trans-Canada Highway.
Walk out along the breakwater at Odgen Point to the lighthouse at the end of it. A round trip is about 1.6km and gives you spectacular views of the water.
35 recommandé par les habitants
Breakwater Lighthouse
The BreakwaterWalk out along the breakwater at Odgen Point to the lighthouse at the end of it. A round trip is about 1.6km and gives you spectacular views of the water.
This is a nice place to walk along the waterfront. Here you can see the cruise ships come in and out of the harbour.
12 recommandé par les habitants
Ogden Point Dive Centre
199 Dallas RdThis is a nice place to walk along the waterfront. Here you can see the cruise ships come in and out of the harbour.
Named after a 1920s passenger car, this nearly 60km biking trail will take you from Victoria to Sooke. You can also walk and horseback ride along this trail. Asphalt, rainforest, and canyons are all part of your journey along this wonderful Southern Vancouver Island trail.
6 recommandé par les habitants
Galloping Goose Trail Switch Bridge Water Fountain
Galloping Goose TrailNamed after a 1920s passenger car, this nearly 60km biking trail will take you from Victoria to Sooke. You can also walk and horseback ride along this trail. Asphalt, rainforest, and canyons are all part of your journey along this wonderful Southern Vancouver Island trail.
As Canada’s first nature sanctuary in 1958, this park offers many outdoor activities. There are easy trails to follow around Upper and Lower Thetis lakes. The more challenging trails that allow you to see panoramic views of the area are up Seymour and Scafe hills. There is also a sandy beach area here allowing you to swim, picnic, or go for a paddle. You can take public transportation to get here.
98 recommandé par les habitants
Thetis Lake Regional Park
As Canada’s first nature sanctuary in 1958, this park offers many outdoor activities. There are easy trails to follow around Upper and Lower Thetis lakes. The more challenging trails that allow you to see panoramic views of the area are up Seymour and Scafe hills. There is also a sandy beach area here allowing you to swim, picnic, or go for a paddle. You can take public transportation to get here.
Mount Douglas is rated as an intermediate hike. This 1.5 hour long hike brings you to the summit at an altitude of 227 metres. Here you can see a 360 degree view of Victoria, Saanich, and the Olympic and Cascade Mountains in Washington State. You can also drive most of the way up the mountain instead of the hike up. You can take public transportation to get here.
180 recommandé par les habitants
Mount Douglas Park
4500 Cedar Hill RoadMount Douglas is rated as an intermediate hike. This 1.5 hour long hike brings you to the summit at an altitude of 227 metres. Here you can see a 360 degree view of Victoria, Saanich, and the Olympic and Cascade Mountains in Washington State. You can also drive most of the way up the mountain instead of the hike up. You can take public transportation to get here.
These are two conjoined lakes that include 15 kilometers of walking trails, canoeing, rowing, windsurfing, fishing, and birdwatching. These lakes are popular swimming destinations. Elk Lake additionally serves as the training area for Canada’s Olympic Rowing team and local school competitions. Public transportation can bring you to this site.
38 recommandé par les habitants
Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park
5267 Patricia Bay HighwayThese are two conjoined lakes that include 15 kilometers of walking trails, canoeing, rowing, windsurfing, fishing, and birdwatching. These lakes are popular swimming destinations. Elk Lake additionally serves as the training area for Canada’s Olympic Rowing team and local school competitions. Public transportation can bring you to this site.
This temperate rain forest is full of massive trees (some more than 600 years old), beautiful waterfalls, a river that meets the sea, flowers, birds, and fish. Thousands of Chum Salmon return to the world class salmon-spawning stream between October and December. This is followed by the incredible Eagle Extravaganza which occurs from November through January when eagles travel from all over to feed on salmon carcasses.
This provincial park has a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulties to suit all visitors. From easy walking trails to challenging coastal hiking, there is bound to be a route for you.
242 recommandé par les habitants
Goldstream Provincial Park
This temperate rain forest is full of massive trees (some more than 600 years old), beautiful waterfalls, a river that meets the sea, flowers, birds, and fish. Thousands of Chum Salmon return to the world class salmon-spawning stream between October and December. This is followed by the incredible Eagle Extravaganza which occurs from November through January when eagles travel from all over to feed on salmon carcasses.
This provincial park has a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulties to suit all visitors. From easy walking trails to challenging coastal hiking, there is bound to be a route for you.
This park features 50km of trails that pass through forest, marsh, and fields. Additionally it has a 10km challenging Coast Trail. The Aylard Farm trailhead is an easy, family friendly way to see the park. Anderson Cove serves as the more challenging trails that lead to Babbington Hill and Mount Maguire. Lastly, Pike Road has an easy 1.5km walk to Iron Mine Beach.
95 recommandé par les habitants
East Sooke Regional Park
6807 East Sooke RoadThis park features 50km of trails that pass through forest, marsh, and fields. Additionally it has a 10km challenging Coast Trail. The Aylard Farm trailhead is an easy, family friendly way to see the park. Anderson Cove serves as the more challenging trails that lead to Babbington Hill and Mount Maguire. Lastly, Pike Road has an easy 1.5km walk to Iron Mine Beach.
These potholes were created by the ice age 15,000 years ago. The wonderfully clean and clear water that can be found at these potholes makes it a great swimming and picnic destination.
222 recommandé par les habitants
Sooke Potholes Provincial Park
Sooke River RoadThese potholes were created by the ice age 15,000 years ago. The wonderfully clean and clear water that can be found at these potholes makes it a great swimming and picnic destination.
Entertainment & Activities
This mini zoo lets you see over 40 live tropical bugs from around the world with knowledgeable tour guides that let you choose the level of interaction you have with the animals. This zoo is open from 10am-4pm on weekdays and 10am-5pm on weekends.
80 recommandé par les habitants
Victoria Bug Zoo
631 Courtney StThis mini zoo lets you see over 40 live tropical bugs from around the world with knowledgeable tour guides that let you choose the level of interaction you have with the animals. This zoo is open from 10am-4pm on weekdays and 10am-5pm on weekends.
Embark on a Ghostly walks haunted tour through alleyways and old buildings to learn about Victoria’s history. These walking tours run every night in the summer months but less frequently in the other seasons.
10 recommandé par les habitants
Ghostly Walks
Embark on a Ghostly walks haunted tour through alleyways and old buildings to learn about Victoria’s history. These walking tours run every night in the summer months but less frequently in the other seasons.
There are many companies in Victoria to go whale watching with.
57 recommandé par les habitants
PRINCE OF WHALES Whale & Marine Wildlife Adventures
812 Wharf StThere are many companies in Victoria to go whale watching with.
This trill seeking park offers both an adventure course and a 40 foot jump! The adventure course contains 12 ziplines and 60 aerial games that get more challenging the higher you get.
Public transportation will take you here.
53 recommandé par les habitants
WildPlay Element Parks Victoria
1767 Island HwyThis trill seeking park offers both an adventure course and a 40 foot jump! The adventure course contains 12 ziplines and 60 aerial games that get more challenging the higher you get.
Public transportation will take you here.
Offering tasting from 11am-6pm, this is a perfect place to spend your afternoon. Each year, this vineyard makes about 2000 cases of organically processed wine.
24 recommandé par les habitants
Devine Distillery & Winery
6181B Old West Saanich RdOffering tasting from 11am-6pm, this is a perfect place to spend your afternoon. Each year, this vineyard makes about 2000 cases of organically processed wine.