My Guide to Victoria

Here is my guide for what to eat, where to stay, and what to do in beautiful Victoria, BC!

Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, truly has it all. With a nod to its English heritage, its streets are filled with charming buildings, luscious gardens, and therapeutic oceanfront views—not to mention the vibrant food and drink scene! It’s no surprise it’s such a popular destination, offering everything from whale watching to high tea.

I actually lived in Victoria for two years while going to the University of Victoria from 1995-1998 (wow, instantly feel old). I LOVED it, and still do. I took a solo trip to Victoria recently to give myself a break, and couldn’t recommend it more.

Victoria History

Victoria is steeped in history! It is the capital city of the province of British Columbia, and named after (you guessed it) Queen Victoria. The city is one of the oldest in the Pacific Northwest (British settlements began back in 1843), which is clear when you visit with all the charming historic buildings, especially its two most famous landmarks: the Parliament Buildings (finished in 1897 and home of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia) and the Empress Hotel which opened in 1908. Strolling the streets feels like stepping back in time, and it is truly one of my favourite cities in Canada.

Where to Stay in Victoria

• Magnolia Hotel & Spa: This is where I stayed and it’s a 10/10 for me. It is a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of the city, only steps from the harbour, shopping, and the best restaurants. I didn’t rent a car and didn’t need one. The beds were so comfortable, the service was incredible, and I even snuck in a massage in their lovely spa. The Magnolia has thought of everything, and even has little cards that offer curated tours for its guests based on interest (ie: shopping, pubs, bicycle routes…).
• Fairmont Empress: The Fairmont Empress in Victoria is an award-wining hotel and National Historic Site dating back to 1908. With unparalleled views over the Inner Harbour, this historic hotel (a.k.a a castle) is iconic, luxurious and as classy at they come. Even if you do not end up staying here, make some time to walk through it!
• Oak Bay Beach Hotel: I haven’t stayed here, but it comes highly recommended.
• Victoria Regent: Same with this hotel.
• Hotel Grand Pacific: Great location, right in the Inner Harbour and just steps to downtown and the  BC Legislature and Parliament Buildings. I stayed here a long time ago and enjoyed it.

Where to Eat in Victoria

The food scene in Victoria has exploded since I was last here. This is a list of some of the top recommended places to eat:

• The Courtney Room (Victoria’s Best New Restaurant! I ate there twice, once for breakfast, once for dinner and loved them both)
• Blue Foxx Cafe (breakfast)
• Parliamentary Dining Room
• Boom + Batten (apparently they make a great martini and have ocean views!)
• Wind Cries Mary (VERY highly recommended!)
• Il Terazzo (apparently this is a MUST and you have to book ahead!!)
• The Tapa Bar
• Pagliacci’s (for Pasta and seafood)
• The Fairmont Empress for Afternoon Tea: the total royal treatment!
• Finest at the Sea (local’s go-to for the best fish & chips)
• Marilena (another super highly recommended spot)
• Jam Cafe (brunch)
• Red Fish, Blue Fish (amazing seafood – if you know me, you know I love a good fish taco and these were incredible)
• Tombo
• Perro Negro (tapas & wine)
• Bon Macaron (French owned bakery dedicated to the mighty macaron! They even offer baking workshops)
• Floyd’s Diner (a fun diner with something special on the menu, “The Mahoney”. Simply tell your waiter/waitress “Bring me The Mahoney” and you’ll soon be facing something unique from their cooks who whip up whatever they feel like making)
• 5th Street Bar and Grill (family-friendly)
• Nourish (a great veggie-forward spot, located in an adorable heritage home: I enjoyed a meal here and the food was incredible – it’s a humble-looking restaurant, but don’t let that fool you)
• Ruby (breakfast & lunch)
• The Block (great Happy Hour!)
• Hey Happy (coffee shop)
• Shuck Taylor’s (oysters and lobster rolls? Yes please!)
• Virtuous Pie (vegan pizza and ice cream)
• Rebar (this place has been around for decades: known for their plant-based food)
• Crust Bakery
• Tacofino (a casual yet famous West Coast taco bar)
• Finn’s (seafood and steak house)
• 10 Acres Bistro (farm to table – I LOVED my meal here. I ordered the mussels and clams – delish. Such an adorable restaurant, I will be back)
• Murchie’s Tea & Coffee (next door to Munro’s books, so grab a new book and head in for hot cup!)
• Bard & Banker (a pub right on Government Street in the heart of the action. They also offer live music!)
• Citrus & Cane (a tropical cocktail bar)
• Deep Cove Chalet
• Working Culture (bakery)

Where to Shop in Victoria

• Chintz & Company (I filled my suitcase with silk flowers, scroll to the end, and brought home a stunning vase. I could have filled the whole plane, it’s so lovely)
• Merchant Quarters
• Johnston Street (a one-block concentrated shopping district)
• Mayfair Mall
• Garden Market (grocery boutique)
• Russell’s Books
• Munro’s Books (a Victoria icon! This independent bookstore is a must-visit. Be prepared to wander the aisles.)
• Nest & Nook (home decor store in Sidney, just outside of Victoria. I have purchased many items from this lovely shop!)
• Pigeonhole Home Store
• Charelli’s Cheese Shop
• Paboom (home decor)

Things to Do in Victoria

• Ogden Point Breakwater (a popular walk near downtown Victoria that follows the cement structure from Dallas Road out towards on the Juan de Fuca Strait to a lighthouse on its furthest end)
• Royal BC Museum
• Tour the Parliament Buildings (lights illuminate them each night, making it a great must-see on a nighttime stroll)
• Relax at a Spa:
  • Magnolia Spa (I got the massage but they are known for their facials and specializing in treatments for women of my age in their menopause era)
  • The Boathouse Spa at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel
  • Havn Noridc Spa: floating spa in the harbour? So unique!
• Trip to Oak Bay
• Take a stroll through Beacon Hill Park
• Get on the water: Find a local rental or tour company and kayak, paddle board or canoe in the Inner Harbour
• Take a water taxi
• Hike up Mount Douglas: The largest park in the Saanich area, Mount Douglas offers a spectacular 360-degree view of the area.
• Walk Government Street
• Butchart Gardens: This is a 120 year old famous 55-acre display garden located in Brentwood Bay. It is a National Historic Site of Canada, with over 900 varieties! Complete with places to eat and drink inside to allow you to spend some serious time amongst the flowers.
• Miniature World
• Explore China Town. Fun fact: it is the first China Town in all of Canada!
• Craigdarroch Castle
• Victoria Bug Zoo