Sometimes it’s the little things that take a destination off the map and make you fall in love with a place. Leafy suburbs, parks bursting with colourful fauna, the oldest Chinatown in Victoria, or perhaps even the fact it’s home to one of the world’s largest totem pole. I am of course talking about Greater Victoria. “The City of Gardens” is a destination that marries old-world charm with contemporary nuances that lend it its immeasurable charm. Long renowned for its rich history and the great outdoors that Canada is so well known and loved for, the city feels a step back from hustle and bustle and instead offers a relaxing ambience that is also teeming with things to do.
A beautiful destination, you can spend your days sipping on local wine or beer, where the purveyors here continue to win international awards for their leading-edge approach to high-end cocktails and down-to-earth sips. As I visit, it’s autumn and the landscape is a stunning one. This is a city where you can explore incredible landscapes, whether that’s whale watching by boat, or exploring rainforests on foot. Not only that, but you have everything of convenience right at your fingertips, including world-class cuisine, shopping and attractions.
My trip begins with a stay in the Fairmont Empress, a stunning hotel with a myriad of accolades under its belt and it’s no surprise why. With 431 stunning rooms, a spa, a restaurant and lobby lounge which serves their World Famous High Tea, it offers all you could need to make your base while in the area and so much more.
It’s my first taste of Greater Victoria and as I glimpse out into the harbour while sipping on a cocktail, I find myself already falling in love with the place. It’s only the jet lag creeping in that tears me away and to my hotel room where I sink into the sumptuously soft king-sized bed and am asleep in seconds. I recommend booking the Fairmont Gold accommodations which offers a ‘hotel within a hotel experience’. With this you get a truly personalised experience, including a specially reserved reception when you arrive, a private lounge where you can tuck into drinks and light bites and a more tailored experience for the duration of your trip.
My next day begins with a trip to Malahat Skywalk – A breathtaking experience enabling you to look over the majestic landscape of Greater Victoria 250m above sea level. A fairly new attraction in the area (it opened in 2021), you can see the West Coast from a whole new perspective, taking in Vancouver Island, Mt Baker, the Saanich Peninsula and so much more. The best bit however the spiral tower where you can either walk down the ramp or take their spiral slide – the slide is a must!
When in Greater Victoria, you can’t miss afternoon tea. While we’re obviously well acquainted with this in the UK, the Empress at the Fairmont Empress is an experience you need to do for yourself. Proudly serving over 250,000 cups of tea to discerning guests (that’s more than in some hotels in London!) Here you can tuck into some of the most incredible teas from around the world, alongside freshly baked scones with jam that is made in-house and topped with fluffy cream. The service and attention to detail is really at the forefront of what they offer – when travelling to Greater Victoria, you may not intially think about an afternoon tea, as this is what you can do at home, but, it’s something I would recommend you experiance.
Spend your afternoon wearing off your afternoon tea at the Royal BC Museum, a large 26,000 square feet space with a rotating program of exhibits allowing you to delve into the location’s deep history. It’s fascinating to get a glimpse into the heritage of Greater Victoria, particularly in the First Peoples, Modern History, 20th Century and Natural History Galleries. Mungo Martin House/Wawadia, the Netherlands Carillon, BC Archives, native plant gardens, Helmcken House, St. Ann’s Schoolhouse and Thunderbird Park which are worth visiting if you have time.
The food in Greater Victoria isn’t one to be messed around with and their incredible culinary scene is not to be missed. I dine in the Royal Suite of the Farmont Express where Executive Chef Steven Fernandes and Executive Pastry Chef Gerald Tan put together an incredible menu to highlight the region’s dishes and flavours with a personalised twist. The setting is truly unforgettable and each dish so perfectly presented it’s almost a shame to tuck in, but each bite proves just how worth it it is.
I begin my next day with breakfast at Murchie’s, a local coffee shop that has been around for over 125 years and prides themselves on being one of Canada’s oldest brands. As a nation of tea drinkers, they’re proud to procure only the highest quality tea and coffee and it’s a welcome start to the day. I tuck into this alongside a pastry, fuelling myself for the day ahead.
One of my favourite ways to explore a new destination is by bike. Many places offer guided bike tours, where a local expert shares fascinating insights about the area’s history while leading you to its most iconic and must-see spots. It’s not only a fantastic way to get your bearings but also a fun way to stay active during your trip. This was exactly the case in Greater Victoria. We visited The Pedaler, where they had prepared an electric bike and arranged for a guide to take us on an unforgettable three-hour tour of the city. We cycled through the serene Beacon Hill Park, along the stunning oceanfront, through the historic Ross Bay Cemetery (where we saw deers), through Chinatown, charming neighbourhoods, and everything in between.
The day continues with a visit to Finest at Sea for lunch. The leading provider of the finest quality seafood on the West Coast, it’s the ideal place to tuck into fish that’s freshly caught by their own fishermen through sustainable fishing practices. It’s a nice spot to take a break after a busy morning. The menu includes fish and chips, tacos, salads and more, with sides of soda, cornbread and hand cut fries. I finish my lunch and head for a wander around Fisherman’s Wharf, a unique marine destination packed with shops, kiosks and unique floating waterfront home. Take in the sights of the float homes where people live permanently on the water, as well as soaking up the atmosphere.
My stay continues by checking into the Inn at Laurel Point. One of Victoria’s few locally owned and managed boutique waterfront hotels, the views sell themselves. There are 200 rooms here all with a view of the water and it’s easy to sink back into your room and just enjoy the goings-on beyond your window. A hotel with a dedication to sustainability and the environment, it’s somewhere that is ethical and also focuses on guest experience. You can dine in their on-site restaurant AURA for breakfast, lunch or dinner as well as take a wander round their beautiful private gardens.
After a quick freshen up, it’s time to take a water taxi from Coast Marina to Chinatown. The second oldest in North America, Victoria’s Chinatown is a must-visit location for the atmosphere, food and rich heritage, displaying Canada’s resilience of the culture and traditions brought to Canada by Chinese immigrants over 150 years ago. Marvel at the beautiful red and gold architecture, tuck into authentic street food and don’t miss Fan Tan Alley. The narrowest commercial street in North America, it’s less than 0.9m wide at its narrowest point (perhaps head here before overindulging in the local culinary delights!)
My evening continues with a tasting at Philips Brewery – as stated before, Victoria is known as being home to pioneering brewers and winemakers, so it would be rude not to sample a view on my trip! A quirky spot that is packed with personality, Phil’s Beer Tasting Room offers the ideal place to try their beers, chat with staff about the drinks on offer and spend an evening with friends or your other half – you can see their beers being bottled from inside the Brewery, a nice touch, whilst enjoying their beer flight.
After sampling a few of the local craft beers it’s on for dinner at Eva Schnitzelhaus. A restaurant offering German inspired fare, it’s fun, casual yet delicious. Large arched windows allow the outside light to flood in, while furniture in wood and wrought iron lend an industrial feel. I recommend their offering of a schnitzel with 2 sides – you can pick options such as braised red cabbage, sauerkraut, rosti or brussel sprouts and cauliflower. There’s a range of wines on offer as well as draught beers, cocktails, spirits, ciders and soft drinks – I enjoyed their Negroni, which was nicely prepared!
Day three commences with breakfast at Duo Cafe Bakery. A new opening in the area, it boasts beautiful interiors only enhanced by the smells of freshly brewed coffee and buttery, flaky croissants. Almost impossible to just pick one thing for breakfast, I recommend grabbing something else as a snack for later in the day – you won’t regret it.
Pleasantly full of baked goods, I take a ride to the Butchart Gardens, something that has been specifically recommended to me as a must-visit. Offering a breathtaking 55 acres of gardens boasting an abundance of colourful flowers, it’s a truly stunning spot to spend a good few hours. Take your time to wander around all of the exhibits, not missing the Rose Gardens, Japanese Garden and Sunken Garden in particular. Depending on the time of year you visit there are different things to see and so, so plan your trip accordingly. I didn’t get to see it, but I was told they put on an impressive firework display on a regular occurance.
No trip to Greater Victoria would be complete without seeing some of the most incredible mammals known to man and something that the area is known for. Whale watching (which is a bucket list for me) is something that everyone needs to tick off and here is the perfect location to do it. No matter the weather, it can get cold out on the water so be sure to wrap up (it was cold when we went out) with long trousers and long sleeved tops, closed-toe shoes and sunglasses. Nothing can prepare you for the wonder of seeing whales just before you, spraying water into the air and briefly surfacing before disappearing again. We got to see two differnt types of whales as well as sea lions – which are beautiful, but have a strong smell when you go by!
End your trip to Greater Victoria with a dinner at Aura inside the Inn at Laurel point. Boasting an award-winning menu with globally-inspired sharing plates it ticks all the boxes. Combining local, farm-direct ingredients with flavours from all around the globe, it offers an experience for all the senses. Take in the beautiful waterside views just before you. Sip local wine, take in the hustle and bustle of revellers exploring the area and really savour each and every bite.
When in Greater Victoria, take your time to just wander around and see where the streets take you. It feels so safe everywhere you go and the views are just beautiful. It’s a more pared back city that most of us are used to – particularly London – and it’s one you can get lost in, just exploring the neighbourhoods and eating and drinking your way around. Don’t miss out on the water excursions such as a boat trip or whale watching, and be sure to visit the museums to get a taste of its rich culture and history.
I fell in love with Greater Victoria from the moment I landed and it just has something special that’s hard to explain. When looking for incredible food, fantastic drinks, inspiring local business people and unforgettable places to stay, this is your place. Find out more at Destination Greater Victoria’s website here.
Destination Greater Victoria is the official not-for-profit destination marketing organisation, partnering with over 900 local businesses to drive sustainable growth in Greater Victoria. Located on Canada’s Vancouver Island, Victoria, British Columbia, is a unique blend of old-world charm and new-world experiences. Visitors can enjoy heritage architecture, colourful gardens and a variety of activities such as whale watching, kayaking, hiking, cycling and golf. Known for its culinary excellence and award-winning beverages, Victoria boasts Canada’s mildest climate, year-round greenery, and stunning natural beauty. Recognised for its sustainability efforts with a Responsible Tourism Institutes Biosphere certification, Victoria lies on the ancestral lands of the Lekwungen-speaking Esquimalt and Songhees Nations. www.tourismvictoria.com
Have you visited Greater Victoria before and if so, what did you like most about it? Are you planning on visiting and what you are planning on doing when you do visit? If you have any question about our trip, drop us a message in the comment box below.
