Right here is my information for what to eat, the place to remain, and what to do in lovely Victoria, BC!
Victoria, the capital metropolis of British Columbia, actually has all of it. With a nod to its English heritage, its streets are stuffed with charming buildings, luscious gardens, and therapeutic oceanfront views—to not point out the colourful food and drinks scene! It’s no shock it’s such a well-liked vacation spot, providing every thing from whale watching to excessive tea.
I really lived in Victoria for 2 years whereas going to the College of Victoria from 1995-1998 (wow, immediately really feel outdated). I LOVED it, and nonetheless do. I took a solo journey to Victoria lately to offer myself a break, and couldn’t suggest it extra.
Victoria Historical past
Victoria is steeped in historical past! It’s the capital metropolis of the province of British Columbia, and named after (you guessed it) Queen Victoria. The town is without doubt one of the oldest within the Pacific Northwest (British settlements started again in 1843), which is evident once you go to with all of the charming historic buildings, particularly its two most well-known landmarks: the Parliament Buildings (completed in 1897 and residential of the Legislative Meeting of British Columbia) and the Empress Lodge which opened in 1908. Strolling the streets appears like stepping again in time, and it’s actually considered one of my favorite cities in Canada.
The place to Keep in Victoria
- Magnolia Lodge & Spa: That is the place I stayed and it’s a ten/10 for me. It’s a luxurious boutique resort within the coronary heart of the town, solely steps from the harbour, buying, and the perfect eating places. I didn’t lease a automobile and didn’t want one. The beds had been so comfy, the service was unimaginable, and I even snuck in a therapeutic massage of their pretty spa. The Magnolia has considered every thing, and even has little playing cards that supply curated excursions for its visitors based mostly on curiosity (ie: buying, pubs, bicycle routes…).
- Fairmont Empress: The Fairmont Empress in Victoria is an award-wining resort and Nationwide Historic Website relationship again to 1908. With unparalleled views over the Inside Harbour, this historic resort (a.ok.a a citadel) is iconic, luxurious and as stylish at they arrive. Even when you don’t find yourself staying right here, make a while to stroll by way of it!
- Oak Bay Seaside Lodge: I haven’t stayed right here, nevertheless it comes extremely really useful.
- Victoria Regent: Identical with this resort.
- Lodge Grand Pacific: Nice location, proper within the Inside Harbour and simply steps to downtown and the BC Legislature and Parliament Buildings. I stayed right here a very long time in the past and loved it.
The place to Eat in Victoria
The meals scene in Victoria has exploded since I used to be final right here. This can be a checklist of a few of the high really useful locations to eat:
The place to Store in Victoria
Issues to Do in Victoria
- Ogden Level Breakwater (a well-liked stroll close to downtown Victoria that follows the cement construction from Dallas Street out in direction of on the Juan de Fuca Strait to a lighthouse on its furthest finish)
- Royal BC Museum
- Tour the Parliament Buildings (lights illuminate them every night time, making it an incredible must-see on a nighttime stroll)
- Loosen up at a Spa:
- Magnolia Spa (I bought the therapeutic massage however they’re identified for his or her facials and specializing in therapies for ladies of my age of their menopause period)
- The Boathouse Spa on the Oak Bay Seaside Lodge
- Havn Noridc Spa: floating spa within the harbour? So distinctive!
- Journey to Oak Bay
- Take a stroll by way of Beacon Hill Park
- Get on the water: Discover a native rental or tour firm and kayak, paddle board or canoe within the Inside Harbour
- Take a water taxi
- Hike up Mount Douglas: The most important park within the Saanich space, Mount Douglas provides a spectacular 360-degree view of the realm.
- Stroll Authorities Avenue
- Butchart Gardens: This can be a 120 12 months outdated well-known 55-acre show backyard situated in Brentwood Bay. It’s a Nationwide Historic Website of Canada, with over 900 varieties! Full with locations to eat and drink inside to will let you spend some severe time amongst the flowers.
- Miniature World
- Discover China City. Enjoyable reality: it’s the first China City in all of Canada!
- Craigdarroch Fortress
- Victoria Bug Zoo
