Victoria
Victoria
Tourism Victoria
Perched on Vancouver Island’s southeastern tip, Victoria is famous for its quirky British traditions, like double-decker tour buses and afternoon tea. But B.C.’s capital is also one of Canada’s most energetic and creative cities, with vibrant arts and culinary scenes, innovative design, drop-dead gorgeous scenery and the ocean as its playground.
Where to stay in Victoria
Fairholm Manor
The Fairmont Empress
721 Government St.,, 866-540-4429 / 250-384-8111, fairmont.com/empressVictoria’s grande dame is located centre stage at the Inner Harbour. Rooms evoke its 100-year- history with stately furnishings and period antiques. Feed those quintessential Victorian fantasies with afternoon tea in the lobby or a gin and tonic in the Raj Colonial-inspired Bengal Lounge. For new-world pampering, opt for the adjacent Willow Stream Spa.
Fairholme Manor
638 Rockland Place, Victoria, 877-511-3322 / 250-598-3240, fairholmemanor.comWith expansive grounds affording magnificent views of the ocean and the Olympic Mountains, this Italianate mansion offers a contemporary contrast to the usual lace-laden B&Bs. There are six graciously appointed suites, and the kitchen’s multi-course breakfasts have inspired a bestselling cookbook.
Inn at Laurel Point
680 Montreal St., Victoria, 800-663-7667 / 250-386-8721, laurelpoint.comThe modernist Erickson Wing stands out, with chicly appointed rooms, balconies and marble bathrooms with luxe amenities. Bonus points for the Asian art and artifacts, Japanese gardens and newly opened contemporary Aura restaurant with adjoining patio.
The Magnolia Hotel & Spa
623 Courtney St., Victoria, 877-624-6654 / 250-381-0999, magnoliahotel.comThis boutique hotel with European elegance features turndown service and complimentary continental buffet breakfast. Top-floor suites afford the best views; jet lag treatments are offered at the newly opened main-floor spa.
Sooke Harbour House
1528 Whiffen Spit Rd., Sooke, Victoria, 800-889-9688 / 250-642-3421, sookeharbourhouse.comPeaceful respite are the operative words at this world-renowned inn. Rooms boast soaker tubs, wood-burning fireplaces and local seaweed-based amenities. Art is showcased throughout the inn, and the contemplative grounds feature edible gardens. Dinner is equally acclaimed.
The Oswego Hotel
500 Oswego St., Victoria, 877-767-9346 / 250-294-7500, oswegovictoria.comFrom: Accommodation: Vancouver IslandEach suite in this 80-room boutique property is fitted with flat-screen TVs, Acca Kappa toiletries and fully equipped kitchens (complete with freshly ground coffee delivered daily). With things this comfortable, you may very well consider an extended stay.
Where to Eat in Victoria
Brasserie L'ecole
Brasserie L’école
1715 Government St., Victoria, 250-475-6260, lecole.caMoules with frites, tossed with garlic, parsley, parmesan and truffle oil, is a perennial favourite at this popular resto-bar would be best. Beer lovers fall for the worldly list of suds, which includes a bevy of local brews.
Café Brio
944 Fort St.,, 866-270-5461 / 250-383-0009, cafe-brio.comGrab a booth in the warm, art-filled room, and start with the daily selection of homemade charcuterie. There are other in-house artisan treats throughout the menu of sea- and land-based fare, and a novella-sized wine list to go with.
Stage
1307 Gladstone Ave.,, 250-388-4222, stagewinebar.comFrom: Canada’s Best New Restaurants 2008The small-plate/tapas restaurant has become a crowded genre, and standing out requires a flair for the dramatic. Proprietors George and Linda Szasz stick close to the script while adding something new to the repertoire. Delicate ricotta gnudi play creamy spinach off sweet-beet vermicelli. Local clams in a creamy garlic sauce riff on the same theme with caramelized onion performing the sweet role and bacon adding smokiness to the cast. Langos, a kind of Hungarian bannock, is served as dessert with cinnamon sugar, crème fraîche and caramel. Cooking this honest and authentic deserves a standing ovation.
Smoken Bones Cookshack
101–721 Station Ave., Victoria, Langford, 250-391-6328, smokenbones.caFrom: The Next 20Who wants to eat barbecue in a fancy setting anyway? You could almost forget about the strip-mall location if it weren’t for the cheap drop ceiling that screams failed travel agency. Local ingredients are transformed into all manner of meaty goodness, including brisket, pulled pork and Creole chicken, along with authentic interpretations of such Southern specialties as hush puppies, candied carrots, cornbread and collard greens. We love the bourbon tasting list with 10 varieties in two-ounce pours, including the fashionable Rebel Yell and Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select. Just don’t try them all in one sitting.
Blue Fox Café
101–919 Fort St., Victoria, 250-380-1683From: Canada’s Next Great NeighbourhoodsNeighbourhood residents are armed with either yoga mats or laptops. And whether they’re using zen or discipline, they seem to have infinite patience to wait out the lineup for breakfast at the Blue Fox Cafe. The aroma of baking and the sounds of espresso machines work morning magic for those travelling by foot, bicycle or Smart car on their way to town – just two blocks away.
Zambri's
110–911 Yates St., Victoria, 250-360-1171, zambris.caFrom: Canada’s Next Great NeighbourhoodsLunch hour in Victoria offers an ethnic wonderland of cuisines, but the insider choice is Zambri’s. Enjoy hearty meatball sandwiches and regional fare in a clubhouse atmosphere.
Dolce Vita Coffee Art
160–911 Yates St., Victoria, 250-386-7733, dolcevitacoffee.comBased on the number of open laptops, you might easily mistake Dolce Vita for one of Victoria’s many new Internet start-ups – at least until you try the coffee, that is. The Wi-Fi, it turns out, isn’t the real draw; it’s the strong, flavourful java and the friendly service.
Sally Bun
1030 Fort St., Victoria, 250-384-1899From: Canada’s Next Great NeighbourhoodsSavour the famous brownies at Sally Bun, but don’t miss the latest art exhibit; it’s sometimes a bigger draw than the fantastic baked goods.
Food
Drink
Activities
Tourism Victoria / Deddeda Stemler
Victoria’s mild climate and lush scenery are a natural for outdoor activities, from whale watching to wine and culinary tours, zipline thrill-seeking and park strolls. The urban core is best explored on foot for museums, cafés, galleries, LoJo fashion boutiques, the Design District and historic Chinatown.
Five Star Whale Watching, 651 Humboldt St., 800-634-9617 / 250-388-7223, 5starwhales.com
Travel with Taste, 250-385-1527, travelwithtaste.com
Adrena Line Zipline Adventure Tours, 866-947-9145 / 250-642-1933, adrenalinezip.com
Arts & Culture
Shopping
Philip Nyren
Philip Nyren, 960 Yates St., Victoria, 250-386-1496, britishimporters.comFrom: Canada’s Next Great NeighbourhoodsFort Street offers an eclectic blend of retail and restaurants, from art supply, home decor and organic cotton clothing stores to charcuteries and, of course, its longstanding row of antiques shops. One block over on Yates, the high-end men’s and women’s clothing store Philip Nyren keeps Harris Green condo residents dressed dapper.
Rebel Rebel
585 Johnson St., Victoria, 250-380-0906, rebelrebelfashion.comFrom its airy, minimalist LoJo (Lower Johnson Street) home, Rebel Rebel showcases such stylish international items as Ted Baker trenches, logo-free Earnest Sewn denim and backless, beaded tops by Religion. Owners Erin Cooper and Claudia Knoglinger balance out the global with locally made jewellery and paintings, as well as Knoglinger’s own line of casual womenswear, La Poème.
Legends Comics and Books
633 Johnson St., Victoria, 250-388-3696, magicteeth.caWith comic books literally hanging from the rafters, Legends has long been a mecca for West Coast comic devotees. But the store has also become an international destination, partly thanks to Barenaked Ladies lead singer Ed Robertson, who once wore a pin featuring Perogy Cat – the protagonist of Legends co-owner Gareth Gaudin’s daily comic strip – on The Late Show with David Letterman.
Attractions
Other Activities
Getting Around
© Victoria Harbour Ferry Co.
Getting from the Airport
From the airport, the Inner Harbour lies 27 kilometres – or a 30-minute drive – away. One-way taxi fares range from $55 to $60, not including tip, and can be booked ahead by phone or online.
Taxis
Taxis in Victoria are plentiful in the downtown core, but the downtown core isn’t very big. Just about everywhere else you should call ahead instead of trying to hail one off the street.
Public Transportation
Enjoy the city’s charms by horse-drawn carriage or double-decker bus, but if you don’t have the luxury of time, Victoria Regional Transit has routes to the airport, famed Butchart Gardens and the B.C. Ferry Terminal. (Pick up maps and schedules from the Tourist Info Centre located at the Inner Harbour.) Fares start from $2.25 one-way.
Walking & Cycling
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