Guidebook for Victoria
Food Scene
Stop for a treat along the Songhees walkway: daily fresh baking (muffins, Turkish pizza, scones, bread), chocolates and more @ the "Provisions" shop inside Spinnakers doorway.
148 locals recommend
Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub & GuestHouses
308 Catherine StStop for a treat along the Songhees walkway: daily fresh baking (muffins, Turkish pizza, scones, bread), chocolates and more @ the "Provisions" shop inside Spinnakers doorway.
Luxurious morning = starting the day with their quiche and/or seasonal fruit pastry swirl. Pizzas, sandwiches et pain chocolate are also awesomely fresh with exceptional texture & flavour. Bon ap!
154 locals recommend
Fol Epi
398 Harbour RdLuxurious morning = starting the day with their quiche and/or seasonal fruit pastry swirl. Pizzas, sandwiches et pain chocolate are also awesomely fresh with exceptional texture & flavour. Bon ap!
Espresso.
Top marks for sustainability & creative blends for every palate. Tea lovers don't fret, there's enticing options for you, too.
35 locals recommend
Fantastico bar-deli
398 Harbour RdEspresso.
Top marks for sustainability & creative blends for every palate. Tea lovers don't fret, there's enticing options for you, too.
Top marks for espresso, treats (wickedly delish chocolate chile cookies and GF brownies)...and sustainability! I prefer the brighter Yates/"Atrium" location. Chinatowns' hangout is cozier.
99 locals recommend
Habit Coffee
808 Yates StTop marks for espresso, treats (wickedly delish chocolate chile cookies and GF brownies)...and sustainability! I prefer the brighter Yates/"Atrium" location. Chinatowns' hangout is cozier.
Equal parts coffee shop and restaurant, it's got everything for a mixed crowd or undecided mood-- small, thoughtful menu includes espresso & pastry; ale, wine, charcuterie, veggie dishes.
810 Humboldt St
810 Humboldt StreetEqual parts coffee shop and restaurant, it's got everything for a mixed crowd or undecided mood-- small, thoughtful menu includes espresso & pastry; ale, wine, charcuterie, veggie dishes.
Outdoor waterfront eatery. Fish tacones, BBQ oysters!
Avoid long line ups, go in off-peak hours.
Oceanwise seafood, top notch green score.
163 locals recommend
Red Fish Blue Fish
1006 Wharf StOutdoor waterfront eatery. Fish tacones, BBQ oysters!
Avoid long line ups, go in off-peak hours.
Oceanwise seafood, top notch green score.
Grab a sandwich or other baked treat, head down to Island View Beach for your picnic. Bistro/winery on-site operate limited summer hours. Wood-fire oven pizza.
37 locals recommend
Roost Farm Winery and Bakery
9100 E Saanich RdGrab a sandwich or other baked treat, head down to Island View Beach for your picnic. Bistro/winery on-site operate limited summer hours. Wood-fire oven pizza.
One of many wineries during Cowichan Valley/ Saanich peninsula tour. Relaxing bistro & patio open summers Wed-Sunday 11:30-3pm. Best resource for wines in this area: http://www.wineislands.ca
45 locals recommend
Cherry Point Estate Wines
840 Cherry Point RdOne of many wineries during Cowichan Valley/ Saanich peninsula tour. Relaxing bistro & patio open summers Wed-Sunday 11:30-3pm. Best resource for wines in this area: http://www.wineislands.ca
Sample local cider & delectables from brick oven bakery and deli. Best resource for wines in this region: http://www.wineislands.ca
105 locals recommend
Merridale Cidery & Distillery
1230 Merridale RdSample local cider & delectables from brick oven bakery and deli. Best resource for wines in this region: http://www.wineislands.ca
Excellent coffee. (Baked goods & paninis are nothing special, but will do in a pinch)
22 locals recommend
Drumroaster Coffee
1400 Cowichan Bay RdExcellent coffee. (Baked goods & paninis are nothing special, but will do in a pinch)
Never disappoints. Extensive wine list and tantalising menu. Lunch offerings superb, more affordable than dinner. Tricky to find down Waddington Alley, look up on map first.
244 locals recommend
II Terrazzo
555 Johnson StNever disappoints. Extensive wine list and tantalising menu. Lunch offerings superb, more affordable than dinner. Tricky to find down Waddington Alley, look up on map first.
Fresh, local, small menu carefully prepared. Patio overlooking HCP gardens, best appreciated after a garden tour. Staff are wonderful, this is a real gem.
nourishinsight.com
19 locals recommend
Charlotte & the Quail
505 Quayle RdFresh, local, small menu carefully prepared. Patio overlooking HCP gardens, best appreciated after a garden tour. Staff are wonderful, this is a real gem.
nourishinsight.com
Pizza to go! Gluten-free crust, veggie pizzas: Contessa and/or Happy Hippy. Also have GF brownies for dessert. Take-out (10 min walk to pick-up) or have it delivered.
10 locals recommend
The Joint Pizzeria
1219 Wharf StPizza to go! Gluten-free crust, veggie pizzas: Contessa and/or Happy Hippy. Also have GF brownies for dessert. Take-out (10 min walk to pick-up) or have it delivered.
All day breakfast and lunch with excellent coffee from local roaster. Lots of variety for various appetites and food preferences, much locally sourced goodness, family-owned.
78 locals recommend
Shine Cafe
1324 Blanshard StAll day breakfast and lunch with excellent coffee from local roaster. Lots of variety for various appetites and food preferences, much locally sourced goodness, family-owned.
Sightseeing
Favourite scenic walk/run that's only 5 mins from here: gorgeous, mellow harbour path ~ 5 km return. Otters, seals, herons, seasonal blackberries, plentiful benches, shady areas.
15 locals recommend
Songhees Walkway
Songhees WalkwayFavourite scenic walk/run that's only 5 mins from here: gorgeous, mellow harbour path ~ 5 km return. Otters, seals, herons, seasonal blackberries, plentiful benches, shady areas.
Rent bikes (including chariots for children), kayaks, paddle boards. Bike repair, cycling route maps, knowledgeable & friendly staff. Very conveniently located along Galloping Goose Trail.
Selkirk Station Bicycle and Kayak
Rent bikes (including chariots for children), kayaks, paddle boards. Bike repair, cycling route maps, knowledgeable & friendly staff. Very conveniently located along Galloping Goose Trail.
Come explore the current South Pole Exhibit--Race to the End of the Earth! On now until October 14th.
534 locals recommend
Royal BC Museum
675 Belleville StCome explore the current South Pole Exhibit--Race to the End of the Earth! On now until October 14th.
Undersea world up close! Best views without a wetsuit and dive tanks, very kid friendly, too!
Pacific Undersea Gardens
490 Belleville StUndersea world up close! Best views without a wetsuit and dive tanks, very kid friendly, too!
Beautiful beach to wander & splash around at, especially when tide is low. Kid friendly. Grab a sandwich or snack from The Roost as your picnic.
52 locals recommend
Island View Beach Regional Park
3215 Island View RdBeautiful beach to wander & splash around at, especially when tide is low. Kid friendly. Grab a sandwich or snack from The Roost as your picnic.
812 Wharf St
812 Wharf StreetLoads of info.
Starting point for walks-Ghost, Chinatown, and Discovery.
Take this ferry over to Brentwood Bay on the Victoria side during your Cowichan Valley/Saanich Peninsula tour day. **Bring cash, ferry does not accept credit cards**
13 locals recommend
Mill Bay Ferry Terminal
Ferry RoadTake this ferry over to Brentwood Bay on the Victoria side during your Cowichan Valley/Saanich Peninsula tour day. **Bring cash, ferry does not accept credit cards**
Arrive here from Mill Bay during your Cowichan Valley/Saanich Peninsula tour day. **Bring cash, ferry does not accept credit cards**
7 locals recommend
Brentwood Bay Ferry Terminal station
809 Verdier AveArrive here from Mill Bay during your Cowichan Valley/Saanich Peninsula tour day. **Bring cash, ferry does not accept credit cards**
Malahat Summit
Malahat SummitBeautiful view, best on clear day
Family-friendly viewing of salmon spawning in fall. Oct/Nov best. Also great for the strenuous hike up Mnt Finlayson (~1hr up, bring water).
242 locals recommend
Goldstream Provincial Park
Family-friendly viewing of salmon spawning in fall. Oct/Nov best. Also great for the strenuous hike up Mnt Finlayson (~1hr up, bring water).
Experience the harbour from the water, take a boat to/from downtown. Dockside Landing stop is steps from here, see # 6 on map: http://www.victoriaharbourferry.com/destinations
58 locals recommend
Victoria Harbor
Wharf StreetExperience the harbour from the water, take a boat to/from downtown. Dockside Landing stop is steps from here, see # 6 on map: http://www.victoriaharbourferry.com/destinations
Gorgeous year-round, 62 acre park. Petting animal farm's great for kids, paved & unpaved pathways meander throughout, including running chip trail. Stunning Olympic mountain views along Dallas Rd.
503 locals recommend
Beacon Hill Park
100 Cook StGorgeous year-round, 62 acre park. Petting animal farm's great for kids, paved & unpaved pathways meander throughout, including running chip trail. Stunning Olympic mountain views along Dallas Rd.
Wander along the seashore, run, bring a picnic or book, Victoria's Dallas Rd. is a favourite spot for good reason. Be sure to walk out along the BreakWater at Ogden Point!
30 locals recommend
Dallas Road Waterfront Trail
Dallas Road Waterfront TrailWander along the seashore, run, bring a picnic or book, Victoria's Dallas Rd. is a favourite spot for good reason. Be sure to walk out along the BreakWater at Ogden Point!
Head out on the Breakwater for a short but scenic walk along the pier. Watch for divers, seals, otters. Ogden Point cafe isn't great, but good on a blustery day if you're desperate, or after a dive.
62 locals recommend
Breakwater Cafe . Bistro . Bar
199 Dallas RdHead out on the Breakwater for a short but scenic walk along the pier. Watch for divers, seals, otters. Ogden Point cafe isn't great, but good on a blustery day if you're desperate, or after a dive.
Lots to appreciate at these 9 acres + 10,000 plant varieties. Japanese garden & pond are a favourite area. Blend your visit with a coffee, treat or feast at Nourish Bistro on site.
19 locals recommend
The Gardens at HCP
505 Quayle RdLots to appreciate at these 9 acres + 10,000 plant varieties. Japanese garden & pond are a favourite area. Blend your visit with a coffee, treat or feast at Nourish Bistro on site.
Essentials
Excellent Red Fife sourdough.
Best approached via relaxed wander along Galloping Goose pathway, through Banfield Park and up to Craigflower.
45 locals recommend
Fry's Red Wheat Bread Bakery
416 Craigflower RdExcellent Red Fife sourdough.
Best approached via relaxed wander along Galloping Goose pathway, through Banfield Park and up to Craigflower.
Very convenient to shop here, good selection of organic, local, BC, and gluten free products, too.
74 locals recommend
Save-On-Foods
172 Wilson StVery convenient to shop here, good selection of organic, local, BC, and gluten free products, too.
Seasonal fruit, cinnamon buns. Combine farm visit with an afternoon at Elk Lake (10km running/ walking trail).
10 locals recommend
Dan's Farm & Country Market
2030 Bear Hill RdSeasonal fruit, cinnamon buns. Combine farm visit with an afternoon at Elk Lake (10km running/ walking trail).
Fresh, local, organic, hand-crafted breads, almond croissants, cookies, all things spelt.
Heritage Red Fife wheat. Always a welcome stop in Cowichan Bay- quaint seaside village to poke around in.
44 locals recommend
True Grain - Cowichan Bay
1735 Cowichan Bay RdFresh, local, organic, hand-crafted breads, almond croissants, cookies, all things spelt.
Heritage Red Fife wheat. Always a welcome stop in Cowichan Bay- quaint seaside village to poke around in.
Perfect Saturday picnic fare for a hike in East Sooke Park. Wood-fired oven = amazing muffins, croissants. Veggies, berries, eggs, soup, coffee. Open Saturdays Dec-April 11am-2pm.
5701 East Sooke Road
5701 East Sooke RoadPerfect Saturday picnic fare for a hike in East Sooke Park. Wood-fired oven = amazing muffins, croissants. Veggies, berries, eggs, soup, coffee. Open Saturdays Dec-April 11am-2pm.
Sheep cheese, 14 year aged cheddar from Quebec.
Handcrafted, farm made cheeses produced locally and internationally. 240+ artisanal cheeses are featured here throughout the year.
39 locals recommend
Ottavio Italian Bakery, Delicatessen & Cafe
2272 Oak Bay AveSheep cheese, 14 year aged cheddar from Quebec.
Handcrafted, farm made cheeses produced locally and internationally. 240+ artisanal cheeses are featured here throughout the year.
Local artisan producers, chefs & ravenous fans converge to celebrate all things FOOD: pies, cheese, breads, meats, spices, olive oil, seafood, spices, gelato...
71 locals recommend
Victoria Public Market at the Hudson
1701 Douglas StLocal artisan producers, chefs & ravenous fans converge to celebrate all things FOOD: pies, cheese, breads, meats, spices, olive oil, seafood, spices, gelato...
Entertainment & Activities
Known for their cupcakes and very kid-friendly atmosphere (colourfully decorated, toys), this place also has great lunches, muffins, and espresso. Grab'n go to Willows Beach on a gorgeous day!
9 locals recommend
Crumsby's Cafe
2509 Estevan AveKnown for their cupcakes and very kid-friendly atmosphere (colourfully decorated, toys), this place also has great lunches, muffins, and espresso. Grab'n go to Willows Beach on a gorgeous day!
Green space. Playground, shade, watch a laid-back baseball game or kids in skate park.
Victoria West Park
250 Esquimalt RdGreen space. Playground, shade, watch a laid-back baseball game or kids in skate park.
Beautiful green space-- playground, benches with harbour views, close to community centre for washrooms. Easy, car-free access from Dockside condo via relaxing walk/bike along Galloping Goose.
19 locals recommend
Banfield Park
521 Craigflower RdBeautiful green space-- playground, benches with harbour views, close to community centre for washrooms. Easy, car-free access from Dockside condo via relaxing walk/bike along Galloping Goose.
Victoria Bug Zoo
631 Courtney StMillipede mustache, kiss a cockroach, see an ant city!
Shopping
Absolute favourite gallery in Victoria, profiles contemporary indigenous fine art from Northwest BC, Papua New Guinea & Australia. Impressive carvings, paintings, affordable prints & jewelry.
Alcheringa Gallery
621 Fort StAbsolute favourite gallery in Victoria, profiles contemporary indigenous fine art from Northwest BC, Papua New Guinea & Australia. Impressive carvings, paintings, affordable prints & jewelry.
Everything Else
On your way walking or biking to/from downtown along Harbour Rd (Galloping Goose), take a few minutes to watch ship building in action.
Point Hope Maritime Ltd
345 Harbour RdOn your way walking or biking to/from downtown along Harbour Rd (Galloping Goose), take a few minutes to watch ship building in action.
If the visibility is good, there's loads to see right along the Breakwater. Offers PADI courses, also trips to Race Rocks. Warm up post-dive with hot chocolate @ Ogden Point Cafe.
12 locals recommend
Ogden Point Dive Centre
199 Dallas RdIf the visibility is good, there's loads to see right along the Breakwater. Offers PADI courses, also trips to Race Rocks. Warm up post-dive with hot chocolate @ Ogden Point Cafe.