Guidebook for Victoria and the Island
Taprooms and Breweries
Vancouver Island is home to some of BC’s best beer!
The Drake has an amazing tap list, great food from local vendors and an incredible indoor and outdoor space in Market Square. A local and tourist favourite!
119 locals recommend
The Drake Eatery
517 Pandora AveThe Drake has an amazing tap list, great food from local vendors and an incredible indoor and outdoor space in Market Square. A local and tourist favourite!
One of the newest breweries on the Victoria beer scene, the beer is experimental and delicious! Very close to downtown and an easy spot to stop when you’re seeing the sites.
7 locals recommend
Herald Street Brew Works
506 Herald StOne of the newest breweries on the Victoria beer scene, the beer is experimental and delicious! Very close to downtown and an easy spot to stop when you’re seeing the sites.
Slightly out of town on a beautiful and historic 5 acre lot, this cider house creates incredible and unique ciders.
Victoria Cider Co.
Slightly out of town on a beautiful and historic 5 acre lot, this cider house creates incredible and unique ciders.
Food scene
While you’re out walking Dallas, stop in for some good food, well priced beverages and a breathtaking view of the Olympics and ocean.
62 locals recommend
Breakwater Cafe . Bistro . Bar
199 Dallas RdWhile you’re out walking Dallas, stop in for some good food, well priced beverages and a breathtaking view of the Olympics and ocean.
Definitely one of the best brunch spots in the city, the food is delicious and the prices are great! There can be a wait, but the line usually moves quickly!
17 locals recommend
Fuego Old Town Eatery
1435 Store StDefinitely one of the best brunch spots in the city, the food is delicious and the prices are great! There can be a wait, but the line usually moves quickly!
Specializing in brunch and breakfast, you can’t go wrong with Jam! Also extremely popular so you may be waiting a bit for a table.
201 locals recommend
Jam Cafe
542 Herald StSpecializing in brunch and breakfast, you can’t go wrong with Jam! Also extremely popular so you may be waiting a bit for a table.
Rotating tapas menu, sherry list to die for and incredible wait staff makes this absolutely worth the visit.
33 locals recommend
Bodega
1210 Broad StRotating tapas menu, sherry list to die for and incredible wait staff makes this absolutely worth the visit.
Reservations a must! This restaurant plays on what’s local and fresh, but only has about 10 seats in the entire restaurant.
9 locals recommend
Hank's *A Restaurant
1001 Douglas StReservations a must! This restaurant plays on what’s local and fresh, but only has about 10 seats in the entire restaurant.
Ferris' Grill & Garden Patio
536 Yates StBest happy hour EVER! Great seafood and oysters.
CRAFT Beer Market Victoria Harbour
Excellent food and beer menu right on the water!
Wind Cries Mary
45 Bastion SquareAmazing food with a locally renowned chef
Q AT THE FAIRMONT EMPRESS
Excellent restaurant inside the historic Empress hotel. Slightly upscale.
The Surly Mermaid
9851 Seaport PlSeaside restaurant with a cozy feel right on the water
Bear & Joey Cafe
1025 Cook StEsthetically pleasing brunch spot!
Walks and Neighbourhoods
Stunning Olympic Mountain and ocean views, this stroll along a newly minted walking and biking path is a must do.
14 locals recommend
Dallas Road Waterfront Trail
Dallas Road Waterfront TrailStunning Olympic Mountain and ocean views, this stroll along a newly minted walking and biking path is a must do.
Only a 5 minute walk south from The Aviary, this is a perfect stroll by the brackish water of the Gorge. Well manicured gardens and paths make a great walk for you and your dogs.
13 locals recommend
Gorge Waters
Only a 5 minute walk south from The Aviary, this is a perfect stroll by the brackish water of the Gorge. Well manicured gardens and paths make a great walk for you and your dogs.
Located across the River and a close walk, this park feels secluded despite being in the middle of this neighborhood! An awesome place to walk dogs or “escape” into nature.
8 locals recommend
Cuthbert Holmes Park
Trans-Canada HighwayLocated across the River and a close walk, this park feels secluded despite being in the middle of this neighborhood! An awesome place to walk dogs or “escape” into nature.
Sightseeing
30 minutes from the Aviary, this well trafficked hiking/walking path is stunning every mile. Light elevation changes and easy terrain, this is a beautiful hike for everyone. Get there early, parking can be difficult!
95 locals recommend
East Sooke Regional Park
6807 East Sooke Road30 minutes from the Aviary, this well trafficked hiking/walking path is stunning every mile. Light elevation changes and easy terrain, this is a beautiful hike for everyone. Get there early, parking can be difficult!
Easy to moderate trails, this is one of the best views in the city of the Gulf and San Juan Islands, Saanich Peninsula and City of Victoria
12 locals recommend
Mt. Douglas Park
4550 Cordova Bay RdEasy to moderate trails, this is one of the best views in the city of the Gulf and San Juan Islands, Saanich Peninsula and City of Victoria
One of the most beautiful buildings in BC to walk through or admire outside.
218 locals recommend
Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
501 Belleville StOne of the most beautiful buildings in BC to walk through or admire outside.
City advice
Getting around
Public Transport is reliable but ensure you have cash
Most busses arrive when they should, but be warned that unless you buy tickets (from London Drugs, convenient stores), or have a bus card, you will need cash as they do not accept credit or debit like in Vancouver.
Getting around
The Malahat can get very congested
The Malahat, or the Trans Canada going north or south just past Goldstream Provincial Park to past Duncan can get extremely congested especially on weekends due to high volumes of traffic and only 1-2 lanes. Make sure to leave early on Friday or Saturday morning and return Saturday night or early on Sunday to avoid major delays.