Victoria is a city located in British Columbia on Vancouver Island. There are beautiful views of mountains and oceans, and great hiking trails all around. It has a mild climate and is home to about 367,770 people. It is an active population and there is always a lot going on in the inner harbour! Here is our Victoria City guide to help you plan your trip to Canada’s Vancouver Island.
FOOD – Victoria is known for having countless delicious cafes and restaurants all across the city. On a nice day, it is great to head down to the inner harbour to Red Fish Blue Fish (1006 Wharf st.), where you can get the best fish and chips in town while watching the boats come into the harbour! To stay on the water, you can also go to The Flying Otter Grill (950 Wharf St.). If you are a brunch person make your way to Mo:Lé (554 Pandora Ave.). For vegetarians, health nuts, or simply food lovers than Rebar (50 Bastion Sq.) is the place for you. There are many restaurants that have been featured on the show, ”You Gotta’ Eat Here” including Pagliacci’s (1011 Broad St.) which has the best garlic best. Ever. There are many other locally owned restaurants and café’s that are worth checking out including Nourish Kitchen & Café (225 Quebec St.), John’s Place (723 Pandora Ave.), and Bubby’s Kitchen (355 Cook St.). For a truly Canadian dessert you can enjoy Beaver Tails (602 Broughton Street).
DRINK – The legal drinking age in British Columbia is 19. There are many places with great live music, including Irish Times (1200 Government St.). If you want to sit out by the water you can make your way to Canoe Bewpub (450 Swift St.) or The Local (1205 Wharf St.). If you are a fan of country music you can head down for a night of dancing at The Duke Saloon (502 Discovery St.). There are also many great local breweries, including Phillips Brewing & Malting Co (2010 Government St.) where you are able to take a tour of the brewery and taste many of their products.
PLACES TO VISIT – The city is surrounded by a countless number of great hiking areas, including Goldstream, where you are able to hike up and over a beautiful trestle that is over a waterfall. Chinatown is also a must see! It is the oldest Chinatown in all of Canada and is famous for its Fan Tan Alley, which is the narrowest street in Canada. You can also feed seals at Fisherman’s Wharf (1 Dallas Rd.). If you make your way down to Cadboro Bay where you are able to rent paddle boards from Gyro Beach Board Shop (3840 Cadboro Bay Rd.). The beach is in a beautiful bay filled with seal, starfish, and jellyfish.
CAMP SUPPLIES – If you need to get some last minute supplies before heading up to camp you can go to MEC (1450 Government St.) or Capital Iron (1900 Store St.) to find all that you need.
GETTING AROUND – Victoria is a smaller city so you are easily able to walk around downtown, but if you need to get a little further away the buses are a great option. The buses cost $2.50 a ride or $5.00 for a day pass. Also, renting a scooter at Cycle BC (685 Humboldt St.) can be a great, fun way to see the city!
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES – You can find other great sites and events in Victoria on the Tourism Victoria website here!