Welcome to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
Been thinking about home lately with the holidays coming up so I wanted to reminisce about my stomping grounds. Victoria is the capital of B.C. and the most southern city on Vancouver Island. It is surrounded by water and has a view of Olympic Mountains in the United States…aka way too beautiful.
Originally, I am from a town a couple hours north but moved to Victoria as a teenager and continued with post secondary (UVIC- one of the most distinguished universities with the most appealing campus). Victoria is an eclectic, charming, historical, yet hipster city full of students and people enjoying retirement. It does get a little cramped at times but Vancouver is just a ferry ride away. V.I. is seriously perfect - with the gulf islands on the straight and the big city close by, you have a taste of all lifestyles. It is the perfect mix of city and town and has everything nearby.
We have all four seasons and there are things to do in every one of them! Whether its hitting the slopes, fishing or sailing, pumpkin patches, or a variety of festivals, we have it all!
The neighbourhoods are safe, the beaches are sandy, and there is never a dull moment downtown.
Places to be, things to do, people to see
Where to eat:
Breaky : Floyds Diner // Johns Place // Jam Cafe
Lunch : The Local // Rebar Modern Cafe // Willies Bakery
Dinner : Il Terrazzo // Red Fish Blue Fish // Pagliacci's
Pub : Bard & Banker // Irish Times // Sticky Wicket // Darcys Pub
What to bring:
Westcoast weather is unpredictable - sun, rain, clouds, snow, who knows. It's November so in Autumn…we wear layers!
Warm Jacket
Cozy Knit
Jeans & Leggings
Hunter Rain Boots & Boots
Scarf & Beanie & Mittens
Night on the town? It's pretty casual, styles vary between the people so dress for yourself!
We have all four seasons and there are things to do in every one of them! Whether its hitting the slopes, fishing or sailing, pumpkin patches, or a variety of festivals, we have it all!
The neighbourhoods are safe, the beaches are sandy, and there is never a dull moment downtown.
Places to be, things to do, people to see
Where to eat:
Breaky : Floyds Diner // Johns Place // Jam Cafe
Lunch : The Local // Rebar Modern Cafe // Willies Bakery
Dinner : Il Terrazzo // Red Fish Blue Fish // Pagliacci's
Pub : Bard & Banker // Irish Times // Sticky Wicket // Darcys Pub
What to bring:
Westcoast weather is unpredictable - sun, rain, clouds, snow, who knows. It's November so in Autumn…we wear layers!
Warm Jacket
Cozy Knit
Jeans & Leggings
Hunter Rain Boots & Boots
Scarf & Beanie & Mittens
Night on the town? It's pretty casual, styles vary between the people so dress for yourself!
What to do:
Being the capital, Victoria is all about the tourist attractions!
1) Parliament Building - they do tours of the beautifully structured building and apparently it's haunted!
Being the capital, Victoria is all about the tourist attractions!
1) Parliament Building - they do tours of the beautifully structured building and apparently it's haunted!
2) The Empress - perhaps some high tea?
3) Butchart Gardens - summer florals or 12 days of Christmas, this place is pristine.
4) Dallas Road & The Breakwater - perfect for a run or just a view! #1 place for dog walkers.
4) Dallas Road & The Breakwater - perfect for a run or just a view! #1 place for dog walkers.
5) Whale Watching - head out on the seas for some adventure!
6) Beach Drive Highlands - the most stunning houses/neighbourhood I've ever seen.
7) Beacon Hill Park - beautiful park grounds complete with a petting farm!
6) Beach Drive Highlands - the most stunning houses/neighbourhood I've ever seen.
7) Beacon Hill Park - beautiful park grounds complete with a petting farm!
8) Craigdarroch Castle - a little history anyone? Historical landmark for Victoria.
9) IMAX museum - movies….supersized. Enough said! Among many other museums in Vic.
10) Beaches & Boutiques - Cadboro Bay, Willows, Gonzales, Thetis Lake (cliff jumping!) Johnson Street shopping boutiques are full of local treasures and eclectic finds. (Bliss, Sitka, & Flavour are a few of my favourites!)
9) IMAX museum - movies….supersized. Enough said! Among many other museums in Vic.
10) Beaches & Boutiques - Cadboro Bay, Willows, Gonzales, Thetis Lake (cliff jumping!) Johnson Street shopping boutiques are full of local treasures and eclectic finds. (Bliss, Sitka, & Flavour are a few of my favourites!)
Nightlife:
There are some bumpin' bars in this city!
Strathcona Hotel // complete with the Sticky Wicket pub (branching into Big Bad Johns country bar, Games room for pool, darts, & sports, and Clubhouse to bust a move, Rooftop upstairs (open in summer), and Distrikt nightclub in the basement.
Irish & Scottish Bar Central // Irish Times Pub & Bard and Banker (most authentic Irish/Scottish bars with a stunning interior, tasty food, and live music)
Pub & Club in one // Head down to the waterfront and hit up Darcys Pub, feel like keeping the night going? Head to Upstairs nightclub located just above it!
There are some bumpin' bars in this city!
Strathcona Hotel // complete with the Sticky Wicket pub (branching into Big Bad Johns country bar, Games room for pool, darts, & sports, and Clubhouse to bust a move, Rooftop upstairs (open in summer), and Distrikt nightclub in the basement.
Irish & Scottish Bar Central // Irish Times Pub & Bard and Banker (most authentic Irish/Scottish bars with a stunning interior, tasty food, and live music)
Pub & Club in one // Head down to the waterfront and hit up Darcys Pub, feel like keeping the night going? Head to Upstairs nightclub located just above it!
A few of my own...
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I have some good memories of these places, I wish I could go home for just a day to visit! Victoria is seriously beyond beautiful, I might be bias because everyone thinks their hometown is great but I genuinely miss this place!
