European charm, Pacific Northwestern natural beauty, maple syrup. Who could ask for more?
I spent 3 days in Victoria on my way up to Alaska and absolutely fell in love with the city! It’s so lovely to walk around the romantic downtown, enjoy the views of the harbor, and enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking and whale watching. All the flowers were in bloom, and the weather was glorious.
I’ll definitely be going back, as I want to make a road trip around Vancouver Island. For now, these were my favorite finds and what I would recommend doing if you visit Victoria for a long weekend.
xx
L
The Perfect way to Spend Three Days in Victoria …
Getting There
A ferry ride away from Vancouver or Seattle, the enchanting city of Victoria offers some of Canada’s best weather, food, architecture, and outdoor activities. If you have time, consider a road trip around Vancouver Island to visit fishing towns such as Tofino. There are many lovely hotels along the coast where you can relax in forested spas, whale watch, and kayak.
WHERE TO STAY
LOCATION : PENDRAY INN AND TEA HOUSE
I stayed at the classic Pendray Inn and Tea House, where I enjoyed views of the romantic harbour from an elegantly styled Victorian room. It’s perfectly located in a quieter area of the city that’s walkable to everything, including my favorite brunch spot, Nourish.
EAT + DRINK
LOCATION : NOURISH KITCHEN & CAFE
GREAT FOR : BRUNCH
Just around the corner from the hotel, Nourish Kitchen & Cafe serves exquisite brunch in a renovated 1888 Victorian home, with many of the ingredients grown in their own garden. Nourish was created to make people feel healthy and happy, and they have accomplished just that. The menu includes healthy takes on classic items, such as oat pancakes sprinkled with bee pollen, eggs benedict with turmeric cashew hollandaise sauce, dandelion, burdock, and bone broth tinctures, and of course, maple syrup. They have lots of vegan and vegetarian options. If you love the food, they even have their own cookbook! Perfect for a solo or group brunch.
LOCATION : VIS A VIS OAK BAY
GREAT FOR : DINNER
Across town in the tree-lined Oak Bay neighborhood, there are numerous boutiques and galleries. I stopped in for a glass of wine and a bite at French restaurant Vis-a-Vis. Although you can definitely eat there as a solo diner, it’s on the fancier side and would be better for a couple or group.
EXPERIENCE
LOCATION : THE STREETS OF VICTORIA
I loved strolling around the harbour to take in the scent of flowers and the fresh sea breeze. Roaming the city streets to the tune of live street musicians, I came across the hidden alleyways of Chinatown.
LOCATION : GALLOPING GOOSE TRAIL
I could spend days just taking in Victoria’s natural sites, beginning with a walk along the Galloping Goose Trail. Across the Johnson St. Bridge you can walk along the water towards Banfield Park. The trail is actually regional, it goes 60km from Victoria to Sooke. You could even rent a bike and ride the entire trail!
LOCATION : VICTORIA KAYAK TOURS & RENTALS
I had an amazing experience renting a kayak in the afternoon at Victoria Kayak Tours & Rentals to see many birds and other critters in the Upper Harbour. After kayaking, head to the wharf for fresh seafood, and wander the docks to see many brightly coloured floating homes.
LOCATION : EAGLE WING WHALE AND WILDLIFE TOURS
Finish off the day with a sunset whale watching excursion from Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Tours. You’ll learn about the majestic whales from the onboard scientists, and see endangered orcas, seals, and humpbacks as the evening sets in. Bring a warm jacket that can get wet, as you may be splashed on the boat and it gets windy and cold!
Do you have plans to visit Victoria? Let me know in the comments below!
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