Jason’s Guidebook
Sightseeing
The best outdoor adventure recreation activities in Victoria
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WildPlay Element Parks Victoria
1767 Island HwyThe best outdoor adventure recreation activities in Victoria
Enveloping you in lush greens and colourful blooms, The Butchart Gardens is a must-see oasis
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Butchart Gardens
Enveloping you in lush greens and colourful blooms, The Butchart Gardens is a must-see oasis
Landmark parliament buildings featuring ornate neo-baroque architecture, artwork & guided tours
Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
501 Belleville StreetLandmark parliament buildings featuring ornate neo-baroque architecture, artwork & guided tours
Founded in 1886, the Royal British Columbia Museum consists of The Province of British Columbia's natural and human history museum as well as the British Columbia Provincial Archives.
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I-Royal BC Museum
675 Belleville StFounded in 1886, the Royal British Columbia Museum consists of The Province of British Columbia's natural and human history museum as well as the British Columbia Provincial Archives.
With over 200 acres of park land, Beacon Hill Park is the crowning jewel in Victoria's park system. There are natural areas, manicured flower beds, petting zoo, footpaths and many sports and play features for the whole family to enjoy.
Beacon Hill Park
100 Cook StreetWith over 200 acres of park land, Beacon Hill Park is the crowning jewel in Victoria's park system. There are natural areas, manicured flower beds, petting zoo, footpaths and many sports and play features for the whole family to enjoy.
Visitors can see seals & other marine life along this quaint floating pier with food kiosks & shops.
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Iphakamisa Fisherman's Wharf
12 Erie StVisitors can see seals & other marine life along this quaint floating pier with food kiosks & shops.
Willows Beach is one of Victoria's most popular swimming beaches. Its shallow, protected water is suitable for young children, while views of Discovery Island and Mount Baker make basking, swimming or paddling there just that much more beautiful. Willows Beach is a popular day destination for locals, so expect line-ups at the concession stand on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Willows Beach is a 15-minute drive east from downtown Victoria. Located off Beach Drive in Oak Bay, this popular beach is a great place to see and be seen.
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Willows Beach
EsplanadeWillows Beach is one of Victoria's most popular swimming beaches. Its shallow, protected water is suitable for young children, while views of Discovery Island and Mount Baker make basking, swimming or paddling there just that much more beautiful. Willows Beach is a popular day destination for locals, so expect line-ups at the concession stand on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Willows Beach is a 15-minute drive east from downtown Victoria. Located off Beach Drive in Oak Bay, this popular beach is a great place to see and be seen.
The Chinatown in Victoria, British Columbia is the oldest Chinatown in Canada and the second oldest in North America after San Francisco's. Victoria's Chinatown had its beginnings in the mid-nineteenth century in the mass influx of miners from California to what is now British Columbia in 1858. It remains an active place and continues to be popular with residents and visitors, many of whom are Chinese-Canadians. Victoria's Chinatown is now surrounded by cultural, entertainment venues as well as being a venue itself.
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Victoria Chinatown
500 Fisgard StThe Chinatown in Victoria, British Columbia is the oldest Chinatown in Canada and the second oldest in North America after San Francisco's. Victoria's Chinatown had its beginnings in the mid-nineteenth century in the mass influx of miners from California to what is now British Columbia in 1858. It remains an active place and continues to be popular with residents and visitors, many of whom are Chinese-Canadians. Victoria's Chinatown is now surrounded by cultural, entertainment venues as well as being a venue itself.
Christ Church Cathedral's new tours offer an insight into everything from flying buttresses to bellringing. Let our trained docents guide you around this fascinating landmark.
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Christ Church Cathedral
930 Burdett AveChrist Church Cathedral's new tours offer an insight into everything from flying buttresses to bellringing. Let our trained docents guide you around this fascinating landmark.
Built by coal baron Robert Dunsmuir during the reign of Queen Victoria and now a National Historic Site, Craigdarroch Castle has been meticulously restored, giving visitors a glimpse of privileged life in the 1890s.
Craigdarroch Castle
1050 Joan CrescentBuilt by coal baron Robert Dunsmuir during the reign of Queen Victoria and now a National Historic Site, Craigdarroch Castle has been meticulously restored, giving visitors a glimpse of privileged life in the 1890s.
It’s not big, nor are its resident critters (although some of them are alarmingly colossal by insect standards); however, this diminutive indoor ‘zoo’ is a small marvel thanks to the enthusiasm and knowledge of its guides. Atlas beetles, dragon-headed crickets and thorny devils are all explained, admired and – on occasion – lifted out of their tanks to be handed around for closer inspection. Children are the main audience, but this is a hugely entertaining and educational experience on any level.
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Victoria Bug Zoo
631 Courtney StIt’s not big, nor are its resident critters (although some of them are alarmingly colossal by insect standards); however, this diminutive indoor ‘zoo’ is a small marvel thanks to the enthusiasm and knowledge of its guides. Atlas beetles, dragon-headed crickets and thorny devils are all explained, admired and – on occasion – lifted out of their tanks to be handed around for closer inspection. Children are the main audience, but this is a hugely entertaining and educational experience on any level.
Prince of Whales is the largest and most environmentally sustainable whale watching and eco- adventure company operating out of Victoria.
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PRINCE OF WHALES Whale & Marine Wildlife Adventures
812 Wharf StPrince of Whales is the largest and most environmentally sustainable whale watching and eco- adventure company operating out of Victoria.
Food scene
Easygoing bistro offering Spanish small plates including vegan & gluten-free items, with a full bar.
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Tapa Bar
620 Trounce AlleyEasygoing bistro offering Spanish small plates including vegan & gluten-free items, with a full bar.
Cozy, urban speakeasy providing a chill atmosphere, an imaginative, elevated menu & craft cocktails.
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Little Jumbo Restaurant and Bar
506 Fort StCozy, urban speakeasy providing a chill atmosphere, an imaginative, elevated menu & craft cocktails.
Intimate, candlelit Italian nook with brick fireplaces, patio seating & a notable wine list.
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II Terrazzo
555 Johnson StIntimate, candlelit Italian nook with brick fireplaces, patio seating & a notable wine list.
Popular compact taqueria serving up creative tacos & burritos in simple counter-serve environs.
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Tacofino
760 Pandora AvePopular compact taqueria serving up creative tacos & burritos in simple counter-serve environs.
Long-running, old-fashioned Chinese institution offering dim sum & other Cantonese & Sichuan plates.
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Don Mee
538 Fisgard StLong-running, old-fashioned Chinese institution offering dim sum & other Cantonese & Sichuan plates.
Dockside seafood restaurant known for its creative, hand-roll-style tacos. Open seasonally.
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Red Fish Blue Fish
1006 Wharf StDockside seafood restaurant known for its creative, hand-roll-style tacos. Open seasonally.
West coast influenced fusion tacos that are more unique than traditional.
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Taco Justice Food Truck
1580 Cook StWest coast influenced fusion tacos that are more unique than traditional.
Cozy spot for creative sushi & cooked Japanese fare including teriyaki dinners along with full bar.
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Ebizo Japanese Restaurant Ltd
604 Broughton StCozy spot for creative sushi & cooked Japanese fare including teriyaki dinners along with full bar.
Elevated global fare & cocktails are the draw at this chic outpost with patio seating & water views.
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Glo Restaurant + Lounge
2940 Jutland RdElevated global fare & cocktails are the draw at this chic outpost with patio seating & water views.
'The Blue Fox Cafe is a funky downtown West Coast eclectic, serving fresh homemade style food to a loyal, local clientele for over 25 years. Perennial favourites include 12 types of Eggs Benedict, reportedly the best in the city, Moroccan chicken sandwich, and giant homemade beef burgers!! Emphasis is placed on fresh local products. Coffee is organic. Breakfast is served all day with great music, good value and good cheer!! Reservations (and interventions!!) are welcome Monday through Friday. Weekends... Survival of the Fittest!!'
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Blue Fox Cafe
919 Fort St'The Blue Fox Cafe is a funky downtown West Coast eclectic, serving fresh homemade style food to a loyal, local clientele for over 25 years. Perennial favourites include 12 types of Eggs Benedict, reportedly the best in the city, Moroccan chicken sandwich, and giant homemade beef burgers!! Emphasis is placed on fresh local products. Coffee is organic. Breakfast is served all day with great music, good value and good cheer!! Reservations (and interventions!!) are welcome Monday through Friday. Weekends... Survival of the Fittest!!'
Proudly brewed in Victoria, British Columbia, our craft beers are anything but ordinary, from your mainstay favourites to seasonal releases.
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Phillips Brewing & Malting
2000 Government StProudly brewed in Victoria, British Columbia, our craft beers are anything but ordinary, from your mainstay favourites to seasonal releases.
'Fish & Chips is the specialty at Willows Galley. Choose from a variety of delicious fish, including halibut, cod, oysters, prawns and scallops. Sides include chowder, coleslaw, fries ... even poutine!'
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Willows Galley
2559 Estevan Ave'Fish & Chips is the specialty at Willows Galley. Choose from a variety of delicious fish, including halibut, cod, oysters, prawns and scallops. Sides include chowder, coleslaw, fries ... even poutine!'
Roomy, modern restaurant with a large display aquarium & menu of familiar Japanese cuisine. Available on SkipTheDishes
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Azuma Sushi
615 Yates StRoomy, modern restaurant with a large display aquarium & menu of familiar Japanese cuisine. Available on SkipTheDishes
Authentic North Indian Cuisine served with a smile.We at Sizzling Tandoor are committed to preserving a Culture, tradition and standard in culinary tastes that a customer would appreciate. The Sizzling Tandoor name has since become an icon of Indian cuisine and established itself as the favored restaurant of curry and Tandoori dishes across Victoria.If you are a first-time visitor, you will find our cuisine versatile, ranging from extremely mild to the richly pungent. We offer a richly-varied menu of fresh, natural ingredients, wholesome sauces and flavorful spices. Available on SkipTheDishes
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Sizzling Tandoor
3600 Uptown BlvdAuthentic North Indian Cuisine served with a smile.We at Sizzling Tandoor are committed to preserving a Culture, tradition and standard in culinary tastes that a customer would appreciate. The Sizzling Tandoor name has since become an icon of Indian cuisine and established itself as the favored restaurant of curry and Tandoori dishes across Victoria.If you are a first-time visitor, you will find our cuisine versatile, ranging from extremely mild to the richly pungent. We offer a richly-varied menu of fresh, natural ingredients, wholesome sauces and flavorful spices. Available on SkipTheDishes
Enjoy the fresh tastes of the West Coast in a spectacular waterfront setting at the Marina Restaurant. The award-winning Marina Restaurant is a local favourite for delicious seafood, regional cuisine, Sunday Brunch and world-class sushi. Our Seafood Menu is 100% Certified Oceanwise. We believe in buying local, sustainable seafood. It’s a matter of taste.
With sweeping views of Mt. Baker and the Straits of Juan de Fuca, the Marina Restaurant at the Oak Bay Marina offers a feast for all your senses.
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Oak Bay Marina
1327 Beach DrEnjoy the fresh tastes of the West Coast in a spectacular waterfront setting at the Marina Restaurant. The award-winning Marina Restaurant is a local favourite for delicious seafood, regional cuisine, Sunday Brunch and world-class sushi. Our Seafood Menu is 100% Certified Oceanwise. We believe in buying local, sustainable seafood. It’s a matter of taste.
With sweeping views of Mt. Baker and the Straits of Juan de Fuca, the Marina Restaurant at the Oak Bay Marina offers a feast for all your senses.
Bonsoir! You may have just arrived at the best restaurant in Victoria, a small but wonderfully elegant bistro discreetly furnished in la mode français, but without any of the infamous Parisian pretension. Service is warm and impeccable, and the renditions of classic French dishes are exquisitely executed. Moules-frites, duck confit and superb Bordeaux wines all hit the spot.
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Brasserie L'Ecole
1715 Government StBonsoir! You may have just arrived at the best restaurant in Victoria, a small but wonderfully elegant bistro discreetly furnished in la mode français, but without any of the infamous Parisian pretension. Service is warm and impeccable, and the renditions of classic French dishes are exquisitely executed. Moules-frites, duck confit and superb Bordeaux wines all hit the spot.
No need to conduct an opinion poll: the perennial lines in the street outside Jam suggest that this is the best breakfast spot in Victoria. The reasons? Tasteful vintage decor (if you'll excuse them the moose's head); fast, discreet service; and the kind of creative breakfast dishes that you'd never have the energy or ingenuity to cook yourself.
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Jam Cafe
542 Herald StNo need to conduct an opinion poll: the perennial lines in the street outside Jam suggest that this is the best breakfast spot in Victoria. The reasons? Tasteful vintage decor (if you'll excuse them the moose's head); fast, discreet service; and the kind of creative breakfast dishes that you'd never have the energy or ingenuity to cook yourself.
Essentials
Save-On-Foods
1950 Foul Bay RdClosest major grocery store with good prices
Local major grocery store with the best selection of meats and produce
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Thrifty Foods
1580 Hillside AveLocal major grocery store with the best selection of meats and produce
Focused on offering a diverse range of fresh, local produce and imported specialties; Fairway Market’s extensive selection of international products reflects the varied cultures and unique tastes of our communities.
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Fairway Market
1521 McKenzie AveFocused on offering a diverse range of fresh, local produce and imported specialties; Fairway Market’s extensive selection of international products reflects the varied cultures and unique tastes of our communities.
Hillside Shopping Centre
1644 Hillside AveVessel is a locally owned and operated liquor store, supporting authentic wine, spirits and ales, as well as the people who make them. We offer a complete selection of quality products and strive to provide outstanding service and value to our customers.
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Vessel Liquor
1609 Fort StVessel is a locally owned and operated liquor store, supporting authentic wine, spirits and ales, as well as the people who make them. We offer a complete selection of quality products and strive to provide outstanding service and value to our customers.
Whole Foods Market
3587 Blanshard StWalking distance
Outdoor seating · Casual · Vegetarian options. Available on SkipTheDishes
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Fernwood Pizza Company
2009 Fernwood RdOutdoor seating · Casual · Vegetarian options. Available on SkipTheDishes
Celebrated pub with a patio offering cocktails, brews & typical fare, plus regular bands & events.
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Christie's Carriage House Pub
1739 Fort StCelebrated pub with a patio offering cocktails, brews & typical fare, plus regular bands & events.
Relaxed pub with an outdoor patio serving Canadian grill fare, local microbrews & weekend brunch.
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The Fernwood Inn
1302 Gladstone AveRelaxed pub with an outdoor patio serving Canadian grill fare, local microbrews & weekend brunch.
Snug, chic haunt pairing regional & international wines with eclectic tapas, including charcuterie.
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stage.
1307 Gladstone AveSnug, chic haunt pairing regional & international wines with eclectic tapas, including charcuterie.
Café in a converted laundromat serving boutique coffees, light bites & baked items
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Koffi
1441 Haultain StCafé in a converted laundromat serving boutique coffees, light bites & baked items
This quaint coffee shop with house-roasted beans & pastries also offers light fare like sandwiches.
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Little June
1301 Gladstone AveThis quaint coffee shop with house-roasted beans & pastries also offers light fare like sandwiches.
Moka House Coffee
345 Cook StCosy · Casual · Good for groups
The celebrated Belfry Theatre showcases contemporary plays in its lovely former-church-building venue
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Belfry Theatre
1291 Gladstone AveThe celebrated Belfry Theatre showcases contemporary plays in its lovely former-church-building venue
Entertainment • Spa
Oak Bay Recreation Centre
1975 Bee StAmenities include a sophisticated restaurant, a colonial-style cocktail lounge, and afternoon tea. There's also a full-service spa, a gym and an indoor pool
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Hotel Fairmont Empress
721 Government StAmenities include a sophisticated restaurant, a colonial-style cocktail lounge, and afternoon tea. There's also a full-service spa, a gym and an indoor pool
There's a fine-dining restaurant with dinner theatre events, plus a cozy pub and a cafe. The lavish spa features seaside mineral hot pools, treatment rooms and an exercise facility.
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Oak Bay Beach Hotel
1175 Beach DrThere's a fine-dining restaurant with dinner theatre events, plus a cozy pub and a cafe. The lavish spa features seaside mineral hot pools, treatment rooms and an exercise facility.
Movie theater chain known for presenting 3D films on a giant screen, including blockbusters.
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IMAX
675 Belleville StMovie theater chain known for presenting 3D films on a giant screen, including blockbusters.
Cineplex Odeon Victoria Cinemas
780 Yates StThe Royal Theatre, constructed in 1913 during the Victoria building boom, is valued as one of the grandest surviving examples of large-scale vaudeville theatre architecture in Canada. Its value lies in its major architectural features and in its historic function as a theatre for live performances.
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Royal Theatre
805 Broughton StThe Royal Theatre, constructed in 1913 during the Victoria building boom, is valued as one of the grandest surviving examples of large-scale vaudeville theatre architecture in Canada. Its value lies in its major architectural features and in its historic function as a theatre for live performances.
Victoria, BC's premier entertainment facility. Home of the Victoria Royals of the WHL and Victoria's venue for world-class concerts, events and sports.
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Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre
1925 Blanshard StVictoria, BC's premier entertainment facility. Home of the Victoria Royals of the WHL and Victoria's venue for world-class concerts, events and sports.
Elements Casino Victoria offers everything from watching the game at the pub, to a live show on the weekend, or the chance to win a big jackpot.
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Elements Casino
1708 Island HwyElements Casino Victoria offers everything from watching the game at the pub, to a live show on the weekend, or the chance to win a big jackpot.
Retro-fitted with Victorian cut-glass lamps, open fireplaces and a long granite bar topped with brass beer taps, this former bank building reopened as a pub in 2008. Pull up a stool and taste-test locally made Phillips Blue Buck and the house-brand Robert Service Ale. There's nightly live music, plus a nosh menu ranging from pub standards to fancier fare.
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Bard & Banker
1022 Government StRetro-fitted with Victorian cut-glass lamps, open fireplaces and a long granite bar topped with brass beer taps, this former bank building reopened as a pub in 2008. Pull up a stool and taste-test locally made Phillips Blue Buck and the house-brand Robert Service Ale. There's nightly live music, plus a nosh menu ranging from pub standards to fancier fare.
'Winner of Best Irish Pub in North America, we embrace the Irish culture with food for the body, drink for the spirit, and music for the soul. We pride ourselves on providing a true Irish experience since opening our doors in 2004. The traditions of Ireland have been extended to our menu, which has been developed by the philosophy of food for the body, offering Irish classics like bangers & mash, shepherd’s pie and our famous Irish stew. Enjoy a Drink for the spirit with a perfectly poured pint of Guinness or savour Victoria’s best Irish coffee. We boast over 40 taps & the largest selection of Irish whiskeys in Canada. Music for the soul is heard 7 nights a week at 9 or Friday & Saturday from 4 to 7. Come for the Guinness, stay for the Craic'
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Irish Times Pub
1200 Government St'Winner of Best Irish Pub in North America, we embrace the Irish culture with food for the body, drink for the spirit, and music for the soul. We pride ourselves on providing a true Irish experience since opening our doors in 2004. The traditions of Ireland have been extended to our menu, which has been developed by the philosophy of food for the body, offering Irish classics like bangers & mash, shepherd’s pie and our famous Irish stew. Enjoy a Drink for the spirit with a perfectly poured pint of Guinness or savour Victoria’s best Irish coffee. We boast over 40 taps & the largest selection of Irish whiskeys in Canada. Music for the soul is heard 7 nights a week at 9 or Friday & Saturday from 4 to 7. Come for the Guinness, stay for the Craic'
Dine in • Take out • Delivery
Southeast Asian street food, made fresh for westcoast tastes. All Noodlebox dishes are made fresh & can be easily customized for you. Vegan & Gluten-Free options. Available on SkipTheDishes
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Noodlebox
3749 Shelbourne StSoutheast Asian street food, made fresh for westcoast tastes. All Noodlebox dishes are made fresh & can be easily customized for you. Vegan & Gluten-Free options. Available on SkipTheDishes
Nubo Japanese Tapas
739 Pandora AveAvailable on SkipTheDishes