Deirdre's Guidebook
Food Scene
For breakfast or lunch, these guys cover all the flavour profiles. Their menu is diverse, unique and sure to please. It was featured on Food Network's "You Gotta Eat Here" shortly after opening. The same owners own one of our favourite cafe's, the Union Pacific Cafe, right across the street.
201 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Jam Cafe
542 Herald StFor breakfast or lunch, these guys cover all the flavour profiles. Their menu is diverse, unique and sure to please. It was featured on Food Network's "You Gotta Eat Here" shortly after opening. The same owners own one of our favourite cafe's, the Union Pacific Cafe, right across the street.
The menu is locally sourced and seasonal, making the selections a bit limited but what they serve is delicious and healthy. If it feels like you are in a quaint cottage in the middle of the country it's because you are! They share a property with the Horticulture Centre (HCP) which you can stroll through before or after. Make sure you mention you intend to visit the HCP if you are dining at Charlotte, they will give you a bit of a discount. Great for breakfast, brunch or snacks. Keep an eye out for Charlotte, the cat. For a more central spot, try their sister restaurant Nourish Cafe, downtown.
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Charlotte & the Quail
505 Quayle RdThe menu is locally sourced and seasonal, making the selections a bit limited but what they serve is delicious and healthy. If it feels like you are in a quaint cottage in the middle of the country it's because you are! They share a property with the Horticulture Centre (HCP) which you can stroll through before or after. Make sure you mention you intend to visit the HCP if you are dining at Charlotte, they will give you a bit of a discount. Great for breakfast, brunch or snacks. Keep an eye out for Charlotte, the cat. For a more central spot, try their sister restaurant Nourish Cafe, downtown.
Whether an intimate dinner for two or a special occasion to celebrate with friends, this place is top notch. With a wine list as thick as a phone book, an incredible menu and dim-lit-cozy-atmosphere, this is the spot to spoil and/or impress. Try the Filetto di Manzo.
244 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
II Terrazzo
555 Johnson StWhether an intimate dinner for two or a special occasion to celebrate with friends, this place is top notch. With a wine list as thick as a phone book, an incredible menu and dim-lit-cozy-atmosphere, this is the spot to spoil and/or impress. Try the Filetto di Manzo.
We happened on this spot after a hike around Francis King park and now its a tradition. The baked goods and coffee are unparalleled.
28 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mosi Bakery Cafe & Gelateria
5303 W Saanich RdWe happened on this spot after a hike around Francis King park and now its a tradition. The baked goods and coffee are unparalleled.
Drinks & Nightlife
Perfect little, underground spot for drinks and great nosh. Amazing blend of West Coast and Himalayan flavours set in a dark and mysterious, sub-sidewalk space. Open laaaate!
47 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Mint Restaurant
1414 Douglas StPerfect little, underground spot for drinks and great nosh. Amazing blend of West Coast and Himalayan flavours set in a dark and mysterious, sub-sidewalk space. Open laaaate!
Great little venue offering both classic and creative cocktails, eclectic small plates and comfort food.
48 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Clive's Classic Lounge
740 Burdett AveGreat little venue offering both classic and creative cocktails, eclectic small plates and comfort food.
Right in the centre of Victoria's Trounce Alley...this cozy, urban lounge provides a relaxed atmosphere, imaginative menu and sublime craft cocktails. Looking to kill time in between venues? Pop in to Quazar's. A late night arcade only a couple of doors down the alley.
95 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Little Jumbo Restaurant and Bar
506 Fort StRight in the centre of Victoria's Trounce Alley...this cozy, urban lounge provides a relaxed atmosphere, imaginative menu and sublime craft cocktails. Looking to kill time in between venues? Pop in to Quazar's. A late night arcade only a couple of doors down the alley.
Looking for a great wine bar? Try "The Collective" in the heart of Cook Street Village. Modern, industrial decor an extensive wine list and robust menu make this the perfect spot to start a long night of celebration or as a place to "wine down" after a long work week.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Collective Wine Bar & Kitchen
230 Cook StLooking for a great wine bar? Try "The Collective" in the heart of Cook Street Village. Modern, industrial decor an extensive wine list and robust menu make this the perfect spot to start a long night of celebration or as a place to "wine down" after a long work week.
A must visit night spot in the heart of Victoria's historic Empress Hotel. After a stroll in the inner harbour, pop upstairs to let the knowledgable bar staff serve you a myriad of beautiful craft cocktails....my favourite being their signature drink, the Q-1908. A wonderfully sour, lavender coloured, Pinterest perfect cocktail made with Empress Gin. Don't forget to ask for a bowl (or three) of their complimentary, charcoal popcorn.
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tea at The Empress
721 Government StA must visit night spot in the heart of Victoria's historic Empress Hotel. After a stroll in the inner harbour, pop upstairs to let the knowledgable bar staff serve you a myriad of beautiful craft cocktails....my favourite being their signature drink, the Q-1908. A wonderfully sour, lavender coloured, Pinterest perfect cocktail made with Empress Gin. Don't forget to ask for a bowl (or three) of their complimentary, charcoal popcorn.
Arts & Culture
The BC Museum is a must see. My family loves it so much, we have an annual pass and try to go at least once a month. My 7 year old loves the rainforest room. If you stand in the centre and whisper, your voice travels around like an amphitheatre. Feeling snacky? Head out to the courtyard where there are a slew of food trucks stationed year round. We love Deadbeetz and the Perogi truck.
534 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo Real de BC
675 Belleville StThe BC Museum is a must see. My family loves it so much, we have an annual pass and try to go at least once a month. My 7 year old loves the rainforest room. If you stand in the centre and whisper, your voice travels around like an amphitheatre. Feeling snacky? Head out to the courtyard where there are a slew of food trucks stationed year round. We love Deadbeetz and the Perogi truck.
For a "must do once in my life" experience, schedule high-tea at the Empress. It's on the pricier side for an experience but if you are looking to check things off your bucket list, this is a good one. A tradition dating back over a century, the Empress has served afternoon tea to royalty, celebrities and dignitaries alike. Ever wondered what it would feel like to be royalty? Wonder no longer....at least for a short time. NOTE: there is a strict clothing code for tea time so dress accordingly.
194 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hotel Fairmont Empress
721 Government StFor a "must do once in my life" experience, schedule high-tea at the Empress. It's on the pricier side for an experience but if you are looking to check things off your bucket list, this is a good one. A tradition dating back over a century, the Empress has served afternoon tea to royalty, celebrities and dignitaries alike. Ever wondered what it would feel like to be royalty? Wonder no longer....at least for a short time. NOTE: there is a strict clothing code for tea time so dress accordingly.
Parks & Nature
One of my favourite places to visit on Vancouver Island. Wander for hours through a myriad of paths lined with gorgeous flowers, plants, trees and sculptures. The gardens are open year round and offer season specific attractions. Enjoy fireworks by the lake in summer and ice skating on their courtyard rink in winter months. The December display is our absolute favourite, annual family tradition. Grab a steamed eggnog and chocolate dipped, shortbread cookie while you enjoy a theatrical display of the 12 days of Christmas woven into the landscape. There are 12 drummers drumming....I promise!
388 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Jardines Butchart
800 Benvenuto AveOne of my favourite places to visit on Vancouver Island. Wander for hours through a myriad of paths lined with gorgeous flowers, plants, trees and sculptures. The gardens are open year round and offer season specific attractions. Enjoy fireworks by the lake in summer and ice skating on their courtyard rink in winter months. The December display is our absolute favourite, annual family tradition. Grab a steamed eggnog and chocolate dipped, shortbread cookie while you enjoy a theatrical display of the 12 days of Christmas woven into the landscape. There are 12 drummers drumming....I promise!
Centrally located, Beacon Hill Park is a great place to spend a time outdoors. Walk bridged paths over pond(s) abounding with turtles and ducks, play in the kiddy park, polish your putting skills on the mini putting green or pop into the petting zoo to chase those blues away. It's impossible to keep a frown while being butted and chewed on by baby goats.
503 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Beacon Hill Park
100 Cook StCentrally located, Beacon Hill Park is a great place to spend a time outdoors. Walk bridged paths over pond(s) abounding with turtles and ducks, play in the kiddy park, polish your putting skills on the mini putting green or pop into the petting zoo to chase those blues away. It's impossible to keep a frown while being butted and chewed on by baby goats.