On the sunny southern tip of Vancouver Island, nestled among the Olympic Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, lies the city of Victoria. Renowned for its lush gardens and breathtaking views, this western Canadian paradise simply sparkles as one of the nation’s most romantic destinations.
Stay
Luxury awaits you at Abigail’s Boutique Hotel (abigailshotel.com).
This ultraromantic bed and breakfast is located just three blocks from downtown and boasts 23 beautiful rooms, elegantly decorated with antique furnishings and wood-burning fireplaces. Sip champagne and dine on gourmet breakfasts in the hotel’s colourful English garden and retire to the library for hors d'oeuvres and cocktails in the early evening. For the ultimate in luxury and rejuvenation, check into The Pearl and indulge in the hotel’s on-site spa services and esthetic treatments. In addition to honeymoon appeal, the hotel also offers intimate wedding packages. Imagine saying “I do” in your very own hidden paradise – rumour has it, one couple on a weekend getaway became so enamoured with the hotel’s charm, they decided they couldn’t wait any longer to tie the knot. The hotel made arrangements and the pair were wed in the hotel garden the following day.
Play
Experience one of Victoria’s legendary sunsets while kayaking the beautiful waters around the city. Ocean River Sports (oceanriver.com) offers guided evening kayak tours every Friday from May through August. Watch the city turn from day to night as you traverse the harbour and the historic Gorge Waterway. Keep an eye out for unique birds and marine wildlife – curious seals have been known to stop by during tours.
When in Victoria, a whale-watching excursion is a must. Embark on an aquatic safari in search of killer whales, grey whales, minke whales and even humpback whales. Prince of Whales (princeofwhales.com) excursions leave Victoria’s Inner Harbour on a regular schedule throughout the spring, summer and fall. Passengers also have the opportunity to discuss marine mammal biology and ecology with an on-board marine biologist.
Perhaps the best way to experience the Victoria harbour is from a local harbour ferry. During the summer, Victoria Harbour Ferries (victoriaharbourferry.com) renowned for their friendly skippers, depart the main harbour every 15 minutes and travel to 12 different stops throughout the harbour and Gorge Waterway. The tiny passenger ferries stop at a number of waterfront hotels as well as the Fisherman’s W harf and the West Bay Floating village. Hop on and off at your own leisure and see Victoria from a very different waterfront view.
Eat
Known for fresh local ingredients and west coast flavours, dining in Victoria is a culinary delight. Dine a deux at Il Terrazzo Ristorante (ilterrazzo.com), voted the #1 place to propose in the city. Sip local wine in an old town courtyard setting while sampling wood-oven roasted meats and pizza, homemade pasta and fresh seafood. Reservations are highly recommended.
If you’re looking for evening entertainment in Victoria, Swans Brewpub offers live music every night. Sip award-winning beers (brewed on-site in Swans Buckerfields Brewery) and enjoy the view from their unique open-air patio. Take in the restaurant’s displays of original artwork and First Nation’s carvings as well as their nightly musical entertainment.
Shop
Shopping in Victoria is exceptional and the city’s layout and beauty makes it easy to roam the many side streets at an easy pace. Wander Victoria’s downtown core where heritage buildings have been restored to maintain an old-town ambience. Spend an afternoon browsing local markets and quaint shops through the city’s core. In Victoria, you’ll find everything from antiques and souvenirs to the wares of local artists and trendy boutiques.
Wander up Government Street where you can find native art, jewellery, fashions, souvenirs – even year-round Christmas shops. Stroll the through city’s side streets, filled with specialty shops and European-style cafes until you find yourself at Bastion Square. Formerly the location of Victoria’s courthouse, Bastion Square is transformed into a bustling market in the summer filled with local vendors and artisans selling handmade arts and crafts.
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