Early Bird Holiday Shopping Guide
Victoria’s merchants are powered by local producers, showcasing the best gifts and confections the Pacific Northwest has to offer. From funky to formal, hand-crafted to haute couture, there’s something exceptional waiting to be discovered in Victoria’s local shopping scene.
Whether you’re perusing boutiques on Lower Johnson (or LoJo as us locals know it) or finding that perfect read in a local bookstore, you’re certain to find something for everyone on your holiday shopping list.
Beehive Wool Shop
Everyone knows that knitting is the bees knees! So, buzz your way on over to Beehive Wool Shop for Western Canada's largest selection of fine yarns. This beautiful store has stood in place downtown since 1906, making it an institution for makers for almost 120 years.
Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse
Make this festive season a fizzy one, with a bottle of Sea Cider. These award-winning ciders are made entirely from organically-grown apples right here in Greater Victoria. Pop into the tasting room, open year-round for a sample while you snack on cheese. The grab a few bottles of your favourite ciders from the gift shop on your way out. A bottle of Sea Cider makes for a great gift and pairs brilliantly with a holiday meal.
Market Collective
If you’re looking for something as distinctive as the person you love, check out Market Collective at the Bay Centre. This beautiful store features a carefully curated collection of one of a kind hand-made goods from Canadian artisans. Think everything from chocolates to paintings to dishware and jewellery, Market Collective has it all, and every piece is unlike anything you'll find anywhere else.
Artina's Jewellery
Are you looking for that unforgettable gift? The one they’ll be talking about for years to come. Our local jewellers will leave you speechless as you peer upon finely crafted jewellrey, jade, and gemstones. A gift that keeps on giving, these magnificently designed pieces can be passed from generation to generation. Artina’s Jewellery showcases the world’s largest selection of handcrafted Canadian Jewellery from over 100 of Canada’s top West Coast First Nations and Contemporary Canadian designers. Owing to the imaginative nature of the creations, Artina’s proudly refers to their jewellery as “wearable art”. Locally owned, and serving Greater Victoria for over 30 years, be sure to include a visit to their Government Street location on your next Victoria shopping excursion.
Image: A Model Showcases a Necklace for Artina's Jewellery - @kaylakerrone(Instagram)
Macaloney's Island Distillery
Every sip is like a holidays in the highlands when you choose Macaloney's Island Distillery's award-winning whiskies. Macaloney's scotch-style single malts are proudly crafted here in Victoria, but offer an authentic Scottish feel and taste. Visit their Saanich tasting room for a dram and find the pour that's perfect for your holiday needs.
Local tip: You can't make a bad decision when choosing from Macaloney's whiskies, but we recommend the Peat Project Sugar Kelp Ex-Bourbon Cask, which won Canadian Whisky of the Year at the World Whiskies Awards.
Puzzle Lab
Trying to find that perfect gift for that special someone shouldn't leave you puzzled... But it's better when it does. At Puzzle Lab, you have permission to be puzzled as you explore their gallery of heirloom-quality wooden jigsaw puzzles. All of Puzzle Lab's distinctive cut puzzles feature the works of up-and-coming Canadian artists, and every puzzle piece is uniquely cut following an algorithm that mimics the growth of coral reefs.
Murchie's Tea & Coffee
Taking time for tea is a tradition as old as Victoria itself, and Murchie's Tea & Coffee has been serving up some of the city's best tea and coffee for over 130 years. Find an assortment of fine teas and coffees for the connoisseurs on your list, or shop for wares
DinoLab Inc.
We've all got that one niece or nephew who's obsessed with Dinosaurs. In some cases, we might even be that dinosaur obsessed niece or nephew ourselves. So for the aspiring paleontologist on your list, give an unforgettable hands-on dinosaur experience this holiday season. The folks at DinoLab will take you on a tour 65-million years in the making and let you touch, and even work on, real dinosaur bones!
Local tip: DinoLab's gift shop is also loaded with the best selection of dinosaur toys, clothing, and collectibles this side of the cretaceous. You can even purchase real fossils!
Indigenous Roots Coffee Company
Get the coffee that gives back. Indigenous Roots Coffee Company is 100% Indigenous owned and pairs its coffee blends with grassroots, local Indigenous initiatives, where each blend is formulated to fit the feelings of the initiative it supports.
Whistle Buoy Brewing
Whistle Buoy Brewing is downtown Victoria's brewery. Located in the heart of Market Square, it has become an gathering hub for locals in need of good times and great beer. This brewery is wildly inventive, and always brewing up something new. With a visit to their tasting room, you can pop in, try a flight of beers, and grab a couple cans to take home.
Rogers' Chocolates
Rogers' Chocolates has been serving some of Victoria's favourite chocolates for almost as long as the city has been around. This National Historic Site of Canada looks beautiful any time of year with breathtaking woodwork and stained glass, and is a must visit shopping experience in Victoria. During the holidays load up on chocolate boxes, Victoria Creams, and Empress Squares that are the perfect filler for every stocking. Don't worry, we won't tell if you pick up a few for yourself as well.
Munro's Books
Get transported away into a literary world like no other at Munro’s Books. Situated in an iconic heritage building complimented by striking artwork, Munro’s frequently features on lists of the world’s most beautiful bookstores. Simply stepping into this marvelous building is part of the experience that continues to draw guests back 55 years after it first opened. Couple that with an extensive selection of new books and what you have is a booklovers dream come true.
Church & State Wines
If you find yourself heading out to The Butchart Gardens for the Magic of Christmas holiday light display, make sure you leave the time for a visit to Church & State Wines, located just down the road from the Gardens. This breathtaking winery on the Saanich Peninsula has a great selection of red and white wines grown here on the South Island as well as from the sister vineyard in the interior of BC.
Bilston Creek Farm
For the lavender lover in your life, look no farther that Bilston Creek Farms. This lavender farm, located a short twenty-minute drive from Victoria, BC, offers an array of lavender infused face, body, and culinary products. Each weekend in December before Christmas, you can also visit the farm for their hit Yuletide Market Series that features a rotating selection of hand-picked local vendors offering fantastic, one-of-kind goods.
Local tip: From December 15-18th, don't miss Bilston's Night Markets running from 4:00-8:00PM.
Crazy Cookie House
If you're making the trip to Bilston Creek Farm, be sure to stop at the Crazy Cookie House, which is every but as worthy of a visit on its own. With fresh-baked batches of truly crazy cookies, the Crazy Cookie House is certain to call out your inner Christmas Cookie Monster.
Local tip: If you're heading out to Bilston, we recommend stopping twice! Once on the way there, and once on the way back. Because if you're anything like us, you're going to eat the first bag before you make it back to town!
Irish Linen Store
Gracing the streets (and homes) of Victoria for over 110 years, the Irish Linen Stores offers a huge selection of tablecloths, runners, doilies, and napkins in 100% Irish linen. This internationally renowned and locally owned store also features traditional pieces from the Madeiras in Italy, as well as contemporary pieces from France and Sweden that are bound to add colour to any collection. Known for their meticulous commitment to quality, the Irish Linen Stores will provide you with beautiful linens that lifetimes.
Image: The Irish Linens Store Shop Window - @irishlinenvictoria (Instagram)
Silk Road Tea
An internationally renowned tea store, Silk Road Tea has been a local favourite since 1992. Located in the heart of Chinatown, Silk Road is a purveyor organic, locally-made, exceptional teas and tea blends, using select botanicals from around the world and right here on the West Coast.
Local tip: New this year, we recommend tryin Red Phoenix tea, that blends tropical & orchard fruits to make a perfect iced tea. It's also a tea that does great work in our community, as net proceeds of the sales of Red Phoenix go to support the Victoria Chinatown Museum Society.
Russell Books
There’s no better gift to give than the gift of reading. Discover far away worlds, mythic princesses, curious detectives, and more, between the covers of your next favourite book. Whether mastering the A,B,Cs or powering through an epic fantasy series, Victoria’s local bookstores continue to fuel the imaginations of readers young and old. Did you know Victoria is home to Canada’s largest independent bookstore? That’s right, Russell Books been calling Victoria home since 1991 and offers a wide array of new, used, and antiquarian books to enjoy. Their expansive library encompasses every genre you can imagine, often featuring new and used copies of trending favourites to help every budget shopper. Immerse yourself in literature as you navigate the cozy aisles of this local institution.
Victoria Distillers
Victoria Distillers, known across the country for their famous Empress Gin, have established themselves as one of the premiere sources for spirits in Greater Victoria. At their tasting room in Sidney, you'll find the full range of Victoria Distillers spirits line including five flavours of Empress Gin, as well as vodka, and liqueurs. Pop in, sample a few of your faves, and find the perfect spirit for your holiday party.
Cherry Bomb Toys
Bring out the kid in you with a blast from the past at Cherry Bomb Toys. Cherry Bomb is a toy store unlike any other, specializing in vintage and collectible toys that are great for families and serious collectors alike. As soon as you step through the door, you'll be flooded with memories of your favourite toys, and maybe even a few that you'd forgotten.
Local tip: For the full nostalgia experience, be sure to visit the National Toy Museum of Canada located within the store.
Hoyne Brewing
Whether you're looking for a stocking stuffer, stocking up for your holiday party, or just giving a few beers to say thanks, Hoyne Brewing is certain to have the beer for the occasion. Serving Victoria for over 20 years, Hoyne has become a go to in our local beer seen; you've probably seen their hit Dark Matter on the taps as you've explored town. Pop into their Rock Bay tasting room or find their products in most local liquor stores.
Goldilocks Goods
Goldilocks Goods is a Victoria-based eco-friendly goods company, making products that are both practical and beautiful, to empower people to reduce their plastic consumption. From handmade beeswax wraps made with wax from local honey farm, to dishcloths and reusable bags, gift a piece of the Island this holiday season and feel good about shopping small and supporting local.
Baggins Shoes
Fashion trends come and go quicker than ever in the age of Instagram. Fortunately, Greater Victoria is home to a chic fashion culture that can help you navigate the latest trends, all while keeping your prepared for whatever our coastal environment may throw at you. Need a new pair of steps? Check out the undisputed kings of Converse at Baggins Shoes. Home to the largest selection of Converse and Vans in the world, you’re sure to find the perfect set of kicks for your favourite sneakerhead. With their in-shop custom printing, you can even design your own one-of-a-kind pair of shoes. 50 years in the game, and Baggins are still the hippest kids on the block when it comes to footwear.
Image: Blue Doc Martin's at Baggins Shoes - @bagginsshoes(Instagram)
Phillips Brewing & Malting Company
Pair your holiday cheers with some holiday beers! Phillips Brewing & Malting Company have become a bit of an icon in the BC Craft Beer industry as they've rolled out hit after hit beer including Blue Buck, DinoSour, and Tilt Lager. A case of Phillip's makes a great holiday gift or addition to your Christmas party. But for the real beer lovers on your list, pop by the Phillips tasting room on Government street, where you'll find a huge selection of Phillips branded products from hats and shirts, to signage, glasses, and more.
Bon Macaron Patisserie
Fill your festive season with flavour with an assortment of locally-made French macarons. Bon Macaron boasts over 30 flavours, including a new rotating flavour every week. A sleeve of macarons is the perfect stocking stuffer this holiday season/ Whether you're shopping for a sweet tooth or someone who prefers something more savoury, you're sure to find it at Bon Macaron.
Merchant Quarters General Store
Fashioned from the early general merchants stores of the 1800’s, the Victorian legacy lives on at Merchant Quarters General Store. The early merchant stores dealt in everything from horse harnesses to flannel shirts and cheddar cheese. In that same spirit, Merchant Quarters offers a wide range of goods from clothing to accessories, beauty, house & home, and more!
Sheringham Distillery
Take the flavours of the Island home in a bottle. Sheringham Distillery offers an array of gins and liqueurs that are inspired by the wild beauty that surrounds us. This award-winning distiller brings and innovative approach to distilling, using local ingredients, such as sustainably harvested kelp, in their spirits.
Treck Wear
Let’s be honest, the coastal nature of Vancouver Island can lead to some unpredictable weather. Don’t get caught in the rain, thrive in it! Treck Wear is Victoria’s exclusive retailer for Stormtech. Famous for its technical performance, Stormtech is an industry leader in waterproof/breathable clothing, keeping you drier longer. All Stormtech products are warrantied against defect for three years. If there’s an outdoors person on your list, send them out in safety and style with Stormtech gear from Treck Wear.
Blue Grouse Estate Winery
Blue Grouse Estate Winer is family-owned, sustainably farmed, and award-winning. Visit their 65-acre winery in Vancouver Island's Cowichan Valley and follow the journey from grape to glass, or find their wines in Greater Victoria liquor stores.
Local tip: It's the season to celebrate, so we recommend a bottle of the 2019 Traditional Sparkling, which pairs well with holiday fare.
Island Elixir Tea Company
Make it tea time all the time by picking up a selection of handcrafted blends from Island Elixir Tea Company, Victoria's coziest tea shop. Island Elixir's teas are inspired by the nature of the island and made with real botanicals and teas that are sourced from near and far. Or, if you'd prefer something a little more engaging, book a tea experience for the tea drinkers on your list, where you'll learn about the history of tea, how to steep the perfect cup, or how to pair tea with chocolate.
Old Tyme Candy Shoppe
The holidays season just got a whole lot sweeter! The Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe has a variety of candy so large that Wonka himself would be jealous. Sweet tooths rejoice, as you'll find retro, hard to find, specialty, and imported candy and chocolates that are sure to satisfy your sweetest cravings.
Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub
Did you know that Victoria is the birthplace of brewpubs in Canada? That's right, Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub was Canada's first brewpub and has paved the way for the craft beer scene that followed. Over the years, Spinnakers has expanded to offer an array of products from craft beers, to sodas, to chocolates, and a fantastic pub that overlooks the Inner Harbour. If you're trying to check the foodie off your holiday list, the array of food and beverages available at Spinnakers are certain to hit the mark.
Frontrunners
Stay ahead of the pack this winter with Frontrunners. Victoria’s favourite running store since 1988, Frontrunners is deeply connected to our local running scene. This is the perfect store for that runner on your list, whether they’re huffing and puffing through a 5k or are a seasoned ultra-runner taking on their next hundred miler. Offering a large variety of shoes, gear, nutrition and more, it’s easy to check everything off your list.
Junction Orchard & Cidery
Tucked away in a small valley on the Saanich Peninsula, Junction Orchard & Cidery is not only a hidden gem, but also a great place to load up with cider for the holiday season. Stop into their tasting room, sip and sample a few ciders, and find the perfect bottles to liven up your holiday party.
The Root Cellar Village Green Grocer
Give the gift of deliciousness this holiday season with the Root Cellar Village Green Grocer. Stocked full of local food and drinks, this is the perfect place to load up on stocking stuffers for the foodie in your life. Whether you're in need of beans for a coffee aficionado or cheeses for... yourself (be honest), The Root Cellar carries an amazing array of goodies you won't find anywhere else.
Local tip: Whatever you get, make sure you pair it with some of the Root Cellar's famed Green Sauce.
Unsworth Vineyards
If there's a vino afficionado on your holiday shopping list, look no further than Unsworth Vineyards. This picturesque vineyard in the Cobble Hill has earned a reputation as one of Vancouver Island's top wineries. But you don't have to make the trip out to the winery to get your hands on this award-winning wine (although its well worth the drive!). You can find Unsworth wines in most local liquor stores.
Chocolats Favoris
Fill your holidays with the meltiest of moments. At Chocolats Favoris, you can choose from an array of artisan chocolates and chocolate and caramel fondues to add a bit of sweetness to your holiday season. It might be the winter, but its always time for ice cream, so grab one of Chocolats Favoris' famed ice cream cones, dunked in your choice of one of 12 real chocolate flavours.
Christmas at the Manor
Sometimes the best gift to give is the gift of time together. Nothing brings the gang together like a round of mini-golf as you share laughs and play your way through 18-holes of fun. At Haunted Manor Victoria, Victoria's spookiest min-golf course, the Christmas season is full swing as twinkling lights and ghostly surprises await you at every hole.
Driftwood Brewing
Give the gift of beer this holiday season! One of Victoria's favourite breweries, Driftwood Brewing, known for their hit Fat Tug IPA, offers an outstanding selection of craft beers made right here in Greater Victoria. In addition to a great range of beers, Driftwood also has an outstanding line of spirits, including their Oyster Spirit which is crafted with the sea.
Victoria Bead Town Designs
Perfect for the creative in your life, Victoria Bead Town Designs offers a large selections of stones, crystals, jade, and of course beads (500 varieties to be exact). Here you'll find everything a creative could want to get crafting on their own wearable art.
Deck the Malls
No shopping trip is complete without a visit to one of Victoria’s glamorous malls. Combining big box brands with local flare is what Victoria’s malls are famous for. Accommodating every price range, our malls are the one stop shop for all your Christmas needs. Mayfair Shopping Centre boasts over 120 retailers! Mayfair’s many shops allow you to explore everything from outdoor outfitters to record shops, boutique jewelers, and more! The Bay Centre Shopping Centre is Victoria’s “must shop” mall in the heart of downtown Victoria. Famed for its Christmas spirit, The Bay Centre charmingly decks the halls with beautiful yule displays and the famous Festival of Trees (November 14th). On top of its bedazzling Christmas energy, The Bay Centre offers a second to none shopping experience featuring over 90 shops and dining options. Take advantage of our famous mild climate during your holiday shopping spree at Uptown. Blending international brands and local boutiques, Uptown is sure to have something for that hard to shop for person on your list. This expansive outdoor shopping mall offers a terrific selection of dining options (let’s face it, it’s never good to shop on an empty stomach!).
Image: Couple Admires Christmas Decorations - One Lion Photography
Category 12 Brewing
Catergory 12 puts science at the centre of every pint and pour. Located on the Saanich Peninsula, their tasting room has become a beacon for beer that's built differently. Think part Cicerone and part Mad Scientist. Category 12 boasts a huge range of beers, including everything from IPA to Sours to Lagers, Stouts, and Pilsners, making it the perfect place to stock up with a range of beers that cater to every taste for your holiday functions.
Button & Needlework Boutique
Make this holiday season completely your own, by making your own holiday gifts! Button & Needlework Boutique offers an outstanding selection of yarns, ribbons, needlework, and buttons (of course). Not much of a crafty person? That's okay, because Button & Needlework Boutique is also a great spot to shop for the maker in your life. Stop in and visit on of Victoria's most beautiful and creative stores.
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