'Maid' in Victoria

Drive the winding island roads and explore the eclectic shops in Ganges. Stop for lunch in the village or make it a true getaway and book one of Salt Spring’s charming hotels, B&Bs or cabins.

Netflixinyourneighbourhood.ca has an interactive map that shows many of the filming locations. But if you’re one of the millions of viewers who streamed Maid and want to visit some of them in real life, our multi-day itinerary will take you there. We’ve even thrown in a few suggestions for other local sites and fun experiences you won’t want to miss.

Some routes can be done on foot or by bike in cycle-friendly Victoria. Sports Rent or The Pedaler can hook you up with two wheels. For other locations, a car is best. And how about a ferry ride, too?

*header photo credit: @creativebcs on Instagram.

Day 1 – Cycle or walk around historic Fernwood

Start your day in hip and artsy central neighbourhood, Fernwood. This is the neighbourhood where on-screen character Alex meets with her ex, Sean. Alex and Sean also spend some time in historic Fernwood Square. Keep an eye out for the Belfry Theatre, which also has an on-screen appearance.

Fairfield has interesting streets to explore lined with lovely homes and shops. Take a self-guided Fairfield Neighbourhood Heritage Walking Tour, which includes Cook St. Village and some of Beacon Hill Park, both of which also appear in Maid. Find an interactive map here or pick up a printed copy at Victoria City Hall (1 Centennial Square) or the Victoria Visitor Centre below the blue art deco tower across from the Fairmont Empress Hotel on the Inner Harbour.

If you’re heading to neighbourhood on a Saturday, the weekly Moss Street Market is on from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May through October at 1330 Fairfield Rd. The indoor winter market runs November through April 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  It’s a local favourite and in addition to the best from farms including those around the Saanich Peninsula, there are crafters and artisans to speak for their hand-made goods. Listen to live music musicians or grab lunch from several vendors.

Head back to the waterfront and walk or pedal along Wharf Street, past The Guild building, a vacant restaurant and pub that played Sean’s workplace the Singing Swan onscreen.

Day 2 – Views, a beach, a hike or two, and dinner

Scenes in Regina’s jaw-dropping west-coast modern house were filmed on McAnally Road in the Ten Mile Point neighbourhood, the most easterly spot on Vancouver Island. The views here are spectacular.

On your way there, stop at Cadboro-Gyro Park in Cadboro Bay. There’s plenty of parking and public toilets near the sandy beach. Go for a walk along the sand or wade in the shallows. It’s not unusual to see shore birds and herons here, too. The park has a colourful playground for kids, including the bright green Cadborosaurus and a friendly looking octopus.

Make your way to Ten Mile Point and explore the neighbourhood from quiet, tree-lined roads. There’s room for six cars to park at White Rock Street and Spring Bay Road to enjoy the view at Baynes Beach. Phyllis Park is a short walk or drive away for an easy forest walk including a bridge and viewing platform with excellent vistas.

End your day at the oceanfront Marina Restaurant in Oak Bay, where Regina invites Alex to dinner.

Day 3 –  Sidney Cycle Day

Hop on a bike and head to the welcoming town of Sidney by the Sea in North Saanich, taking the Galloping Goose Trail and the Lochside Trail from downtown for the 29 km ride. It takes about 90 minutes.

In Maid’s second episode, Alex returns Regina’s lost dog on the pier across from Beacon Park. Walk the Sidney pier to see the iconic Pier Bistro which shows up in the scene, then head down over to Victoria Distillers to savour local-and-global favourite, the violet Empress Gin. Have lunch at 10 Acres at the Pier, faces out towards the water. Their sea-to-table mussel and clam steamer dish is off the hook (see what we did there?)!

Browse the shelves for new and pre-loved books in the town’s six downtown book sellers along the Beacon Avenue’s Booktown strip. Then head to the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea to learn about the rich biodiversity and ecosystems just off the town’s dock. It’s a fun spot for adults and kids including a chance to watch the resident octopus, which is returned to the ocean after a few months and replaced with a new representative.

Day 4 – Salt Spring getaway

The Swartz Bay Terminal near Sidney stands in for the Port Hampstead ferry departure point in Maid. It’s where you’ll board the ferry to Salt Spring Island, which lands at Fulford Harbour. The first come, first served ferry takes about half an hour. You’ll recognize it as the Fisher Point ferry and dock in the series.

A great way to get there is through Mill Bay Marina’s Taste of Salt Spring Island boat tours. Their next one leaves on September 17^th, and is a full day of visiting various vineyards cideries, and cheese shops on Saltspring Island. Laid back and artsy Salt Spring is a perfect place to spend a day, including a visit to the Salt Spring Farmers Market, which runs June to October Saturdays and Tuesdays in Centennial Park in the main town of Ganges.

Drive the winding island roads and explore the eclectic shops in Ganges. Stop for lunch in the village or make it a true getaway and book one of Salt Spring’s charming hotels, B&Bs or cabins.