7 New Year Resolutions to Check Off in Victoria

7.    Learn New Things

A quote by Canadian-based philosopher Matshona Dhliwayo reads “Knowledge is wealth, wisdom is treasure, understanding is riches, and ignorance is poverty.” There are many places in Victoria you can visit to learn about our region’s surroundings and history. 

Point Ellice House is one of such places. A highly important topic to be educated about, Peter O’Reilly, a longtime ex-resident of Point Ellice House, was the federally appointed Indian Reserve Commissioner from 1880 – 1898. The family of Point Ellice’s house is entwined with the disruptive processes of colonization that continue to impact our present. The artefacts that the O’Reilly family left behind in the House give us a glance into the lifestyle of an influential settler-colonial household in early British Columbia. The process of Indigenous reconciliation is underway and on-going – a visit to Point Ellice will grant you a deeper insight on this topic, with the resolution to work towards a brighter future.

Leaning into a sustainability focus, the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea promotes awareness of our blue backyard’s marine life through engaging, hands-on experiences through its award-winning aquarium. Glance at a sculpin nursery, learn where jellyfish “come from”, and encounter a Giant Pacific Octopus!

Perhaps the largest step back in time is offered at Dino Lab, who will take you by the talons and give you a tour of their world-renowned fossil prep lab and gallery. At the end of your tour, you will get a chance to work towards restoring a real dinosaur fossil!

For even more resolution ideas, check out our 2022 New Year’s Resolution Blog.

2.    Go (More) Meatless  

Whether your resolution involves losing weight, eating more greens, or eating sustainably – going (more) meatless may be a good start! Fortunately, there are plenty of restaurants in Victoria that can cater to your nutrition goals.

Virtuous Pie, located steps from Victoria’s historic Chinatown aims to create plant-based food for you that is good for your body and supports a healthy planet. Their unique, handcrafted vegan pizzas are to die for, and you’ll soon find yourself on a side-mission to sample them all!

MeeT on Blanshard is another hot spot to watch out for, currently in their soft opening (dinner only). This British Columbian-original restaurant will soon open their full-menu of tasty vegetarian comfort food for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Vegetarian, vegan, or pescatarian – you’ll definitely want to ‘eeT’ here!

3.    Get Your Steps In

The popular benchmark of walking 10,000 steps a day has proven to have incredible benefits to your heart health, concentration, and stress levels.   

The Malahat SkyWalk is a New Year’s resolution goldmine. As a spectacular spot to get your steps in (about 6,000 just from walking up and down the spiral tower!), you’re also able to immerse into nature, disconnect from technology, and spend quality time with those you love. They’re also an accessible attraction, striving to remove barriers to ensure all can live, work, learn, and play. 

Malahat Skywalk’s accessible spiral tower | Photo by Lexa Bergen

Another lovely gem to stroll through are the Gardens at HCP. This botanical garden was named Canada’s Garden of the Year in 2017, and with good measure. Step into a blossoming paradise of native plants, irises of every colour, ornamental heather, and even bonsai trees in a garden that stays spectacular year-round.

The Gardens at HCP – Matt Shannon Photography

4.    Try a New Hobby

There’s no better feeling than joining a community of like-minded people and discovering a skill you never knew you had! Argentum Jewellery School & Supply is a great spot to sample a one-of-a-kind hobby: silversmithing. Offering courses and workshops for every skill level, learn how to make your own customizable jewelry the West Coast Way, using techniques forged through history.
 

Swing into the New Year by getting into golf! Highland Pacific Golf Course is a stunning setting to learn this new hobby, and offers lessons for all learning styles. Private, semi-private, drop in, and group lessons are all offered by competitive golfer-turned-instructors, as well as junior golf for the young ones.

5.    Reduce your Carbon Footprint 

For those making sustainability a key point in their resolutions, there are plenty of lifestyle adjustments you can make at ease with the help of a few Victorian businesses. 

Zero Waste Emporium is Vancouver Island’s first zero waste grocery store, and the benefit is in the name. No containers? No problem. Stay package-free while grocery shopping with the help of initiatives such as their “take a jar, leave a jar” baskets – perfect if you’re planning on travelling to Victoria with a ‘reduced-waste’ goal. 
 

Another great one to include on your shopping runs is The Good Planet Company. With shelves stocked with eco-friendly, organic products ranging from storage all the way to bed sheets, transitioning to a “green” lifestyle is made easy here.  

Globetrotters rejoice – there are plenty of ways to lessen or offset your carbon footprint, all while enjoying the life-changing experiences that only travel has to offer. See why Luxury Travel Magazine has named Victoria the perfect vacation for those looking to travel sustainably! 

6.    Spend more time in Nature

Connecting to our great outdoor-space is easy in Victoria. Whether you’re drawn to treetops or tidepools (or everything in between!), our destination offers a plethora of rugged natural spaces to explore. 

Go on an adventurous guided experience with Rainforest Tours. Made to be accessible visitors and locals alike, Rainforest Tours will pickup and drop off small groups of up to six at 812 Wharf St in Victoria, and bring them to the trailhead of their desired adventure. A rejuvenating lunch is also provided along the nature tour, as well as guided expertise of the land’s local flora and fauna.

7.    Learn New Things

A quote by Canadian-based philosopher Matshona Dhliwayo reads “Knowledge is wealth, wisdom is treasure, understanding is riches, and ignorance is poverty.” There are many places in Victoria you can visit to learn about our region’s surroundings and history. 

Point Ellice House is one of such places. A highly important topic to be educated about, Peter O’Reilly, a longtime ex-resident of Point Ellice House, was the federally appointed Indian Reserve Commissioner from 1880 – 1898. The family of Point Ellice’s house is entwined with the disruptive processes of colonization that continue to impact our present. The artefacts that the O’Reilly family left behind in the House give us a glance into the lifestyle of an influential settler-colonial household in early British Columbia. The process of Indigenous reconciliation is underway and on-going – a visit to Point Ellice will grant you a deeper insight on this topic, with the resolution to work towards a brighter future.

Leaning into a sustainability focus, the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea promotes awareness of our blue backyard’s marine life through engaging, hands-on experiences through its award-winning aquarium. Glance at a sculpin nursery, learn where jellyfish “come from”, and encounter a Giant Pacific Octopus!

Perhaps the largest step back in time is offered at Dino Lab, who will take you by the talons and give you a tour of their world-renowned fossil prep lab and gallery. At the end of your tour, you will get a chance to work towards restoring a real dinosaur fossil!

For even more resolution ideas, check out our 2022 New Year’s Resolution Blog.