Victoria Off the Beaten Track
Victoria’s downtown core is both vibrant and exciting. However, Victoria’s culture extends far beyond Government Street to nearby neighborhoods and townships. Here you’ll find entirely unique vibes and atmospheres. If you want a truly authentic local experience, then read on!
Approximate 7-minute read.
Updated February 13, 2026.
Fairfield /Gonzales
Cook Street Village
Get your fix of quaint shops and eateries in Cook Street Village. Bustling with locals, discover your new go-to stop for comfort food, We recommend a stop at Greek N' Go, a family-owned food truck that specializes in authentic Greek cuisine, their wraps are a perfect on-the-go snack for exploring Beacon Hill Park, by bike, it's just a short 10-minute ride away. Make sure you stop by the Beacon Hill Children’s Farm in time for the running of the goats at 10:10 a.m. daily for a hilarious herding of goats from the stable to the barn.
Moss Street
Back on our bikes and its off to Moss Street Market, just 6-minutes away, and a Saturday ritual for Fairfield locals between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Between fresh island-grown produce, locally made goods and freshly prepared food, it’s the ultimate place to find a bounty of the Island’s offerings.
Gonzales
After the market, head towards The Gonzales Observatory for an epic view of Fairfield and beyond. On your way down, check out Abkhazi Gardens (a 7-minute walk or 3-minute bike ride away). Wander around the stunning grounds, learn about the royal legacy of this property and enjoy afternoon tea overlooking the famous garden.
Back to Cook Street
In the evening, head back to Cook Street Village, 11-minutes by bike, to enjoy a taste of Italy at Pizzeria Prima Strada. Wash it down with a beer or cider at local watering hole, The Beagle Pub, just across the street. To cap off your day of exploration, watch the sunset along Dallas Road.
Oak Bay
Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Some consider Oak Bay the mecca of relaxation. Start your day off with a pampering treatment at Oak Bay Beach Hotel’s Boathouse Spa, which overlooks the breathtaking Haro Strait, then indulge with a dip in their famous mineral pools overlooking the ocean.
Oak Bay Market
Wander around Oak Bay’s quaint village and take in the European inspired architecture. Stop by locally owned boutiques and walk along Willow’s Beach. Make sure to check out the Oak Bay Night Market on the second Wednesday of each month (until September) for local vendors, live music and more. If you brought your bike, the market is just a 7-minute ride form the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, but it's walkable too; 20-minutes away by foot along the Oak Bay Waterfront.
Vis-à-Vis
When you’re ready for a bite, perch at Vis-à-Vis where you can enjoy a Charcuterie board at the bar or opt for a patio seat right on Oak Bay Avenue – you choose your own adventure here. It's just a block away from the Oak Bay Market.
Penny Farthing Pub
For a change of pace, head next door to enjoy a traditional English pub experience at the Penny Farthing Pub. You’ll be amongst friends with libations and hearty English food flowing here.
James Bay
Nourish Kitchen and Café
Start your James Bay exploration with breakfast at Nourish Kitchen and Café. Enjoy a beverage—latte, bone broth, cocktail—from their cafe and take it to the homey seating area upstairs to soak in the atmosphere of this local gem while you wait to be seated. If you're staying downtown, we recommend a waterfront stroll along the Inner Harbour to Nourish, about 12-minutes away by foot from the Victoria Visitor Centre.
Explore the neighbourhood
After nourishing yourself, hop across the street and rent a bike from The Pedaler for your own tour de Victoria. Stop by Fisherman’s Wharf, a 4-minute ride away, to explore the famous colourful floating houseboats then continue on to Emily Carr House, a 6-minute ride away, a National Historic site nestled right in the middle of this residential neighborhood. Wander around the grounds and learn more about this internationally renowned Canadian painter and writer.
Ogden Point
Hop back on your bike and head down to Ogden Point, 4-minutes away. Lock up your ride and walk along the breakwater to watch the waves for local wildlife. Stop for a bite at the Breakwater Bistro & Tasting Room. On Friday evenings during the summer, enjoy live music and local eats and drinks on the nearby barge.
Burnside Gorge and Vic West
Across the harbour
A short walk from downtown Victoria’s core, explore two true, off the beaten track neighbourhoods, Burnside Gorge and Vic West. Start off the day with a walk over to Point Ellice House, in Rock Bay, to enjoy the gardens and charming historic home. Once you’ve had your fill of history, carry on to Hoyne Brewing, a 3-minute stroll down Hillside Ave, for a small sampling of Victoria’s local craft beer scene. Cross over to Vic West for breakfast at Boom + Batten, it's about a 25-minute walk, with the last section along the beautiful Songhees Walkway, that offers countless photo opportunities with downtown Victoria visible across the harbour.
Fernwood
Find yourself in Fernwood
Fernwood is a vibrant and charming community, filled with eclectic coffee shops, take-and-leave libraries, a wishing tree, local boutiques and a charming community square. Often referred to as “funky Fernwood,” this is a neighbourhood that begs to be explored.
Make sure you check out the Belfry Theatre, a professional theatre company located in the square that produces contemporary plays in its 1892 historic building. Catch one of their 12 yearly shows during your next visit.
Esquimalt
Exploring Esquimalt
Across the bridge from Downtown Victoria discover Esquimalt. Pack a picnic and enjoy Macaulay Point Park or explore the driftwood creations along Esquimalt Lagoon.
On Thursdays from 4:30 – 7:30 PM., explore the Esquimalt Farmers Market at Memorial Park. Here local makers, bakers and growers gather to offer everything from farm fresh fare to handmade gifts.
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