Escape Vancouver's football frenzy
Greater Victoria, with its mix of time-honoured elegance, funky finds, and awe-inspiring nature, is the ultimate oasis for Vancouverites seeking respite, inspiration, and adventure beyond the football buzz. Pack your bags, your island escape awaits!
Hotel recommendations | Getting here | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4
Hotel recommendations
Magnolia Hotel & Spa
Experience refined luxury at the award-winning Magnolia Hotel & Spa, perfectly positioned just steps from Victoria’s iconic Inner Harbour. Known for its personalized service, elegant rooms, and tranquil spa, Magnolia blends urban sophistication with heartfelt West Coast hospitality. It’s the ideal home base for fans who appreciate a touch of pampering between matches and adventures.
Abigail’s Hotel
This adults-only boutique hotel is a hidden gem, blending 1930s Tudor charm with modern luxury. Located in a quiet neighbourhood just steps from the Inner Harbour, Abigail’s is famed for its gourmet breakfasts and thoughtful personal touches. It’s ideal for couples or those seeking a romantic, intimate atmosphere with all the excitement and amenities of the city just around the corner.
Getting here
BC Ferries
Glide across the Salish Sea aboard BC Ferries, departing from Tsawwassen and arriving at Swartz Bay. The journey offers panoramic views of rugged coastline, forested islands, and the chance to spot whales or eagles from the sun deck. It’s a refreshing, peaceful voyage where your holiday begins the moment you set sail.
Harbour Air Seaplanes
Soar above mountains and islands on a scenic 35-minute seaplane flight from downtown Vancouver to Victoria’s picturesque Inner Harbour. Every seat offers breathtaking views, and the gentle splashdown feels like a true west coast adventure. Arrive relaxed and inspired, right in the heart of the city.
Helijet International Incorporated
Hop from downtown to downtown and experience a journey to Victoria like never before aboard Helijet. Whizz above the Strait of Georgia, with stunning views of the Cascade and Olympic Mountains, as well as the Gulf Islands down below, on your quick 35-minute trip aboard one of their stylish helicopters, while you enjoy snacks, drinks, and of course, the beautiful scenery.
Day 1: Sip, soothe & savour
HAVN Saunas
Discover deep relaxation at HAVN Saunas, Victoria’s contemporary floating sauna experience right on the harbour. Enjoy the soothing warmth of Nordic-inspired saunas surrounded by tranquil waters and city views, then take a refreshing plunge for true rejuvenation. It’s a restorative, one-of-a-kind escape that pairs west coast wellness with front-row seats to the beauty of the Inner Harbour.
Local tip: Hit the hydrotherapy circuit. 5-15 minutes of hot, 1-5 minutes of cold, and 10-15 minutes of relaxation at a neutral temperature.
Abkhazi Teahouse & Abkhazi Garden
Treat yourself to a serene afternoon tea amid the enchanting beauty of Abkhazi Garden, a landscape shaped by a remarkable love story between a Georgian prince and his wife. Enjoy delicate pastries and fragrant teas before wandering the garden’s winding paths, blossoming with romance and history. Every sip and step are infused with elegance and a heartfelt touch.
Local tip: You can choose to enjoy your tea experience in their elegant tearoom or on the patio in the beautiful gardens
Wychbury Ave Soaps & Gifts
Get hands-on and creative with a soap making workshop at Wychbury Ave Soaps & Gifts, where friendly instructors help you craft personalized, fragrant bars. This interactive activity is fun for couples, families or friends, letting everyone leave with a handmade souvenir. It’s a memorable, sensory experience that sparks smiles and creativity.
Bistrot L'Stage
Evenings come alive at Bistro L'Stage, where locally sourced, imaginative dishes set the stage for a relaxed, pleasant night out. The rotating menu shines with creative spin on simple bistro food. The energetic yet intimate atmosphere invites you to findulge along a wonderful yet unpredictable culinary journey.
Day 2: From gardens to glasses
The Butchart Gardens
Step into a world of vibrant colour and lush beauty at The Butchart Gardens, where themed floral displays delight visitors in every season. Wander winding paths through Japanese, Italian, and rose gardens. With dazzling plantings, sparkling fountains, and spectacular heritage buildings, it’s a magical escape for nature lovers and green thumbs alike.
Local tip: If you’re looking to leave the car behind, take a Gardens Experience Tour with Gray Line Sightseeing Victoria, who provide coach service to and from the gardens throughout the day, allowing you to experience the gardens at your own pace.
Church & State Wines
Relax among rolling vineyards at Church & State Wines, one of Vancouver Island’s most acclaimed wineries. Enjoy a tasting on their elegant patio, surrounded by striking views of the Saanich countryside, and be sure to try their signature Pinot Gris for a crisp, refreshing experience. It’s an inspiring stop for wine lovers and anyone looking to unwind in Greater Victoria’s countryside.
Country Bee Honey Farm
Discover the rhythm of Island time at this working honey farm on the Saanich Peninsula. Learn all about bees, get fresh recipes, explore pollinator gardens, and shop for hand-crafted goods ranging from skin care to candles, and, of course, honey! While you’re there tuck into their café and grab some baked goods to enjoy on the patio and watch the livestock and bees do there thing on this gorgeous rural property.
Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse
Savour the pastoral beauty of the Saanich Peninsula at Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse, where organic orchards overlook lush ocean vistas. Enjoy a flight in their cozy tasting room or on the sunlit patio, and be sure to try the crisp, refreshing “Kings & Spies” cider, a local favourite. If you’re a cider lover eager to sample Vancouver Island’s artisanal spirit, this is the stop for you!
Janevca Kitchen & Lounge
Experience refined food inspired by family recipes and childhood memories, served with a contemporary twist at Janevca Kitchen & Lounge. The elegant atmosphere is the perfect compliment to a beautiful meal, with expertly crafted cocktails and a wine list curated to grace each dish. It’s a perfect spot for an evening of effortless sophistication and lively flavour.
Day 3: Paddles & Panoramas
Malahat SkyWalk
Take your sense of adventure to new heights at the Malahat SkyWalk, an accessible spiral tower that rises above the forest canopy with jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the Salish Sea, distant mountains, and lush islands. Stroll along gentle, elevated walkways through arbutus and Douglas fir before reaching the top for scenery you’ll never forget. Try the spiral slide on your way back down for a dash of childlike glee amidst the natural wonder.
Local tip: Left the car back home? No worries, the Malahat SkyWalk offers free, direct transportation to the SkyWalk from downtown (and back) aboard their shuttle, which runs 7 days a week!
Boom + Batten
Enjoy a late waterfront brunch (or lunch) at Boom + Batten, where floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping views of bobbing sailboats and the city skyline. Dishes include gourmet takes on breakfast favourites, expertly crafted coffee, and fresh pastries. The relaxed, on-the-water atmosphere sets the tone for a leisurely island morning, and its location along the Songhees Walkway makes for a perfect post brunch-stroll along a lesser-travelled side of the iconic Inner Harbour.
South Island SUP
Explore a side of Vancouver Island you’ve never seen before, on a Secret Beaches & Islands Tour with South Island SUP. On your tour, you’ll paddle the rugged coastline in search of tucked away pocket beaches and small islands that polka dot the tranquil waters of the Salish Sea. Keep your eyes peeled, this is a great opportunity to spot local wildlife backdropped by the stunning beauty of the Cascade and Olympic Mountains in the distance.
Shuck Taylor's
Seafood lovers rejoice over dinner at Shuck Taylor’s, renowned for freshly harvested oysters, inventive mains, and a lively, welcoming vibe. The evening menu features local catches prepared with creative flair, alongside coastal classics with a modern twist. It’s Victoria’s go-to spot for a spirited, memorable meal that’s truly a shucking good time.
Day 4: Culture & comfort on the coast
The Courtney Room
Start your day with refined breakfast classics and innovative dishes at The Courtney Room, located in the elegant Magnolia Hotel. The locally sourced menu showcases the best of Vancouver Island’s farms and waters in a warm, contemporary dining room. It’s sophisticated yet approachable; the perfect way to ease into the day’s adventures.
Point Ellice House Museum & Gardens
Step into history at Point Ellice House Museum & Gardens, a beautifully preserved 19th-century home, which is both a National and Provincial Historic Site, nestled alongside the picturesque Gorge Waterway. Tour elegant rooms filled with original artifacts (over 16,000 pieces) and meander through lush heritage gardens. The peaceful setting and rich stories provide an immersive glimpse into Victoria’s heritage, with a humbling reminder of the complexities and legacy of colonialism, as you engage with exhibits that promote understanding and respect of Indigenous culture.
Russell Books
Get lost in the literary wonderland that is Russell Books, Canada’s largest independent bookstore. Wander multi-level stacks overflowing with new and used books, rare finds, and quirky treasures, making it a paradise for readers of every genre. With its friendly staff and cozy nooks, it’s a delightful spot to browse, discover, and take home a piece of Victoria’s book-loving spirit.
Boathouse Spa
Recharge before your trip home with a dip in the Boathouse Spa’s famed seaside mineral pools. Perched on the tip of the island, and with breathtaking views of the Salish Sea and Mount Baker, the mineral pools offer an unforgettable Island-time experience, where your stresses will break like waves on the rocks below. Then slip into the Stargazing Sauna as the sunset melts into a thousand pastel hues above the mountains. A brilliant finish to your escape to Victoria.
Rudi
At Rudi, dinners are designed to bring people together, featuring a selection of beautifully plated small dishes meant for sharing. The warm, stylish ambience makes it easy to linger over bold flavours and inventive combinations from both land and sea. Discover something new and celebrate good company.
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