Victoria

With some of the most moderate weather in Canada, Victoria boasts an annual average temperature of 14 C, falling below zero on average only twice a year. With its mild weather and staycation feel, it’s no wonder so many visitors are inspired to move here.

Home to a rich indigenous culture, the neighborhoods of the city of Victoria are testament to unique facets of history, architecture and a dynamic spirit. While the focal point of the city lies at the rocky edge of Vancouver Island, its surrounding neighborhoods span varying landscapes that make up the Greater Victoria area. This metropolitan area includes historically significant municipalities such as Saanich, Esquimalt and Oak Bay, besides the cities of Sooke and View Royal. Here’s an in-depth exploration of the distinct neighborhoods of Victoria that add to its vibrant personality.

Downtown Victoria
Fueled by the advent of industrial development during the latter years of the 19th-century, Downtown Victoria is where numerous businesses continue to thrive, flanked by major city landmarks. Resting on the regal streets of Centennial Square is the Victoria City Hall, while steps away is the illustrious Empress Hotel (presently the Fairmont Empress Hotel), built in 1908 .Surrounded by View, Government and Douglas Streets is the Bay Centre mall that attracts innumerable shoppers with its global brands and merchandise. The historic center also comprises of other prominent squares such as Bastion Square and Market Square.

James Bay
James Bay is a scenic gem located to the southwest of Victoria’s Downtown neighborhood, and is peppered with just the right balance of history and Victorian charm to allure visitors. Christened so as to honor the city’s founding father, Sir James Douglas, the neighborhood is easily the oldest residential community in the city. Its quiet streets hum with a historic tenor, brought alive by well-preserved landmarks such as the home of celebrated native Canadian artist, Emily Carr, and the Helmcken House, where Victoria’s first surgeon resided. Flanked by the Inner Harbor, the Outer Harbor and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, James Bay allows for soothing views from every corner. Although the bay boasts of a number of exalted buildings, the emerald expanses of Beacon Hill Park form its most winning crest.

Rocklands
All paths in the Rocklands neighborhood lead to stately mansions that are emblematic of elegance and old money, the most famous one being the 19th century Craigdarroch Castle. Aside from the castle, the streets of Rocklands are speckled with brilliantly designed buildings characteristic of the Arts-and-Crafts architecture style. This affluent neighborhood is also home to the sprawling estate of the Government House, a modern Tudor style residence with well-manicured gardens that houses British Columbia’s Lieutenant Governor. Those with an inclination toward the arts can flock to the Art Gallery of Victoria, where exhibits range from noteworthy works by native Canadian artists, to creations by globally acknowledged artists.

Chinatown
It comes as no surprise that the inclusive city of Victoria is home to this Oriental nugget. This National Historic Site houses numerous Chinese immigrants that called the city home during the Gold Rush, bringing with them a flurry of sub-cultures, businesses and unique architecture. Known for being the second oldest Chinatown in North America, this neighborhood brims with character and architectural quirks. Stroll along the Fan Tan Alley on Chinatown’s Fisgard Street, where the most narrow walls in Canada feign to close in on you, or marvel at intricate Asian architecture at the historic Chinese Public School. But most of all, watch as this distinct neighborhood blends in effortlessly with the cultural landscape of British Columbia.

Having been around for more than a century now, Victoria is a seasoned maven when it comes to the art of entertainment. Its museums tell engaging stories about its local history and culture, and its galleries speak a thousand words through their varied artworks. Come night, the city takes on a pulsating form, with its trendy nightclubs catering to the youthful vibe of university students and nocturnal tourists. Music hums through the city’s veins, with some of the most vibrant music festivals and performances making their presence felt annually.

If not in the form of festivals, music manifests itself in various jazz rooms across the city, such as at Hermann’s Jazz Club or at events organized by the Victoria Jazz Society. It is also prevalent in short yet inspired live music performances in pubs and local bars. Visit the Copper Owl for a taste of local acoustics, while the Canoe Brewpub marries pop and indie tunes with serene waterfront vistas.

Nightlife
A majority of the city’s nightclubs are concentrated around Downtown Victoria, in fairly close proximity, allowing for plenty of opportunities for bar- and club-hopping for adventurous night crawlers. The Sugar Nightclub and Upstairs Cabaret promise a night full of fun and energetic frolic to nightly DJ grooves, while clubs such as Paparazzi and Lucky welcome their share of LGBTQ denizens with open arms. Those who like to try their luck may do so at the View Royal Casino, offering nearly 600 slot machines and a sprawling avenue for fun gambling.

Museums
The museums of Victoria take you through a temporal roller-coaster of sorts, making your visit here quite enriching. The Royal British Columbia Museum deep-dives into its most enviable archives to tell you about its natural history. Nearby, the Maritime Museum of British Columbia thrills you with its nautical tales. The Craigdarroch Castle’s preserved exhibits bring alive the lives of the affluent Dunsmuir family, while the Emily Carr House and Helmcken House portray the forgotten stories of their noteworthy inhabitants.

Festivals
Known as the “Garden City” for its abundance of natural parks, Victoria makes full use of these green expanses to host annual festivals during the summer. The dramatic Dragon Boat Festival begins in full swing during mid-August, where varied communities come together for a heated race along the Inner Harbour. The Inner Harbour also plays host to the Victoria Symphony Splash. Here you can witness first-hand, the marvelous orchestra perform on a floating stage, while fireworks erupt in the evening sky. In June, those with a proclivity for Jazz music are captivated by the TD Victoria International Jazz Fest organized by the Victoria Jazz Society. At the height of summer, the Feast of Fields festival and Victoria’s Festival of Food and Wine opens to food connoisseurs and oenophiles.

Theater
Housed in a 19th-century building, the hub of all theatrical performances is undoubtedly the Belfry Theater located in the Fernwood neighborhood. Contemporary Canadian works take centerstage here, with nearly 10-12 plays featured per season. The neighboring Rocklands are home to the Langham Court Theater, that has been producing contemporary shows since 1929.

Victoria loves putting its rich West Coast cuisine on the culinary map, with a host of marvelous picks in every neighborhood. With a progressive farm-to-table movement leading the way, most of Victoria’s restaurants make use of fresh local produce available in its naturally endowed geographic region. Besides its native cuisine, Victoria is also blessed with a handful of global-cuisine restaurants. For a romantic Italian dinner, head to Il Terrazzo, while the Restaurant Matisse offers refined French dining in its intimate quarters. Then there is the quintessential American diner by the name of Jam Cafe, promising incredible food without the fuss.

Victoria’s restaurants have something for every mood and audience, ranging from waterfront fine dining restaurants, to breezy bistros and friendly pubs, a few of which have been listed below.

Downtown
Before you go anywhere else, you will find that Downtown Victoria has some of the best culinary jewels stowed away for you. On the iconic Government Street, the Brasserie L’Ecole serves excellent French dishes alongside fragrant wines, while Zambri’s on nearby Yates Street is known for its honest-to-goodness Italian fare. Joining the European restaurant bandwagon is the Tapa Bar, an informal establishment on Government street serving flavorful small plates and Spanish wines. A little further down the road on Wharf Street is Nautical Nellie’s Steak and Seafood House, for those who love surf 'n' turf cuisine.

Oak Bay Village
Home to some of the best restaurants-with-views in the city, the Oak Bay Village neighborhood spoils you with its culinary choices. The bay area celebrates the city’s penchant for exceptional seafood at the waterfront Marina Restaurant, besides offering soaring views of the Straits of Juan de Fuca. The cozy Oaks Restaurant on Oak Bay Avenue serves a breakfast for champions, and also upholds the charming tradition of serving afternoon tea. It is here at the Oak Bay Village that the eponymous Oak Bay Beach Hotel stands tall, inviting peckish visitors for a quick bite at the resident Kate’s Cafe. It also caters to an elite clientele at the sumptuous Dining Room, replete with unparalleled coastal views. A visit to the Oak Bay Village will remain incomplete without experiencing the English-inspired aura of the Penny Farthing Neighborhood Pub, where a bowl of homemade West Coast Clam Chowder will you utterly satisfied.

James Bay
For a definitive tea experience that only the British seem privy to, head to the James Bay Tea Room and Restaurant. This heritage tea house on Menzies Street serves everything from dainty scones and crumpets, to the famed Welsh Rarebit and kipper. Alongside tea rooms, a flurry of coffee shops thrive in this picturesque neighborhood, ranging from native chain coffee shops, to independent ones such as the Breakwater Cafe and Bistro. A few minutes away near Irving Park, the Heron Rock Bistro presents a winning daytime menu, ideal for lazy breakfasts and boozy lunches. However, it is near Fisherman’s Wharf that you will find the most widespread selection of seafood restaurants to choose from, be it the uber-chic AURA, or the humble yet inspired Barb’s, known for its good old fish and chips.

Fernwood
Minutes away from Downtown, the quaint scenery of Fernwood belies its diverse culinary ambition. From fancy tapas and wine at the award-winning Stage Wine Bar, to exotic Dolmades and Keftedes at the Ithaka Greek Restaurant, Fernwood is a melting pot of culinary cultures. Restaurants such as The Fernwood Inn, a family-friendly gastropub, and the Tartan Toque, known for its flavorful wings and burgers, are both testament to this fact. Fernwood is also home to Cold Comfort, an innovative ice-cream parlor that introduces quirky flavors at the turn of every season.

Chinatown
Victoria’s distinct Chinese district is packed with a range of Asian street food treasures that are not to be missed. Fisgard Street is a merry milieu of Chinese letterings on glass windows, providing convincing descriptions of the delicious Asian fare available inside. More often than not, you will also find rotisserie displays to back up the claims. From BBQ pork and Honey Buns at the modest Wah Lai Yuen, to Don Mee’s eighty-year old dim sum recipes, you'll find eateries to suit every Cantonese hankering you may have. While you are here, make it a point to stop by some wonderful tea establishments too. As you stroll the Fan Tan Alley, stop by at the eponymous Fan Tan Cafe and have yourself a bubble tea, or waltz into the charming Venus Sophia Tea Room for a cup of afternoon tea and light vegetarian tidbits.

Much before Victoria came to be recognized as the thriving capital it is today, its craggy coastline was inhabited by native aboriginal groups, known collectively as the First Nations people. The city wears this historical fact proudly, and several of its neighborhoods, crucial landmarks and businesses continue to reflect its humble beginnings even today.

Victoria’s inclusive personality and friendly community vibe can be traced back to as early as the 19th Century, when it partnered with European traders to foster economic progress. Initially known as “Camossung”, or “Camosack” by the Songhees, a native group, Victoria was the chosen center for the establishment of the Hudson Bay Company trading post. The year was 1843, and heading this movement was Governor James Douglas, who would later become known as the ‘Father of British Columbia’. Treaties were signed, aboriginal peoples relocated to Esquimalt, and Fort Victoria came into existence.

A few years into the birth of Victoria, the hullabaloo around gold mining reached its peak, and the chaotic era of Gold Rush commenced. The discovery of gold along the Fraser River in 1858 set the precedent for a major migratory influx, with miners streaming in from Europe, United States and even Australia, increasing the population of Victoria by leaps and bounds. The fact that Victoria was a pivotal outfitting center for the goldfields was an added impetus that attracted prospective miners.

Incoming immigration continued well into the later part of the 19th Century, especially as projects such as the Canadian Pacific Railway arose on the horizon, inviting prospective laborers. Around the same time, British Columbia prepared for a major historic moment in 1871, when it was proclaimed as the sixth province of Canada, with Victoria gaining status as its provincial capital.

Through the years since then, Victoria has stood testimony to the vagaries of time, molding and adjusting its landscape to include additions which would later be deemed landmarks, such as the stunning Butchart Gardens, and the Empress Hotel, to name a few.

Victoria offers visitors an intriguing mix of history, culture and natural sights, ensuring there’s never a dull moment during their stay here. While most landmarks and significant monuments are minutes away from each other, a few others such as the gardens and sanctuaries are spread across the Greater Victoria area, requiring visitors to stray a little outside city limits.

The Royal British Columbia Museum
The Royal British Columbia Museum vividly brings alive the humble beginnings of this city, journeying through its dramatic history, indigenous culture and events that helped shape the metropolis it is today. Experience Victoria’s exciting tryst with the Gold Rush era first-hand, replete with untold stories and hushed-up conspiracies. Then, go back to a revered time when the First Nations people set up civilization in present-day Victoria, and learn how their lives unfolded after the European settlement. The interactive IMAX theater within the museum offers thrilling experiences that stay with you. Afterward, indulge in some food for thought at the museum’s courtyard with its incredible selection of food from various food trucks around the city. Settle for a solemn experience at the Thunderbird Park, steps away from the Royal British Columbia Museum. Scattered across the park are numerous totem poles depicting various indigenous groups that resided in the city, alongside other monuments from the 19th Century, such as St. Anne’s Schoolhouse and the Helmcken House.

Parliament Building
Located along the iconic Inner Harbour that is also home to other major city landmarks, the Neo-Baroque facade of the Parliament Building sprawls across a stunning estate. This building was constructed in 1897 by architect Francis Rattenbury, flawlessly combining Romanesque and Baroque architectural styles for a remarkable effect. Take advantage of the free guided tours that the building offers, and take note of the intricate exterior sculptures and the carefully manicured gardens along the way. Across the building stands another Victorian landmark, the Fairmont Empress Hotel that overlooks the picturesque harbor. While admiring the architecture is a given, step inside the hotel for a leisurely afternoon tea session at the Lobby Lounge. Then make a stop at the Out of the Mist Gallery that exhibits ancient Pacific Northwestern art. Adjacent to the hotel, the Miniature World awes you with dioramas and teeny tiny fantasy exhibits.

Beacon Hill Park
Further south to the Inner Harbour, Beacon Hill Park is where one must go to enjoy sweeping views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains beyond. Walk down to the Mile Zero Monument, the point from where the 8000-kilometers (4970.76-miles) long Trans-Canada Highway begins its winding journey. Then, drive through the retro-inspired Beacon Drive-In for a hearty helping of burgers and ice cream.

Craigdarroch Castle
A visit to this wonderful beacon of architecture and affluence is certain to overwhelm any visitor. Learn about coal baron Robert Dunsmuir’s legacy, his family, tales about the castle and the historic exhibits that lie within. Further down the road, on Rockland Avenue lies another pivotal political landmark - the Government House. Guided tours of the public rooms at the house are available. The nearby Art Gallery of Victoria and the Langham Court Theatre add a fine artistic touch to your day. Before you leave the stately neighborhood of the Rocklands, pay a quick visit to the Moss Street Market and bag fresh organic produce from local vendors.

Chinatown
With a largely distinct personality compared to its neighboring counterparts, Chinatown is a fascinating entity in itself that must be explored. As you enter this historic district, you are greeted by the imposing Gate of Harmonious Interest, a giant red wall guarded by two stone lions that are rumored to keep evil at bay. Meander through its many lanes and alleys, of which the Fan Tan Alley in particular is famed to be the narrowest alley in the country. In the alley itself, you will encounter a range of diverse shops, cafes and independent Chinese eateries, each sporting a unique Oriental charm. Dine at the eighty-plus year old Don Lee eatery that overlooks Chinatown, and enjoy a plate of steaming hot dim-sums.

Butchart Gardens
Despite being located several kilometers outside city limits, the Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay attract thousands of visitors each week. The fact that these gardens blossomed out of what was a humble sunken garden to begin with, is one of the things that has merited it the National Historic Site label. The captivating gardens take you through beautiful floral displays, each better than the last. Spend time admiring the Japanese Garden, the Ross Fountain, the Star Pond and the Italian Garden at this iconic park. The Victoria Butterfly Gardens, located minutes away on Benvenuto Avenue beholds several more delightful sights of nature. These gardens house nearly 75 species of butterflies alone, besides a smattering of birds and reptiles. The scenic backdrop is an added bonus. Refuel at the Church and State Wines vineyard, located a short walk away from the butterfly garden.

Guided Tours
Eagle Wing Tours (+1 250 384 8008 / https://www.eaglewingtours.com/)

Bike Tours Victoria BC (+1 250 891 8545 / http://www.biketoursvictoria.com/)

Come See Victoria (+1 778 676 0142 / http://www.comeseevictoria.com/)

Off The Eaten Track (+1 778 918 4584 / http://www.offtheeatentracktours.ca/victoria/)

Victoria delights all five senses. Year-round golf, breathtaking ocean and mountain views, above and underwater gardens and delicious (yet affordable) cuisine make Victoria one of the finest tourist destinations in the world.