Guidebook for Victoria
Food Scene
This is a great breakfast spot with two locations near by! I would say this one has the better atmosphere of the two. Full breakfast, Scottish breakfast, pancakes, fantastic benny's... there is something for everyone.
78 locals recommend
Shine Cafe
1324 Blanshard StThis is a great breakfast spot with two locations near by! I would say this one has the better atmosphere of the two. Full breakfast, Scottish breakfast, pancakes, fantastic benny's... there is something for everyone.
My personal favourite breakfast spot! Everything tastes super fresh, I love their hash and the accompaniments, mole, hot sauce etc. They also have really amazing, unique Mimosas. Great atmosphere! ...Also, much like the other Victoria favourite breakfast places, this can be lined out the door.
71 locals recommend
Mo:Lé Restaurant
554 Pandora AveMy personal favourite breakfast spot! Everything tastes super fresh, I love their hash and the accompaniments, mole, hot sauce etc. They also have really amazing, unique Mimosas. Great atmosphere! ...Also, much like the other Victoria favourite breakfast places, this can be lined out the door.
One of the best breakfast spots! The only problem is that it can sometimes be lined out the door! The Moroccan benny was one of my favourites!
106 locals recommend
Blue Fox Cafe
919 Fort StOne of the best breakfast spots! The only problem is that it can sometimes be lined out the door! The Moroccan benny was one of my favourites!
John's place has been a Victoria favourite for years! Great spot for a classic benny and hash, you'll find celebrity photos on the wall and it's had the same staff for decades!
70 locals recommend
J.J. Morgan Restaurant
1520 McKenzie AveJohn's place has been a Victoria favourite for years! Great spot for a classic benny and hash, you'll find celebrity photos on the wall and it's had the same staff for decades!
The top rated restaurant on TripAdvisor for quite awhile, this little greek restaurant is a family run buisness that uses their mom's recipes (you can actually buy their hummus and tzatsiki at the "Market on Yates" or "Thrifty's" and I'm obsessed!). They'll even let you smash plates :)
19 locals recommend
Ithaka Greek Restaurant
716 Burdett AveThe top rated restaurant on TripAdvisor for quite awhile, this little greek restaurant is a family run buisness that uses their mom's recipes (you can actually buy their hummus and tzatsiki at the "Market on Yates" or "Thrifty's" and I'm obsessed!). They'll even let you smash plates :)
Started as a food cart in Victoria and now there are several locations! Great comfort food and reasonably priced.
39 locals recommend
Noodlebox
3749 Shelbourne StStarted as a food cart in Victoria and now there are several locations! Great comfort food and reasonably priced.
I've never had a bad meal here! Really great Thai food and the location is wonderful as well! Love the seafood salad!
Siam Thai Restaurant
512 Fort StreetI've never had a bad meal here! Really great Thai food and the location is wonderful as well! Love the seafood salad!
A very popular Victoria Thai restaurant (my favourite)! They have a few locations which are all good!
26 locals recommend
Baan Thai Wok & Bar
1117 Blanshard StA very popular Victoria Thai restaurant (my favourite)! They have a few locations which are all good!
Foo Asian Street Food
769 Yates StThe name says it all! Very delicious! I eat here often!
In my opinion this it the best Chinese food in Victoria. Doesn't look like much but the food is amazing!
16 locals recommend
J & J Wonton Noodle House
1012 Fort StIn my opinion this it the best Chinese food in Victoria. Doesn't look like much but the food is amazing!
Amazing Chinese food in the heart of Chinatown! Definitely worth the visit!
101 locals recommend
Fan Tan Alley
549 Fisgard StAmazing Chinese food in the heart of Chinatown! Definitely worth the visit!
One of my favourite bakeries. It's covered in beautiful graffiti murals that change often and specializes in artisan baking. They grind their own flours and produce their own sifted spelt flour. All of their ingredients are Canadian grown, either locally – using sustainable farming methods or certified organic. I LOVE their vegan chocolate cake. It is probably the best cake I have ever had.
38 locals recommend
Wildfire Bakery
1517 Quadra StOne of my favourite bakeries. It's covered in beautiful graffiti murals that change often and specializes in artisan baking. They grind their own flours and produce their own sifted spelt flour. All of their ingredients are Canadian grown, either locally – using sustainable farming methods or certified organic. I LOVE their vegan chocolate cake. It is probably the best cake I have ever had.
Relish is across the street from a shelter and not the prettiest of locations, but the food/coffee is amazing and definitely a lot of love/thought goes into it. It's quite a popular place, despite it's location, which I think says a lot. The only thing I would mention is that I do think they shut early around 2-3pm.
21 locals recommend
Relish Food & Coffee
920 Pandora AvenueRelish is across the street from a shelter and not the prettiest of locations, but the food/coffee is amazing and definitely a lot of love/thought goes into it. It's quite a popular place, despite it's location, which I think says a lot. The only thing I would mention is that I do think they shut early around 2-3pm.
I would say this is the easiest place for me to recommend as everyone ALWAYS loves it. It's an exceptional Italian restaurant with a great atmosphere that is always busy. I recommend making reservations. Great for special nights, dates, whenever really. This place caters to everyone.
244 locals recommend
II Terrazzo
555 Johnson StI would say this is the easiest place for me to recommend as everyone ALWAYS loves it. It's an exceptional Italian restaurant with a great atmosphere that is always busy. I recommend making reservations. Great for special nights, dates, whenever really. This place caters to everyone.
This is one of my favourite restaurants! If you love vegan, organic, raw food or even if you don't, this place is amazing! Everything is delicious! I highly recommend their cheese cake! It's dairy free made with cashews and in my opinion better than any "cheese" cake I've ever had. A labour of love. They also own "Bliss cafe" on Pandora st., which is not surprisingly also great.
73 locals recommend
Be Love
1019 Blanshard StThis is one of my favourite restaurants! If you love vegan, organic, raw food or even if you don't, this place is amazing! Everything is delicious! I highly recommend their cheese cake! It's dairy free made with cashews and in my opinion better than any "cheese" cake I've ever had. A labour of love. They also own "Bliss cafe" on Pandora st., which is not surprisingly also great.
This place has been one of the highest rated places in Victoria for a long time. I'd say they are most probably best known for their steak. You can't make reservations, but if you don't mind possibly waiting, it's worth the visit.
119 locals recommend
Brasserie L'Ecole
1715 Government StThis place has been one of the highest rated places in Victoria for a long time. I'd say they are most probably best known for their steak. You can't make reservations, but if you don't mind possibly waiting, it's worth the visit.
A high quality Italian restaurant. Even seemingly simple dishes are mind-blowing. Wonderful atmosphere, great for a date.
49 locals recommend
Zambri's
820 Yates StA high quality Italian restaurant. Even seemingly simple dishes are mind-blowing. Wonderful atmosphere, great for a date.
The best quality burgers, shakes, sodas and fries through local, sustainable and environmentally friendly resources. Very popular locally!
45 locals recommend
Big Wheel Burger
341 Cook StThe best quality burgers, shakes, sodas and fries through local, sustainable and environmentally friendly resources. Very popular locally!
Bin 4 Burger Lounge
The most amazing burgers! ...And so many options!
They have a gluten free chocolate cupcake (muffin?) that is unreal.
42 locals recommend
Bubby's Kitchen
355 Cook StThey have a gluten free chocolate cupcake (muffin?) that is unreal.
Probably the best bakery in Victoria. The restaurant attached to it is amazing as well and was mentioned in "Vogue" as a must visit.
154 locals recommend
Fol Epi
398 Harbour RdProbably the best bakery in Victoria. The restaurant attached to it is amazing as well and was mentioned in "Vogue" as a must visit.
This food stand can have quite the line up. But it's worth it!
163 locals recommend
Red Fish Blue Fish
1006 Wharf StThis food stand can have quite the line up. But it's worth it!
This place has become extremely popular in Victoria for seafood! It's a small walk in storefront but with amazing food.
51 locals recommend
Fishhook
805 Fort StThis place has become extremely popular in Victoria for seafood! It's a small walk in storefront but with amazing food.
Small sharing plates, everything here is AMAZING. You can't go wrong, a long time Victoria favourite. If you've never had a "shaft" shot before (it's a Victoria thing) I recommend getting one here.
87 locals recommend
Tapa Bar
620 Trounce AlleySmall sharing plates, everything here is AMAZING. You can't go wrong, a long time Victoria favourite. If you've never had a "shaft" shot before (it's a Victoria thing) I recommend getting one here.
Fresh ingredients on traditional wood-fired, thin crust pizza. I would say it's the best pizza in Victoria. Cook st. village, where it is located is nice as well, close to the water and bacon hill park.
145 locals recommend
Pizzeria Prima Strada
230 Cook StFresh ingredients on traditional wood-fired, thin crust pizza. I would say it's the best pizza in Victoria. Cook st. village, where it is located is nice as well, close to the water and bacon hill park.
A local pub that I think is really great. They sometimes have live music but I really love their skillet with polenta, goat cheese, chorizo and prawns! So good.
85 locals recommend
The Fernwood Inn
1302 Gladstone AveA local pub that I think is really great. They sometimes have live music but I really love their skillet with polenta, goat cheese, chorizo and prawns! So good.
Small batch (mostly organic) hand crafted ice cream! Flavours change seasonally but always amazing! I love their vegan ice cream sandwiches! So also friendly for people who can't do dairy... if you can do dairy however and they do have it, I HIGHLY recommend getting "Jacob's Shaft" ice cream. You can follow them on instagram under "misscoldcomfort"
51 locals recommend
Can Canteen (Cold Comfort Ice Cream)
1115 N Park StSmall batch (mostly organic) hand crafted ice cream! Flavours change seasonally but always amazing! I love their vegan ice cream sandwiches! So also friendly for people who can't do dairy... if you can do dairy however and they do have it, I HIGHLY recommend getting "Jacob's Shaft" ice cream. You can follow them on instagram under "misscoldcomfort"
This place has an amazing ambience and they put a lot of effort into everything they do. I really love their fried brussel sprouts and their Gnocchi is amazing!
96 locals recommend
stage.
1307 Gladstone AveThis place has an amazing ambience and they put a lot of effort into everything they do. I really love their fried brussel sprouts and their Gnocchi is amazing!
It is amazing! I personally highly recommend the breakfast bagel, they use bagels freshly made that day from Mount Royal Bagels.
20 locals recommend
Parsonage Cafe
1105 Caledonia Ave It is amazing! I personally highly recommend the breakfast bagel, they use bagels freshly made that day from Mount Royal Bagels.
Drinks & Nightlife
50 different Beers on tap, this long bar also makes some excellent cocktails! Their beer battered fries are pretty damn good as well!
29 locals recommend
The Churchill
1140 Government St50 different Beers on tap, this long bar also makes some excellent cocktails! Their beer battered fries are pretty damn good as well!
A long time Victoria favourite! It can get quite busy at night and there can sometimes be a lineup, but it's so much fun! They often have live music.
70 locals recommend
Darcy's Pub Downtown
1127 Wharf StA long time Victoria favourite! It can get quite busy at night and there can sometimes be a lineup, but it's so much fun! They often have live music.
There are bra's hanging off of the ceiling and peanuts all over the floor... you get the idea, messy fun!
24 locals recommend
Big Bad Johns
919 Douglas StThere are bra's hanging off of the ceiling and peanuts all over the floor... you get the idea, messy fun!
Amazing atmosphere and drinks! The bartenders put on a show.
40 locals recommend
Veneto Bar Ristorante
1450 Douglas StAmazing atmosphere and drinks! The bartenders put on a show.
If you enjoy a well crafted cocktail Clive's is on the list of places to visit! A well established, Victoria and world famous bar.
48 locals recommend
Clive's Classic Lounge
740 Burdett AveIf you enjoy a well crafted cocktail Clive's is on the list of places to visit! A well established, Victoria and world famous bar.
They make amazing hand crafted labour intensive cocktails that sometimes have ingredients that don't seem like they should work, but amazingly do! The food is really good as well!
95 locals recommend
Little Jumbo Restaurant and Bar
506 Fort StThey make amazing hand crafted labour intensive cocktails that sometimes have ingredients that don't seem like they should work, but amazingly do! The food is really good as well!
They have amazing food (especially the pizza!) but they are also open really late (2am usually) and serve food really late. Definitely a great place to go check out for wonderful food, drinks and atmosphere.
55 locals recommend
Fiamo Pizza & Wine Bar
515 Yates StThey have amazing food (especially the pizza!) but they are also open really late (2am usually) and serve food really late. Definitely a great place to go check out for wonderful food, drinks and atmosphere.
Sightseeing
Victoria B.C is the capitol of British Columbia and our legislature is quite impressive. Covered with lights, it faces the inner harbour. Free guided tours are offered weekdays throughout the year and seven days a week from mid-May to Labour day. https://www.leg.bc.ca/content-peo/Pages/Tour-Information.aspx
218 locals recommend
Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
501 Belleville StVictoria B.C is the capitol of British Columbia and our legislature is quite impressive. Covered with lights, it faces the inner harbour. Free guided tours are offered weekdays throughout the year and seven days a week from mid-May to Labour day. https://www.leg.bc.ca/content-peo/Pages/Tour-Information.aspx
Stunning views, on a beautiful or even dreary day. Grab a coffee/tea in Cook st. Village (Mokka house) and then stroll down Dallas and get lost in the views, walk down to the beach.
115 locals recommend
Dallas Road
Dallas RoadStunning views, on a beautiful or even dreary day. Grab a coffee/tea in Cook st. Village (Mokka house) and then stroll down Dallas and get lost in the views, walk down to the beach.
The Prince and Duchess stayed here during their recent visit. The gardens are gorgeous and beautiful to stroll through.
103 locals recommend
Government House
1401 Rockland AveThe Prince and Duchess stayed here during their recent visit. The gardens are gorgeous and beautiful to stroll through.
Entertainment & Activities
Behind Victoria’s old-world charm lie tales of eccentric characters, heroic deeds, intrigue, love, humour, hangings, murder… and GHOSTS!" https://discoverthepast.com/ghostly-walks/ Whether or not you believe in spirits or not, this is an entertaining tour that takes you to historic Victoria buildings and streets and tells you about Victorias interesting past!
10 locals recommend
Ghostly Walks
Behind Victoria’s old-world charm lie tales of eccentric characters, heroic deeds, intrigue, love, humour, hangings, murder… and GHOSTS!" https://discoverthepast.com/ghostly-walks/ Whether or not you believe in spirits or not, this is an entertaining tour that takes you to historic Victoria buildings and streets and tells you about Victorias interesting past!
Love board games? This is your place! So many games to choose from! Snacks and drinks too!! Really fun time!
33 locals recommend
Interactivity Board Game Cafe
723 Yates StLove board games? This is your place! So many games to choose from! Snacks and drinks too!! Really fun time!
Want to learn how to cook west coast cuisine or more? This is a great interactive environment, that's lots of fun, with a really talented chef! http://thelondonchef.com
The London Chef
Want to learn how to cook west coast cuisine or more? This is a great interactive environment, that's lots of fun, with a really talented chef! http://thelondonchef.com
Newly built climbing gym! Something for the beginner or more advanced.
20 locals recommend
Crag X Indoor Climbing Centre
769 Pandora AveNewly built climbing gym! Something for the beginner or more advanced.
If you go to their website you can see if any plays are going on while you're visiting! Great local Theatre!
61 locals recommend
Belfry Theatre
1291 Gladstone AveIf you go to their website you can see if any plays are going on while you're visiting! Great local Theatre!
Horror Escape
523 Broughton StIt's actually not THAT scary, but it is lots of fun!!
The museum is a Victoria must! You could spend all day in there! There is so much to see, whether you love history, native art, the west coast, the ocean, science, etc... the IMAX is always great as well!
534 locals recommend
Royal BC Museum
675 Belleville StThe museum is a Victoria must! You could spend all day in there! There is so much to see, whether you love history, native art, the west coast, the ocean, science, etc... the IMAX is always great as well!
Essentials
A little out of the way, but not too bad by car. Really fantastic grocery store that sells a lot of local produce. They also make this "green sauce" in house that I'm obsessed with!
74 locals recommend
The Root Cellar Village Green Grocer
1286 McKenzie AveA little out of the way, but not too bad by car. Really fantastic grocery store that sells a lot of local produce. They also make this "green sauce" in house that I'm obsessed with!
I highly recommend visiting the Oak Bay Beach hotel spa, not because it is the cheapest, but because with the treatment comes access to their outdoor heated mineral pool overlooking the ocean. It's truly spectacular! http://oakbaybeachhotel.com/spa/
33 locals recommend
Oak Bay Beach Hotel
1175 Beach DrI highly recommend visiting the Oak Bay Beach hotel spa, not because it is the cheapest, but because with the treatment comes access to their outdoor heated mineral pool overlooking the ocean. It's truly spectacular! http://oakbaybeachhotel.com/spa/
One of the best government owned liquor stores. It has everything you could possibly need! :)
41 locals recommend
BC Liquor Stores
1960 Foul Bay RdOne of the best government owned liquor stores. It has everything you could possibly need! :)
A really nice privately owned liquor store, with a good selection of wines.
13 locals recommend
Vessel Liquor
1609 Fort StA really nice privately owned liquor store, with a good selection of wines.
Market On Yates
903 Yates StReally nice grocery store with a lot of specialty items!
Everything Else
Logan's Liquor Store
1821 Cook StreetPrivately owned liquor store very close to the house.
Getting Around
This is the BC transit headquarters, not that you need to know this but the phone number and website are helpful for making travel plans, through the public bus system. Transit Service info # 250-382-6161 https://bctransit.com/victoria/home
22 locals recommend
BC Transit
520 Gorge Rd EThis is the BC transit headquarters, not that you need to know this but the phone number and website are helpful for making travel plans, through the public bus system. Transit Service info # 250-382-6161 https://bctransit.com/victoria/home
Bluebird Cabs Ltd.
2612 Quadra StReally great local cab company 250-382-2222
ignore the "IsleShare Cycle"
but check out the website I'm posting to understand what U-bicycle is.
You'll see the bikes all over Victoria.
https://www.u-bicycle.ca
IsleShare Cycle
ignore the "IsleShare Cycle"
but check out the website I'm posting to understand what U-bicycle is.
You'll see the bikes all over Victoria.
https://www.u-bicycle.ca