Angele & Bruce’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Cute place to bring the kids! Offers people of all ages to experience the beauty and curiosity of a tropical jungle up close. Not far from Butchart Gardens, so stop by here on the way to the Gardens or on the way home.
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Victoria Butterfly Gardens
1461 Benvenuto AveCute place to bring the kids! Offers people of all ages to experience the beauty and curiosity of a tropical jungle up close. Not far from Butchart Gardens, so stop by here on the way to the Gardens or on the way home.
Awesome hike around this lake! There is also a small beach if you are interested in a swim!
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Thetis Lake Regional Park
Awesome hike around this lake! There is also a small beach if you are interested in a swim!
Cool place to go in a sunny day! Wonderful views. Make an afternoon of it and stop for lunch at the Villa Eyrie Resort for lunch. It’s not far from the skywalk and the food and views are incredible!
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Malahat SkyWalk
901 Trans-Canada HwyCool place to go in a sunny day! Wonderful views. Make an afternoon of it and stop for lunch at the Villa Eyrie Resort for lunch. It’s not far from the skywalk and the food and views are incredible!
Lots of hiking options (short or long) Some fab views along the way! Love this park.
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John Dean Provincial Park
Lots of hiking options (short or long) Some fab views along the way! Love this park.
Mt Doug Lookout Point
One of my favourite hikes is Holmes Peak. Approx 3km., This trail is popular for hiking, birding, and trail running. It is said to be moderately challenging, but I think it is relatively easy with great rewards of fabulous views. You can also continue from there and go as long as you like. It can get quite warm on the trail so we always take off in the morning and bring a picnic to enjoy at the Peak.
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Gowlland Tod Provincial Park
Ross Durrance RoadOne of my favourite hikes is Holmes Peak. Approx 3km., This trail is popular for hiking, birding, and trail running. It is said to be moderately challenging, but I think it is relatively easy with great rewards of fabulous views. You can also continue from there and go as long as you like. It can get quite warm on the trail so we always take off in the morning and bring a picnic to enjoy at the Peak.
A must do hike! This beach is considered the most scenic in the area. Located along the shores of the Juan de Fuca Strait. Beach, Forrest, waterfall, suspension bridge….what more could you ask for? Only way to get there is to hike. The visual rewards are worth it!
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Mystic Beach
A must do hike! This beach is considered the most scenic in the area. Located along the shores of the Juan de Fuca Strait. Beach, Forrest, waterfall, suspension bridge….what more could you ask for? Only way to get there is to hike. The visual rewards are worth it!
My daughters favourite spot to take her friends when she visits for an afternoon of laying in the sun on the rocks and swimming.
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Sooke Potholes Provincial Park
Sooke River RoadMy daughters favourite spot to take her friends when she visits for an afternoon of laying in the sun on the rocks and swimming.
Beautiful beach! Easy to get to with really no hike involved. Definitely stop at “Shirley Delicious” on the way there or home for a fantastic bite.
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French Beach
Beautiful beach! Easy to get to with really no hike involved. Definitely stop at “Shirley Delicious” on the way there or home for a fantastic bite.
Experience Vancouver Islands hidden gem! Rent a tube, sit back and relax on this journey down the Cowichan River.
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Lake Cowichan River Tubing
109 S Shore RdExperience Vancouver Islands hidden gem! Rent a tube, sit back and relax on this journey down the Cowichan River.
This is a lovely walk on a sunny day! Stop at the “Terry Fox, mile 0” memorial along the way.
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Dallas Road Waterfront Trail
Dallas Road Waterfront TrailThis is a lovely walk on a sunny day! Stop at the “Terry Fox, mile 0” memorial along the way.
A Day trip by ferry to Salt spring Island is definitely worth it! So much to see and do. An outdoor adventure, Artisan tour, whale watching , bakery’s , restaurants, pubs, cafes, art studios, farm visits, and boutique stores….and the list goes on! Try “Moby’s pub”on the waterfront in Ganges for lunch!
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Salt Spring Island
A Day trip by ferry to Salt spring Island is definitely worth it! So much to see and do. An outdoor adventure, Artisan tour, whale watching , bakery’s , restaurants, pubs, cafes, art studios, farm visits, and boutique stores….and the list goes on! Try “Moby’s pub”on the waterfront in Ganges for lunch!
City/town information
Lovely little town just 15 minutes away. Many decent restaurants. Shop at the many shops on Beacon Ave and stop at the bakery for a treat or Starbucks for coffee. Take a stroll along the waterfront. Check out Sidney’s outdoor Market on Thursdays from 5:30-8:30pm June 2-Sept 1, 2022. If you are an art lover, The Peninsula Gallery and the Village Gallery have wonderful, local, original art!
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Sidney
Lovely little town just 15 minutes away. Many decent restaurants. Shop at the many shops on Beacon Ave and stop at the bakery for a treat or Starbucks for coffee. Take a stroll along the waterfront. Check out Sidney’s outdoor Market on Thursdays from 5:30-8:30pm June 2-Sept 1, 2022. If you are an art lover, The Peninsula Gallery and the Village Gallery have wonderful, local, original art!
Take a drive to Metchosin and do the hike at Whitey’s lagoon. It is known for its bird sanctuary, Sitting Lady Falls, and sandy beach with shallow water. On a clear day, the view of the ocean and mountains are breathtaking. Stop after for a home style lunch or dinner at the “My Chosen Cafe”. Wonderful sandwiches and stone fired pizza. Also a cute little bakery attached!
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Metchosin
Take a drive to Metchosin and do the hike at Whitey’s lagoon. It is known for its bird sanctuary, Sitting Lady Falls, and sandy beach with shallow water. On a clear day, the view of the ocean and mountains are breathtaking. Stop after for a home style lunch or dinner at the “My Chosen Cafe”. Wonderful sandwiches and stone fired pizza. Also a cute little bakery attached!
This is a lovely and scenic drive up the Malahat Hwy. To Ladysmith. This quaint little town is home to the amazing “Old Town Bakery” (peanut butter cream cheese is my fav). Pick up a six pack to take home. Right around the corner is Mary Fox’s beautiful pottery gallery and studio. This town also has several antique shops if that interests you. If you are out this way, definitely check out the “Crow and Gate Pub” established in 1972, this is the first neighborhood pub in BC. The English Gardens and Tudor style architecture attracts visitors from around the world.
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Ladysmith
This is a lovely and scenic drive up the Malahat Hwy. To Ladysmith. This quaint little town is home to the amazing “Old Town Bakery” (peanut butter cream cheese is my fav). Pick up a six pack to take home. Right around the corner is Mary Fox’s beautiful pottery gallery and studio. This town also has several antique shops if that interests you. If you are out this way, definitely check out the “Crow and Gate Pub” established in 1972, this is the first neighborhood pub in BC. The English Gardens and Tudor style architecture attracts visitors from around the world.
Night Life / Pubs
Great beer and good times! Enjoy live music and dancing on the weekends.
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Irish Times Pub
1200 Government StGreat beer and good times! Enjoy live music and dancing on the weekends.
Beautiful surroundings and lots of fun. Great weekend spot featuring live music. Check it out on Monday Nights for Music Bingo. So much fun!
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Bard & Banker
1022 Government StBeautiful surroundings and lots of fun. Great weekend spot featuring live music. Check it out on Monday Nights for Music Bingo. So much fun!
This is a great spot for live music in the weekends and also for Thursday night Music Bingo!
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Bartholomew's Pub
777 Douglas StThis is a great spot for live music in the weekends and also for Thursday night Music Bingo!
Cideries / Wineries
Lovely views and lovely wine just 10 minutes away!
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Church & State Wines - Victoria
1445 Benvenuto AveLovely views and lovely wine just 10 minutes away!
Book a tasting at this cute and quaint cidery! Definitely try “Kings and Spies” my fav.
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Sea Cider
2487 Mt St Michael RdBook a tasting at this cute and quaint cidery! Definitely try “Kings and Spies” my fav.
This really is the cutest cidery! Set in a rural orchard setting in Cobble Hill, Merridale has become a rural institution. Have lunch or dinner andout the live music on weekends!
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Merridale Cidery & Distillery
1230 Merridale RdThis really is the cutest cidery! Set in a rural orchard setting in Cobble Hill, Merridale has become a rural institution. Have lunch or dinner andout the live music on weekends!
This land was has been farmed by the same family since the late 1950’s, first in strawberries, and then 20 acres of loganberries. They planted their first vines in 2004. They focus on crisp, dry, aromatic white wines and rose, and lightly barrel aged, fruit forward reds.
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Symphony Vineyard
6409 Oldfield RdThis land was has been farmed by the same family since the late 1950’s, first in strawberries, and then 20 acres of loganberries. They planted their first vines in 2004. They focus on crisp, dry, aromatic white wines and rose, and lightly barrel aged, fruit forward reds.
Food scene
The absolute “BEST” restaurant in Victoria as far as Bruce and I are concerned. Wonderful reviews all around. Make sure to call and make reservations at least 2 weeks in advance. Delicious food, fabulous ambiance, wonderful service, and decent pricing! Ask to have Glen or Neil as your server.
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II Terrazzo
555 Johnson StThe absolute “BEST” restaurant in Victoria as far as Bruce and I are concerned. Wonderful reviews all around. Make sure to call and make reservations at least 2 weeks in advance. Delicious food, fabulous ambiance, wonderful service, and decent pricing! Ask to have Glen or Neil as your server.
Yummy food! They don’t take reservations so go early or be prepared to wait in line. The bread is amazing, and so is “Hemingway Short Story”!!
126 locals raden deze aan
Pagliacci's
1011 Broad StYummy food! They don’t take reservations so go early or be prepared to wait in line. The bread is amazing, and so is “Hemingway Short Story”!!
Lovely place for a nice dinner with sunset on the water views. Reservations far in advance are a must. $$$$
33 locals raden deze aan
Deep Cove Chalet
11190 Chalet RdLovely place for a nice dinner with sunset on the water views. Reservations far in advance are a must. $$$$
Awesome Burgers! Gluten free options. Check out the website for their daily deal! Dine in after nine for burger and drink specials.
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Bin 4 Burger Lounge
Awesome Burgers! Gluten free options. Check out the website for their daily deal! Dine in after nine for burger and drink specials.
Have only been here for drinks and snacks. The patio is always busy in the summer. Located just opposite the water on Wharf Street downtown.
51 locals raden deze aan
THE LOCAL
1205 Wharf StHave only been here for drinks and snacks. The patio is always busy in the summer. Located just opposite the water on Wharf Street downtown.
Cool nearby spot in an old mansion. Food is good, and the patio is very nice.
31 locals raden deze aan
Fireside Grill
4509 W Saanich RdCool nearby spot in an old mansion. Food is good, and the patio is very nice.
Fantastic spot for breakfast! The cinnamon bun pancake is to die for. Order a Caesar, it comes with a thick slice of delicious bacon!
201 locals raden deze aan
Jam Cafe
542 Herald StFantastic spot for breakfast! The cinnamon bun pancake is to die for. Order a Caesar, it comes with a thick slice of delicious bacon!
Great old school breakfast diner like spot. Been around for years. Can’t go wrong.
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J.J. Morgan Restaurant
1520 McKenzie AveGreat old school breakfast diner like spot. Been around for years. Can’t go wrong.
Floyd's Diner
866 Yates StBest variety of benny’s around! Wonderful breakfast nearby.
Best soft serve ice cream downtown with oodles of dipping options. Delish! I always have vanilla dipped in salted caramel chocolate. OMG!
11 locals raden deze aan
Chocolats Favoris
1010 Government StBest soft serve ice cream downtown with oodles of dipping options. Delish! I always have vanilla dipped in salted caramel chocolate. OMG!
Be Love
1019 Blanshard StVegan option! Went here once with my niece who is vegan. She raves!
Cute place to stop for a sweet treat when you are wandering the downtown streets of Victoria.
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Crust Bakery
730 Fort StCute place to stop for a sweet treat when you are wandering the downtown streets of Victoria.
Good spot for a casual meal. Neopolitan Style wood fired pizza. Always fresh! Cook Street location is just a short walk to the Ocean and The Dallas Road seaside walking path.
145 locals raden deze aan
Pizzeria Prima Strada
230 Cook StGood spot for a casual meal. Neopolitan Style wood fired pizza. Always fresh! Cook Street location is just a short walk to the Ocean and The Dallas Road seaside walking path.
Bruce and I loved this place! Great cocktails, food, and views of the inner harbour.
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Boom + Batten Restaurant & Cafe
2 Paul Kane PlBruce and I loved this place! Great cocktails, food, and views of the inner harbour.
A Grand tradition for over a Century, the World renowned Empress has served England’s most beloved ritual of afternoon tea to famed royalty, celebrities and dignitaries alike. $$$
Enjoy the Empress, for cocktails, high tea, or dinner. The Empress is located right in the beautiful downtown harbour.
194 locals raden deze aan
Hotel Fairmont Empress
721 Government StA Grand tradition for over a Century, the World renowned Empress has served England’s most beloved ritual of afternoon tea to famed royalty, celebrities and dignitaries alike. $$$
Enjoy the Empress, for cocktails, high tea, or dinner. The Empress is located right in the beautiful downtown harbour.
My daughter is in love with this restaurant! We always have to go there when she is in town. Delicious traditional Greek food!
19 locals raden deze aan
Ithaka Greek Restaurant
716 Burdett AveMy daughter is in love with this restaurant! We always have to go there when she is in town. Delicious traditional Greek food!
The Blue Fox is a funky eclectic, serving fresh homemade style food to loyal, local clientele for over 25 years. Coffee is organic. breakfast is served all day with great music, good value and good cheer!
If you love Eggs Benny like I do, this is by far the best in Victoria.
106 locals raden deze aan
Blue Fox Cafe
919 Fort StThe Blue Fox is a funky eclectic, serving fresh homemade style food to loyal, local clientele for over 25 years. Coffee is organic. breakfast is served all day with great music, good value and good cheer!
If you love Eggs Benny like I do, this is by far the best in Victoria.
Gigi’s Italian and Specialty Foods was born from a need for authentic Italian ingredients in Victoria. Located at 5118 Cordova Bay Road. (Entrance off Doumac Ave)
Stop by for an assortment of paninis, baked goodies and grab and go items. You will find a wide selection of meats, cheeses, specialty pasta, gluten free items, hostess gifts, and Knick knacks for the home, you will also find a curated selection of grocery items and treats for both everyday and special occasions.
Gigi's Italian & Specialty Foods
Gigi’s Italian and Specialty Foods was born from a need for authentic Italian ingredients in Victoria. Located at 5118 Cordova Bay Road. (Entrance off Doumac Ave)
Stop by for an assortment of paninis, baked goodies and grab and go items. You will find a wide selection of meats, cheeses, specialty pasta, gluten free items, hostess gifts, and Knick knacks for the home, you will also find a curated selection of grocery items and treats for both everyday and special occasions.
Voted one of the top 100 restaurants in Canada, this diner style restaurant is sure to please! Located just 3 km from French Beach, it is worth the stop!
111 locals raden deze aan
Shirley Delicious
2794 Sheringham Point RdVoted one of the top 100 restaurants in Canada, this diner style restaurant is sure to please! Located just 3 km from French Beach, it is worth the stop!
Fitness
Interested in working out? A brand new full service gym is located at the end of the street.
Anytime Fitness
Very convenient brand new gym at the end of the street
Activity
Fun things to do in the city.
Fun time throwing an axe and knife! Great staff were happy to help with good tips and suggestions.
7 locals raden deze aan
Axe and Grind
910 Government StFun time throwing an axe and knife! Great staff were happy to help with good tips and suggestions.