Located on the breathtaking traditional territories of the Tla’amin, Klahoose, shíshálh, Skwxwú7mesh, and Homalco Nations, the aptly named Sunshine Coast is one of the most stunning places in British Columbia, Canada.
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We all know that for a small city, there are an incredible amount of high-quality, award-winning restaurants in Victoria – but the great dining doesn’t end in Victoria! All over Vancouver Island, there are incredible restaurants that are focused on serving thoughtful food, made with fresh, local ingredients, in a beautiful atmosphere. North of Victoria, in the Cowichan Valley and beyond, there is an abundance of farms that offer the local restaurants access to incredible, fresh, high-quality foods all year. With summer just around the corner, there’s nothing quite like having a great meal on a beautiful patio where you can enjoy the West Coast views and relaxed vibe of Central Vancouver Island. Whether you’re staying in the stunning Cowichan Valley, near beautiful Nanaimo or in peaceful Parksville and Qualicum Beach, there are lots of gorgeous patios to enjoy alfresco dining!
Known as The Warm Land because of the microclimate that is created by the combination of ocean, valley and rolling hills, the Cowichan Valley is the hub of the vineyards on Vancouver Island and a gorgeous place to visit if you’re coming to the Island. Whether you’re staying in one of the properties in the Cowichan Valley or if you are staying at any other EMR properties and want to go on a road-trip, you must pop into one of these wonderful restaurants to enjoy some local food and scenery.
1701 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay, BC
If you’re looking for a great place for a special evening, The Masthead is the place to go in Cowichan Bay. With great food, beautiful cocktails, and gorgeous ocean views from the patio, you’re sure to be impressed.
1765 Cowichan Bay Rd, Duncan, BC
This unique, Belgian inspired restaurant specializes in creating unique, flavourful crepes and so much more. With a large breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu as well, you’re sure to find something perfect to enjoy on their marvellous patio.
5000 Genoa Bay Rd #9, Duncan, BC
With a mouth-watering menu, incredible service, and a lovely oceanside patio, the Genoa Bay Cafe is a great option if you’re looking for fresh seafood dishes and great ambience.
25 Craig St, Duncan, BC
This brewpub is a favourite with the locals for good reason! With incredible in-house made beers, classic casual menu items and a patio where you can do some serious people watching in the heart of heritage Duncan, Craig St. is the perfect place for a bite while you’re visiting!
2915 Cameron Taggart Rd #1, Mill Bay, BC
If you’re looking for a spot to spend a special night, the fine dining restaurant at Unsworth Vineyards is an excellent option. Their seasonally inspired menu and impeccable service are worth a visit any time of year, but in the summer to be able to enjoy your meal on the patio overlooking the vineyard is truly magical.
6145 Genoa Bay Rd, Duncan, BC
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to have dinner in a boat, now you can! This quirky restaurant in the Maple Bay Marina offers their visitors a delicious, easy-going menu in a totally unique atmosphere. In the summer, you can enjoy your meal on the patio overlooking the marina.
840 Cherry Point Rd, Cobble Hill, BC
With incredible, seasonal dishes made with local ingredients, this is a great spot to pop in to have a bite whether you’re visiting the winery or not! With a lovely patio where you can enjoy your meal in the sun and excellent wine pairings from the vineyard itself, this is a must when you’re in the Cowichan Valley!
As the second largest city on Vancouver Island, The Harbour City – as Nanaimo is often called – is one of the best places to find incredible alfresco dining. In recent years, there has been an influx of restaurateurs and brewers who have opened some remarkable restaurants, cafes, breweries, and pubs in the Nanaimo area. If you’re looking for delicious dishes and great drinks to enjoy on stunning sunny patios while you’re staying at one of the EMR Nanaimo properties these places are the top spots to go!
6582 Applecross Rd, Nanaimo, BC
If you’re looking for a place with great menus that serves unpretentious but elegant classics, this is a great option. This is the place to spend a summer evening on their extensive patio, sipping your favourite potable and indulging in the incredible menu items!
221 Commercial St, Nanaimo, BC
If you’re looking for a place in beautiful old Nanaimo to enjoy the sun and people watch, the patio at Modern Cafe is the place you’ll want to go! For some of the best burgers, brunches, and modern comfort foods in Nanaimo, nowhere beats Modern Cafe!
8 Pirates Ln, Nanaimo, BC
If you’re looking for a quirky, family friendly place to dine in Nanaimo, this floating restaurant is it! Since 1989, the Dinghy Dock Pub has been the place to go for a relaxed friendly atmosphere, incredible patio dining and great food!
50 Anchor Way, Nanaimo, BC
Located right on the edge of the harbour in downtown Nanaimo, this beautiful restaurant offers guests a great menu filled with everyone’s favourites and incredible patio seating. With both a large gazebo that juts out over the water and perimeter patio seating for a more intimate dinner, there is plenty of space to enjoy your meal alfresco.
Just north of Nanaimo there are the beautiful little towns of Parksville and Qualicum Beach. These towns, set on the edge of the water, are quaint and peaceful with stunning beaches, resort amenities, and of course, incredible restaurant patios. It’s easy to see why Vancouver Islanders go to Parksville and Qualicum Beach for their getaways! If you’re looking for a great patio to enjoy your meal while you’re staying in Parksville, we’ve got just the places for you!
2831 Island Hwy W, Qualicum Beach, BC
Right on the water on the east side of Qualicum Beach is Shore: the quintessential place to get incredible, casual food with an unbelievable view. If you’re in the mood for a beach walk and some fish and chips or ice cream, this gorgeous beach hut and patio is the place to go!
181 Beachside Dr, Parksville, BC
If you’re looking for a chic, unique way to spend a special evening, Pacific Prime Restaurant is perfect. With stunning haute cuisine, impeccable service, and gorgeous outdoor dining under individual domes, lit with fairy lights as the sun sets, this is the place to really wow your guests.
1051 Resort Dr, Parksville, BC
If you’ve ever been to the UK, you’ll know that there is something wonderful about a British pub. If you’re looking for that feeling on this side of the world, you’ve found it. The Black Goose has all the classic elements of a classic pub: ivy covered entrance, warm wood interiors, great draughts, delicious food, and a sunny beer garden – this is definitely the place to take any homesick Brit!
Known affectionately as “June-uary”, this month can be temperamental with days of sun and warmth followed by sudden temperature drops and rainy days. But don’t worry! Every year, no matter what is happening outside, us locals make the most of it and know all the best rainy day things to do in Victoria while we wait for sunnier skies to come. Here are our top favourite ways to spend a rainy June day in the beautiful capital city!
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While the sun is shining, one of the best things to do in a city like Victoria is walk! While it is a relatively young city, there are quite a few heritage sites in Victoria BC that offer a fascinating peek into the past. Many of these sites are located downtown, with a few located just outside the downtown centre. So if you’re staying downtown Victoria, you can step out your door at any time to begin your heritage tour! But no matter where you’re staying, whether you’re on the water in Sooke or Sidney, or enjoying a countryside getaway in the Cowichan Valley, these sites are worth the drive into Victoria!
Located in the beautiful Inner Harbour, the Parliament Buildings might be one of the most recognized landmarks in Victoria since they were built for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897. Built by a young and exuberant architect from England, Francis Rattenbury designed the building to create a sense of importance and provide the burgeoning city with a seat of Parliament as it sought to join Canada. Rattenbury’s impressive building is also a testament to the raw materials found on the island and how new, foreign material can be used to create a building that is as impressive and opulent as the Parliament Buildings. While the exterior is grand and impressive with its domed oxidized copper roofs, a grand facade and stately grounds, the interior is equally magnificent. With each stately room adorned with filigree, gold leaf, murals stained glass, important artifacts, columns throughout and the magnificent rotunda, you can see how this building was and still is, such an important part of Victoria’s identity. You can go on a free guided tour to learn more about building and even watch the action when the legislature is in session!
Not unlike how Haussmann changed the face of Paris under Napoleon, Francis Rattenbury was an instrumental part of defining Victoria architecture and creating the city’s identity. Not long after the construction of the Parliament Buildings was completed, Rattenbury was again commissioned to create a hotel that would be suitable to entice the wealthy Canadians during the gold rush of BC to come from the eastern Provinces of Canada as a part of the Canadian Railway project. In 1908 The Empress Hotel was constructed and today still stands as a functioning hotel and a stunning piece of architectural history. The enormous chateau-style building that sits adjacent to the Parliament Buildings in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, looks out over the water and encompasses an entire city block. Over the years, The Empress has undergone an incredible amount of changes, upgrades and expansions and while one would think that this would detract from the heritage qualities of the building, the most recent renovation has spared no expense in bringing her back to her full beauty while exquisitely maintaining all the features that make The Empress a truly Victorian, heritage landmark.
Just behind The Empress, set back from the hustle and bustle of the Inner Harbour and on the corner of the exquisite Beacon Hill Park you’ll find St. Anne’s Academy. Constructed in 1858, St Anne’s was the first Roman Catholic Church in Victoria at the time and offered a place for the Catholic community of Victoria a place of worship. By 1910, the building was truly completed and was a Catholic Girl’s school until its closure in 1974. At that time it had fallen into total disrepair and had to be condemned and boarded up. However, a municipal restoration project acquired funds to work on repairing the buildings and grounds of St. Anne’s and today, guests can visit these restored heritage sites. The chapel, adorned with stained glass, a beautiful altar and a pipe organ from 1913 is a glimpse into Victoria’s beginnings and on a sunny afternoon, St. Anne’s gardens are lovely to wander through. Spending a peaceful afternoon in the gardens of St. Anne’s is the perfect activity for a sunny day where you can explore the formal garden, the summer house alive with perennials and a lush herb garden.
In 1858, gold was discovered in the Fraser Canyon. Word spread like wildfire and a sudden surge of immigration to BC began. Many of the newcomers were from California, the site of an early gold rush, and approximately one third of these newcomers were Chinese. Within only a year, word about the gold in BC had made it across the Pacific Ocean to China where many decided to leave their country to seek fortune in BC. Not only was it the gold that prompted this emigration but also war, famine and drought in many parts of China made the dangerous journey across the Pacific to a strange, new land an attractive prospect. Victoria’s Chinatown was initially just a collection of crude wooden huts at the edge of a trading post-turned-burgeoning city but it evolved into an area that was densely populated with thriving businesses, theatres, schools, temples and a hospital. Despite this, Chinatown gained a dark reputation mainly because of the opium factories, gambling dens and brothels in the area. In the late 1800s and early 1900s Chinatown grew rapidly until its peak in 1911 when it occupied six city blocks at the north end of downtown. Today, Chinatown occupies the 500 to 600 block of Fisgard St. in downtown Victoria. It’s a popular destination for locals and visitors, a National Historic Site and famed for the incredible food, shopping and beautiful Gate of Harmonious Interest. While Chinatown in 2022 is small, there is no quantifiable measure to express the immense impact and importance the Chinese community has had in the growth, success and diversity of Victoria as a city.
Whether you’re familiar with the work of Emily Carr or not, this heritage site is worth a visit! Tucked away in the beautiful neighbourhood of James Bay, on a quiet street, is the childhood home of Emily Carr. Known best for her abstracted paintings of the BC wilderness, Carr spent her life painting, writing about and appreciating her home on the West Coast. With her unique painting style, her appreciation for and affinity with the First Nations people of BC, and straightforward writing style, Emily Carr remains an important artist in Canadian history. For her time, Carr was an anomaly: an unmarried woman who was insistent on living life on her own terms. She spent many years travelling alone to both Europe to learn to paint and meet with other artists and to remote parts of BC to live with different First Nations groups, drawing, painting and writing about what she saw. In addition to the visual arts, Carr was also an author and wrote many books, most notably, her novel Klee Wyck which won the Governor General’s Gold Medal for Literature. While Carr’s work is ubiquitous in the galleries and museums around BC, the Carr house provides something different. It allows visitors to interact with this interpretive display of Carr’s life, work, passions and legacy.
As one of the oldest streets in Victoria, Government Street is a fascinating street to walk down for the history and architecture, but it is also one of the best places to shop and dine as well! While you’re walking up this street, there are a few places that are a must to pop in!
Officially the oldest house in Victoria, Helmcken House looks out of place on the concrete courtyard section of Thunderbird Park outside the Royal BC Museum. Helmcken House is not just the oldest house in Victoria, but was also the home of the famed Doctor Helmcken, a figure who was instrumental in Victoria’s growth. Originally a prominent employee of the Hudson Bay Company, Helmcken was a highly respected medical professional, the founder of the British Columbia Medical Association and one of the three negotiators that manoeuvred BC to becoming an official province of Canada. As a visitor, you can tour the house and see how life for people in 1920 Victoria was as well as getting a glimpse into the medical bag of a 19th century doctor!
Built in 1908 by James Dunsmuir, the son of the incredibly wealthy coal baron Robert Dunsmuir, this grand fortress-like building was an enormous undertaking. The stunning gardens weren’t built until 1912 when the Dunsmuirs hired a landscaping company out of Boston to design the entire estate. Their landscape designer created three ‘garden rooms’ – a popular style of the time – the Japanese, Italian and Rose gardens. Today, the grounds stand as a testament to the opulence and order of Edwardian garden design. Hatley Castle was James’ home until his death in 1920 and would stay in the Dunsmuir family until 1937 when James’ wife and daughter died. After that time, it stayed in the care of their caretaker for three years before it was purchased by the government and was a Naval training base. It then became a military college and is now the administrative offices of Royal Roads University. It has been used as the backdrop for many TV shows and movies and is an incredibly popular site for visitors and locals to visit. You can opt for a self guided tour and walk the expansive Edwardian-style gardens and grounds,
Built by local coal baron, Rober Dunsmuir in the 1800s, Craigdarroch Castle is a beautiful heritage site nestled in the lovely neighbourhood of Rockland. Built for entertaining and impressing their peers, when the Dunsmuirs lived there, there was seldom a weekend when there wasn’t a gathering of all of Victoria’s wealthiest families. And it is certainly impressive! With endless dark wood and intricate carvings, the spiral staircase to the turret, grand living spaces and beautiful grounds, it is clear that Robert was determined to recreate a European-style castle in Victoria. Today, thousands of people visit each year to marvel at this stunning modern-era castle that boasts 39 beautifully preserved rooms, stately staircases and soaring turrets. Take a wander at your own pace on a self guided tour and be transported to another time.
Built in 1860, the Fisgard Lighthouse, positioned on the entrance of Esquimalt Harbour was originally a beacon to guide the British Royal Navy’s Pacific Squadron as they came into Victoria. In 1929, the beacon was automated but for sixty nine years a lighthouse keeper was stationed at Fisgard Lighthouse to ensure the beacon functioned and kept vessels safe. Today, visitors can see artefacts from the history of the lighthouse including displays detailing the life of a lighthouse keeper, the west coast storms and ships lost at sea. Additionally, this is a stunning location to watch the sunset, get a glimpse of our marine life and watch the sailboats drift through the water on a warm summer evening.
If you’re planning a trip to Victoria, British Columbia Canada, you’ve got to experience the abundance of outdoor activities available in this breathtaking city! With year-round opportunities for cycling, hiking, jogging, whale watching, kayaking, and more, there’s no shortage of adventure to be had. However, one water sport in particular has surged in popularity thanks to its ease of learning and versatility: paddle boarding! Paddle boarding in Victoria is a great way to spend a sunny day, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete beginner. Thanks to a variety of excellent rental companies, idyllic weather, and calm, clear waters, Victoria’s shores offer an unbeatable paddle boarding experience.
Paddle boarding is when you stand on a large board called a stand up paddle board or SUP and propel yourself across the water’s surface using one oar, much like a canoe. SUPs can be inflatable, or hard fibreglass/epoxy with a long oar to allow you to reach the water while standing. As far as versatility goes, standing is the typical way to use and propel a paddle board, but you can comfortably sit or kneel on the board as well if standing seems like a dubious option. You’ll see a lot of families put kids on the SUP and take them for a little paddle, dogs are often spotted on these incredibly popular pleasure crafts and when you need to take a break, you can jump off your board for a quick dip, hop back on and relax in the sun until you’re ready to paddle again.
When you’re heading out for a day of summer paddle boarding, you’ll want to prepare with appropriate clothing. While our summers are rarely scorching, it’s important to protect yourself from the sun. A swimsuit layered under shorts and a t-shirt is recommended and if you have any UV protective, lightweight clothing that can be a good option. A wide brimmed hat and sunglasses are a must and make sure to lather up and bring along sport sunscreen of 30 spf or higher.
Because Victoria has the mildest climate in Canada, you can often spot some dedicated paddle boarders heading onto the water even as the temperatures drop. If this is something you want to try, you’ll have to be properly equipped! It is important to wear a wetsuit or drysuit, gloves, and hood to stay warm in case you fall in the water. Additionally, you should wear appropriate footwear that will keep your feet warm and provide good traction on the board. If you need some help finding the right equipment, go to MEC or Ocean River Sports and ask the helpful staff to kit you out.
No matter what time of year it is, you’ll want to make sure you bring a life jacket and take the extra step to check the conditions and forecast – local water recreation enthusiasts swear by Big Wave Dave.
There are lots of options for your next paddle boarding adventure. Whether it’s your first time out and you’re looking for lessons and a tour or if you’re already comfortable and are just looking for paddle board rentals for a solo adventure, these companies are our go-to for all of your paddle boarding needs!
2940 Jutland Rd #115, Victoria, BC V8T 5K6
Multiple locations
285 Kerwood St, Victoria, BC V9B 1A2
1327 Beach Dr, Victoria, BC V8S 2N4
Docks, 450 Swift St, Victoria, BC V8W 1S2
273 Richmond Ave, Victoria, BC V8S 3X9
6971 W Coast Rd, Sooke, BC V9Z 0V1
If you’ve decided to set out on your own, there are lots of great places around Victoria for a day on your board. With both lakes and ocean to choose from, you really have so many option for a perfect paddle boarding adventure.
Gorge Waterway: Known simply as “The Gorge” to Victoria locals, this waterway is a narrow tidal inlet that connects Victoria Harbour to Portage Inlet and a walkable paddle boarding location for guests staying at an EMR property downtown Victoria. Here you can paddle past waterfront neighbourhoods, historic bridges, eelgrass meadows and massive kelp beds below the surface.
Inner Harbour: Located right downtown Victoria, this is a great place to adventure, but it’s important to make sure that the water traffic is low otherwise it can get a bit hairy! On slower days, paddling past all the downtown attractions provides a beautiful, new perspective on this heritage city.
Gonzales Bay: This beach is one of the most popular downtown beaches! Known for its soft white sand and warm shallows, this is also an incredible place to put in your paddle board. This sheltered cove offers incredibly calm waters and absolutely stunning ocean front homes set on the backdrop of Victoria’s signature ocean and mountain views.
Willows Beach: In one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Victoria is Willows Beach, a long sandy beach perfect to paddle board the length of if you’re a beginner and a great place to set off for an adventure if you want to venture a little farther.
Esquimalt Lagoon: With miles of stunning beachfront and a beautiful view of the Strait and the Olympic Mountains across the water, Esquimalt Lagoon is stunning. It’s also a great option for guests staying in Langford or those looking to avoid the often-crowded summer beaches in the downtown core
Tod Inlet: This historic, peaceful park is a beautiful place to explore by land or water and right on the shores of the Saanich Inlet. Gowlland Tod Park is gorgeous and densely forested, so this is a completely different paddling experience than the other urban sites listed.
Brentwood Bay: The sheltered waters of the bay offer calm conditions perfect for beginners to learn or for experienced paddle boarders to enjoy a leisurely paddle. The beautiful scenery of the bay and surrounding mountains make for a picturesque backdrop while exploring the bay’s many hidden coves and inlets.
Thetis Lake: One of the most popular lakes in the Victoria area, Thetis is a wonderful place to explore by paddle board when you’re staying in Victoria! Paddle boarding also gives you the advantage of a spot to swim from without having to compete for a highly coveted spot on the beach!
Langford Lake: The calm, warm waters of Langford Lake make it a great place for a paddle boarding adventure. The water is cool but isn’t as cold as the ocean and there are lots of shorefronts to explore as you paddle around.
Elk Lake & Beaver Lake: These lakes are uniquely joined with a narrow way between the two offering paddle boarders a uniquely large area to explore. This lake has numerous beaches and picnic areas, you’ll be able to paddle up for a bite and head back out for more exploring!
Matheson Lake: This stunning lake in Metchosin is a perfect place to go for a dip in a small lake, beat the summer heat and enjoy an easy-going day out paddling.
On Vancouver Island, there may not be a more beautiful season than spring – especially if you’re a hiker! Whether you prefer easy hikes through the woods or challenging yourself with a climb, the spring provides the perfect mix of warm weather, wildflowers, budding trees and spring breezes. To celebrate the spring, we’ve rounded up our favourite hikes from Sooke to Courtney! So pack your camera, water and favourite field guide and come see why Vancouver Island is one of the most beautiful places on Earth! We want to acknowledge that these magnificent hikes are located on the unceded territory of the Scia’new, T’Sou-ke, Tsartlip, Tseycum,Tsawout, Lake Cowichan, Malahat, Cowichan Tribes, Snaw-naw-as and K’omoks (respectively) and we are honoured that we get to live and play on this land.
Sooke is a magical little town on the edge of the Pacific and home to East Sooke Regional Park. Here, you can experience 50 kilometres of trails through pristine West Coast wilderness as you ramble along the rocky, windswept coast, through dense forest, up hilltops and find private sheltered coves along the shoreline.
One of the most popular multi-use trails in the lower Island is the Galloping Goose that runs from Sooke all the way to downtown Victoria. This 60 kilometre stretch of trail has many access points and is a perfect way to enjoy semi-wilderness hiking through rural and urban settings.
While you may have hiked a few miles through downtown Victoria seeing the sights, Dallas Road offers one of the most stunning urban nature trails on the West Coast. This easy 5.9 kilometre walk will take you all the way from Fisherman’s Wharf in James Bay to the end of Ross Bay Beach in Fairfield.
If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, Mount Douglas Park is the most popular moderate hike in the Victoria area. While there are lots of trails all throughout the park, the climb from the beach to the peak is one of the most satisfying with 360 degree views of the inlet, peninsula and Victoria below.
There are few better places to find exceptional hiking on the Peninsula than Gowlland Tod Provincial Park and if you’re lucky enough to stay nearby, this park is just a short drive away. Gowlland Tod is known for the carpet of spring wildflowers and moss covered rocky outcrops. With over 25 kilometres of hiking trails at varying degrees of difficulty, this is the perfect park for every skill level.
The Lochside Trail is the perfect place to head for a sunny walk while staying in Sidney. It runs from Swartz Bay ferry terminal all the way to Victoria where it intersects with the Galloping Goose. This immense, multi-use trail is flat, well maintained and the perfect way to explore the Saanich Peninsula.
If you’re looking for a great hike the Cowichan Valley Trail is an easy and extensive stretch of The Great Trail that meanders through the scenic Cowichan Valley. It’s here that you can see and walk over the historic Kinsol Trestle, one of the only free- standing timber trestles in the world. At an impressive 44 metres high and 187 metres long, this is something you won’t want to miss!
If you’re looking for a bit more of a challenge, Cobble Hill Mountain is a local favourite. There are easier hikes around the perimeter but the scale to the top of the mountain is as exhilarating as it is exhausting with varying ecosystems throughout and panoramic views at the summit.
The gorgeous Linley Valley Park is a calm, densely forested 145 acre park just north of Nanaimo. It’s a great park to spot wildlife as you hike either easy or moderate trails that take you through valleys, open fields and over wooden bridges.
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
The stunning waterfalls set amid an old growth forest are worth a visit whether you are staying nearby or farther away. Walk across the bridge and watch as the water cascades down into the canyon, marvel at the awe-inspiring old growth Douglas fir, cedar, hemlock and maple.
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
This park offers visitors with an easy 3 kilometer loop around the provincial park and at low tide, Rathtrevor Beach becomes an enormous, spectacular swath of soft sand to walk along for hours exploring the sandy tide pools, dip toes in the water and enjoy the peace of the beach in spring. This is also the perfect place for amateur ornithologists to watch seabirds congregate for the annual herring spawn and migrating Brant geese.
This easy 3 kilometre loop on the north side of the Puntledge River is one of the most beautiful places for a hike in the area! The falls cascade over fish ladders that were blasted out to help spawning salmon swim upstream and are now a popular hiking and picnicking spot. People with mobility issues can access the falls via the well maintained trail and enjoy one of the most popular spots in the valley.
On the east side of Seal Bay Nature Park, visitors can walk through a beautiful second growth forest and explore deep ravines, see a seasonal waterfall and hike down a steep path to a rocky beach where seals bob out of the water and sunbathe on the rocky off-shore. The west side of Seal Bay offers fairly flat, meandering multi-use trails. The Forest Loop is a fantastic and easy 7 kilometre loop through the forest.
The holidays are a magical time of year – a time where life is filled with gifts for loved ones, heartfelt cards, great food, music and classic Christmas performances. There’s nothing like bundling up for a day of shopping for great local gifts then stopping to support a local charity. Get dressed up and step out into those long, bright wintry nights and go see live music or your favourite seasonal production. Or stay in your comfiest clothes, slip on some fuzzy slippers, mix your favourite potable and enjoy your holiday favourites in comfort. From contemporary holiday music to the Nutcracker, charity events to holiday markets, holiday events in Victoria have something for everyone to get a dose of Christmas cheer!
This year, everyone’s holiday season is going to look a little different but for those of you who are at the Manor Suite Off Rockland or staying at the Beacon Hill View Condo and love getting out there to explore, there are still lots of in-person events happening around the city! Have you ever dreamt of travelling in time to see what Christmas was like in yesteryear? Well now you can! Visitors to The Royal BC Museum will be able wander through cobbled streets of Old Town dressed to the nines in holiday cheer and peek into the elaborate and meticulously laid out rooms, listen to the sounds of hooves on the pavement and catch a Charlie Chaplain short in the mini theater. If you’re looking for somewhere to really soak up the spirit of the season and get a few gifts checked off your list, the Bastion Square Christmas Market is a must visit. Experience the feeling of a small town market with tons of local artisans in BC’s beautiful capital city. It’s a great place to snag thoughtful, one-of-a-kind pieces for everyone on your list. Just a short trip north of Victoria and near to Heron View Cottage is one of Canada’s most celebrated country music performers will be serenading the audience with all of holiday standards! So if you’re looking to head out for some live music, you’ll be hard pressed to find anything better to get into the holiday spirit than George Canyon’s Acoustic Christmas at the Mary Winspear Center in Sidney BC.
Most years, there are so many holiday events happening and not nearly enough time to get to all of them. One of the benefits of this unprecedented time is that so many organizers have taken their events online which means that you can ‘attend’ as many as you want without having to take off your slippers! This year, the 12th Annual Gingerbread Showcase is online and in person! This year’s theme, “Coastal Living” has been interpreted by thirty-three talented bakers who have each created unique and incredible displays. Browse their masterpieces, read about the process and donate to help Habitat for Humanity raise funds to build affordable housing in North Saanich. You can also download a map of where these confectionery creations are being displayed in Victoria and Sidney and go see them from outside. If you’re staying at either Dalmeny Farm Estate it’s a great way to explore the area! There have been so many versions of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol it can be difficult to choose a favourite! This year if you’re in the mood for something a little outside of the box then be sure to buy tickets to the Blue Bridge Theater’s, online, one-man version starring Sanjay Talwar. It’s a great way to spend an evening at Nature’s Gate Executive Vacation Home. This reimagining is sure to delight kids of all ages! If something traditional is more to your taste, then you won’t want to miss the Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker Ballet. The cameras will take you backstage to hear from the artists, designers and creators of this production to see how the magic is made. You can experience the holiday classic in a whole new light with this ground-breaking debut right from the comfort of Oceanside Lodge On Saanich Inlet! Hermann’s Jazz Club has been a staple in Victoria’s art and music scene for 40 years and has always had an incredible line-up of live music – this year is no different. Hermann’s has moved all of their performances to livestreams which means that you can enjoy the incredible talents that grace the stage without having to make the trip. Curl up on the couch and livestream Charlie Brown Christmas: Music From the Network Television Special or make a festive feast in the gorgeous kitchen at one of our oceanfront properties and watch Christmas with the Maureen Washington Quartet. If you love a good holiday spectacle, then you certainly don’t want to miss Leisa Way and the Wayward Wind Band’s Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree. With glitzy costumes and incredible energy, this band is sure to get even the biggest Scrooges rockin’ around right alongside them!
No matter how different the holidays are this year, or where you’re celebrating from, there are still lots of ways to make your Christmas merry and bright with these holiday events.
Whether you prefer turquoise waters where cold drinks melt in your hand, icy peaks where you feel like you’re on top of the world or invigorating coastlines that make you want to curl up next to a crackling fire, travelling during the holiday season is magical! So is wrapping up the gifts you’ve found while you’re away to fill stockings or place under the tree. It’s these mementos – from the tacky fridge magnet that made you laugh to that rare treasure, watching friends and family enjoy the gifts you’ve brought them from your adventures is wonderful. Christmas shopping in Sidney BC is incredible and you can find everything from the truly outrageous to incredibly meaningful – you’ll find something for everyone on your holiday list, including you!
At the top of the Saanich Peninsula, you’ll find the little town of Sidney. If you’re staying at either the stunning Oceanside Lodge or Pendray House, you’ll be thrilled to find that a short drive will take you to Sidney town center: an easily walkable and an excellent place to find great holiday gifts. Cameron Rose is basically a one-stop-shop for everything you’re searching for. While Cameron Rose isn’t a large store, it carries everything from clothing and jewellery to games, puzzles and toys to novelty napkins and magnets. This is a great place to go if you’re pressed for time and you need unique, travel-friendly gifts. If you are looking for amazing gifts for the ladies on your list, Miss Bliss Boutique is an excellent option. This little store prides itself on personalized service and high quality women’s clothing and accessories – you’ll find your holiday ‘wow’ here. There are few better places on the Peninsula to find an excellent selection of books than Tanner’s Books. This little bookstore is a fixture in the community for good reason – besides the selection, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better, more helpful staff of literary experts than at Tanner’s. If you’re looking for something a little different, Galleon Books & Antiques specializes in non-fiction books and has a plethora of antiques and collectables to peruse – it’s a great store to stop into even if you’re with a non-shopper. Last, but certainly not least is Snowden House Gourmet & Gifts Ltd. A lovely little farm just west of Sidney town center, Snowden House will have the perfect gift for any gourmand. With small batch vinegars, pre-mixed bread kits, dips, rubs, herbs and spices as well as cards, locally crafted vessels and more – you won’t be disappointed!
A quick trip south of Sidney and close to bothDalmeny Farm Estate is one of the longest running markets in the Victoria region, the Peninsula Country Market. Located at the Saanich Fairgrounds, this market hosts vendors that “make, bake or grow” everything they sell. It is a great place for anyone who really wants to immerse themselves in the community and find some amazing gifts even in the winter – check when the market is running while you’re visiting here. For those who love to rummage through eclectic shops, The Old Attic should be your next stop. Part retro, part vintage, part antique, this store has nothing but top quality collectables and one-of-a-kind pieces for the one-of-a-kind people in your life. Way out there in left field is Quarky Science, an absolute must for all the professional and amateur scientists on your holiday list. You can find something for every scientific discipline here from small 3D bug specimens and brass magnifying glass sets to prepared microscope slides and telescopes.
Only a half an hour drive from the top of the Peninsula is Victoria, one of the most visited cities in the world, for good reason. Between the breathtaking beauty of the Juan De Fuca and the preponderance of perfectly maintained historical buildings, this incredibly vibrant, heritage city on the tip of Vancouver Island is the perfect blend of natural and architectural beauty. There are a few stops that you won’t want to miss and if you’re staying at either EMR properties, Arbutus Hill or Nature’s Gate Executive Vacation Home, these gems will not be far from your doorstep. At the top of the list is Murchie’s Fine Tea and Coffee flagship store located in the heritage Murchie’s building on Government street, right in the heart of Victoria. Since 1894, Murchie’s has been blending perfectly balanced teas, providing Victorians and visitors alike with unique and exceptional products. The soaring ceilings and rich, dark wood shelves inlaid with stained glass that line each wall, showcase the art deco era of the building and give patrons an experience from another time. But it’s not just the beauty of the building that draws people from all over the world – in the tea room you can find an extensive food menu and decadent treats to nibble while the adjoining gift shop carries a myriad of different tea sampler boxes, tea cups, mugs, tea towels and so much more. If you’d prefer to seek out small, local businesses and artisans, then give the mall a miss and head to Lower Johnson or “LoJo” as the locals call it, where you’ll find every kind of gift you could possibly want. From genuine, First Nations artisan ware to smart eco-friendly toys, to luxurious clothes to fun gadgets and knickknacks, Lower Johnson has it all. While you’re checking out LoJo, make sure you visit Market Square. The historic, Italianate building was built in the late 1800’s and is the cornerstone of Victoria’s Old Town. Today it’s home to dozens of locally owned businesses where you can find one-of-a-kind merchandise, dine-in and take-out restaurants and an open-air square that is a venue for art installations, performances and fairs.
With so much choice for holiday shopping, make sure you visit and support local businesses where you are sure to find unique, thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list.
There are few better ways to get to know a neighbourhood than by popping into a local café. From tiny, hole-in-the-wall places to large, bustling coffee boutiques, you can immerse yourself in the daily life of the community by stopping in and grabbing your favourite beverage. When it comes to coffee in Sidney BC, where the sea meets the sky, this incredibly quaint, walkable town is no exception!
Just north of Sidney town center, there is the little Lone Tree Bakery perched on the edge of the beautiful Van Isle Marina and is steps away from both EMR Sidney BC Properties. Stop in to grab a great cup of coffee and a freshly baked treat to-go and explore the marina. Or if you’re seeking some serious post-hike sustenance, order one of their famous “mile-high” sandwiches. It’s no wonder this little, unassuming café is considered the hub of this little community. A quick drive inland from the Patricia Bay Beach House, is The Fickle Fig, a rustic, farm market and bistro where farm-to-table isn’t a fad, it’s a way of life. Stop by for a relaxing latte and a decadent dessert, enjoy a hearty daily pasta or pizzette made with fresh, farm-grown veggies or grab a rich americano and browse the market for some of their fruits and veggies to take with you. With ample indoor seating in the bright, barn-style café and outdoor umbrella tables set among the garden, this charming café is sure to exceed expectations.
No matter where you’re staying, Sidney’s beautiful town center is perfect for exploring with ample parking, a huge seafront walkway and some truly incredible café experiences. 10 Acres Café and Market is an upscale but comfortable spot that offers a farm-to-table fare with a simple but refined food menu and some excellent coffee. Located just steps from the water’s edge, it’s a popular spot for locals and a must for visitors whether you’re grabbing something to go or settling in to sip while enjoying the view. Just on the other side of the roundabout, is the charming Quince Café and Ice Cream. While this bright little café seems unassuming, their entire menu is made fresh, in-house, daily. Its’ a wonderful little spot for a hot soup and panini on a drizzly day or a buttery scone and a perfectly pressed Lavazza at a sunny window. This hard working, little café even churns out some downright delicious ice cream. Right next door is the Beacon Café and once you’ve been, you’ll understand why it is a fixture of community. This bright, corner café offers comfortable seating, mouth-watering breakfast and lunch menus, and tons of to-go options. With lots of window tables and seasonal outdoor seating, it’s a perfect place to mix with the locals, people watch and enjoy some delicious, local fare. Stroll a little farther along Beacon Avenue and you’ll come to the relaxed, funky Red Brick Café. Whether you’re looking for a meal or a snack, this cozy spot offers some good honest food and coffee at great prices. Continue strolling up Beacon Avenue and you’ll come to a little cottage-style building set back from the sidewalk, home to Alexander’s Coffee Bar. This tiny little café doesn’t have a big menu or lots of seats – but what it lacks in variety and size, it more than makes up for in quality. It’s a perfect spot to pop in for a delicious, fresh pastry and coffee (the cream-cheese cinnamon rolls are delightful). Plus, while you’re waiting for your coffee you can peruse their small selection of specialty beverages and mugs. Enjoy an incredible coffee and pastry while you cross some souvenirs off your list – two birds, one stone! Just off the main avenue, you’ll find a great spot for anyone looking for quick, quality food and coffee on-the-go. La Pignatta is a bright, counter-serve café that offers a solid variety of in-house made soups, sandwiches and pastries, locally roasted Oughtred Coffee and organic teas. Just serve yourself and enjoy! Before you say goodbye to this beautiful town center, make sure you head over to the historic, Sidney Bakery. This community staple has been baking sweet and savoury breads and buns for over one hundred years! Stop in for some incredible, fresh baked treats, find a bench and watch the waves while you enjoy some of the local confectionary, alfresco.
Although it’s a small town at the top of the peninsula, Sidney is a wonderful place to visit year-round and touring the local café’s is a perfect way to get to know this unique, friendly community by the sea.