June in Victoria is a beautiful time of year. Right on the precipice of summer, the sun sparkles off the sea and the city is filled with people enjoying shopping, dining on the patios, market season and you can really feel that summer is right around the corner. However, locals have always had a complicated relationship with June. 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, the locals make the most of it and know all the best ways to escape the rain and wait for sunnier skies to come. Here are our top favourite ways to spend a rainy June day in the beautiful capital city!
Spas
What better way to spend a gloomy day than in the peace and tranquillity of one of the top spas in Victoria? You’ll be sure to leave feeling refreshed and ready for the next beautiful sunny day!
Willow Stream at the Empress: 633 Humboldt St, Victoria, BC
If you’re looking for a truly indulgent experience just a short walk away while you’re staying at Landmark Executive Sub Penthouse, James Bay Studio Stay or Harbourview Executive at the Reef, then you can’t go wrong with a visit to Willow Stream Spa. With treatments ranging from body scrubs and facials to RMT massages, you’re sure to find a treatment or package that is perfect for getting rid of the June-uary blues. Rated one of the top spas in Canada by Condé Nast, you’re sure to feel like royalty during your visit and leave feeling totally refreshed.
Sapphire Day Spa: 714 View St, Victoria, BC
If you’re looking for a spa experience that will cleanse and refresh both mind and body, Sapphire Day Spa is where you need to go. At this Ayurveda-inspired sanctuary, right around the corner from The Corazon you will find Ayurvedic treatments, RMT massages, and everything in between. Have a look at their services page to book your ideal treatment package and get ready for a truly holistic experience!
Boathouse Spa and Baths: 1175 Beach Dr, Victoria, BC
At Victoria’s premier oceanfront spa, guests will be able to relax in the tranquil spa facility while enjoying stunning ocean views from the mineral pools that you can use in between your treatments. Whether you’re looking for an individual treatment and some meditative time in the pools or if you want to book in a full day of treatments, this is the place to go while you’re staying at Manor Suite off Rockland or Barkley Manor Executive.
Pure Day Spa: 5325 Cordova Bay Rd #121, Victoria, BC
If you’re staying outside of Victoria at Camden Green Mews, Nature’s Gate Executive Vacation Home or Bear Mountain Executive Stay and don’t want to battle the traffic to get to a spa in Victoria, this is the place for you! Located in the peaceful artistic hub of Mattick’s Farm in idyllic Cordova Bay, Pure is the best full service spa for all your needs. Whether you want to go for a more intense, non-surgical, restorative treatment or find a moment of ‘aaahhhhhh’ with one of their many relaxing options, Pure has it all!
Bookstores & Coffee Shops
Curling up with a good book and a great coffee can be an amazing way to spend a cool June day downtown Victoria. Whether you’re coming into town for the day from Arbutus Hill in Metchosin, Pendray House in Sidney or if you’re enjoying a downtown vacation at Harbourview Executive at the Reef, we’ve created some perfect book and coffee shop pairings while you’re downtown so you can get in a great reading session, enjoy some local roasted coffee and people watch!
Munro’s Books: 1108 Government St & Milano Victoria: 817 Government St
If you haven’t popped into Munro’s Books on Government St. yet, you should. This heritage building houses one of Victoria’s most beloved and extensive book stores where you can browse the shelves and enjoy the architecture while searching for the next novel or nonfiction to sink your teeth into. When you’ve made your purchases, walk the two minutes south to Milano Victoria on the corner of Courtenay and Government, grab your favourite brew, a snack and a seat and dive into your book.
Bastion Books: 14 Bastion Square & Farmhouse: 10 Bastion Square
There are lots of different types of readers: kindle users, new book lovers, book club goers – but if you’re the type of reader who often finds themselves looking through bargain bins and rare book stores for a great find, this shop is for you. When you’re done, take your haul to Farmhouse, right across the alley from Bastion Books. This Italianate café offers snug seating, incredible food and coffee – the perfect place to crack the spine of your recent literary treasure!
Legends Comics & Books: 633 Johnson St, Victoria, BC & Hey Happy: 560 Johnson St #122, Victoria, BC
Calling all comic book lovers! Legends Comics and Books downtown Victoria is an institution when it comes to the comic crowd in the capital city. If you’re looking for the place to find comics, graphic novels, collectibles, back issues and more, this is it. When you’re ready to grab some food and flip through your finds, head down to Hey Happy, the funky new hotspot for great coffee, delicious food made with incredible ingredients and the perfect atmosphere to spend some time getting lost in a new comic.
Classes
Improving or expanding your skills is never a bad idea and with these fun, interactive classes, you’re sure to make the most of an overcast June day!
Online Cooking Classes
Whether you’re looking to up your culinary game or wanting to learn a few new recipes, The London Chef cooking classes are your best bet. Classically trained French chef and Victoria local, Dan Hayes has worked all over Europe with Michelin star chefs and now he can share his knowledge with you! With flexible online classes and tons of class options, no matter where you’re staying on Vancouver Island if you want to learn some new recipes, have an incredible kitchen to work in like the one at Hammond Bay Executive Stay, White Heron Oceanfront Estate or Oceanside Lodge on Saanich Inlet and you’re looking for a great way to spend an afternoon, this is it!
Art Classes
There’s no doubt that Vancouver Island is an artists’ Island. With hundreds of incredibly talented artists working in various mediums in and around Victoria, there’s no wonder why there is a plethora of galleries, each filled with incredible art. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to paint or draw, now is your chance! Many local artists hold classes and workshops where they will teach you basic skills as well as tips and tricks to making your own masterpiece. Have a look at the incredible list of art class offerings, find which one suits you and sign up!
Pottery Classes
The Hands on Collective: 1910 Store St, Victoria, BC
Just a short walk from The Corazon, this collective is run by a group of artists who sell their work and offer classes. If you’re interested in making your own molded creation but don’t want to commit to a series of classes, this is the place for you! Click here to check out their classes and workshops in June!
Earth and Fire Pottery: 115 Ross Durrance Rd, Victoria, BC
If you’re serious about learning how to throw clay and sculpt beautiful creations, Earth and Fire offers many workshop series rather than one-off classes that are perfect when you’re looking to really get hands on! Ideal for guests staying right around the corner at Dalmeny Farm Estate but an easy drive if you’re in an EMR Victoria or EMR Sidney property too!
Miscellaneous
If you’re looking for something a little more unique, you can have a look at the list of classes being held in and around Victoria, find your favourite and sign up! From botanical sketches to making your own herbal first aid kit, there’s always something fun happening in Victoria!
Maritime Museum: 744 Douglas St, Victoria, BC
An easy walk from Landmark Executive Sub Penthouse, the Maritime Museum hosts adult classes and workshops from sea glass jewellery making to Maritime Masterclasses led by experts in maritime topics and skills. Have a look at their website to see what’s up next!