At long last, there is good news for the Canadian tourism industry and travellers to Canada after the years of COVID restrictions! On Saturday, October 1st, the Federal Government is putting an end to all COVID-19 entry restrictions – no more negative pre-boarding test results, quarantine, masks on planes and trains, or the use of the ArriveCan app.
While it might be coming after the peak of tourism season for many parts of Canada, for the Christmas season, winter destinations, alpine resorts, and milder climates like Vancouver Island, these changes mean that Canada’s tourism sector can begin to recoup the incredible losses incurred during COVID. While the full benefits of the lifted restrictions will likely take years to see in full, there’s no doubt that this news is being met with relief by business and travellers alike.
During a Times Colonist interview, Paul Nursey, chief executive of Destination Greater Victoria noted that “Great Britain, New Zealand, Australia, Commonwealth countries, even ones that were very conservative during COVID have already done this, we are the last to drop these types of restrictions.”
It has certainly been frustrating for Canadian businesses who rely on tourism to watch as other countries open back up and allow travellers to visit with ease while travellers to Canada struggle with time-sensitive COVID results and navigating the notoriously difficult ArriveCan app.
But come Saturday, we can begin to welcome visitors from around the world again and breathe a sigh of relief.
There’s no doubt that Vancouver Island, British Columbia is one of the most stunning places to visit in Canada. Surrounded by the ocean and easily accessible by air or sea, Vancouver Island is filled with quaint towns and vibrant city centres surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
When you think of Thanksgiving in North America, most people think of pilgrim outfits, pumpkin pie, the Mayflower and feast re-enactments between pilgrims and American Indians – typical images from many Hollywood movies and American TV shows.
It’s no secret that Victoria, British Columbia is one of the top places in Canada for dining. With a vibrant, multicultural population, access to fresh, local products and one of the mildest climates in the country, it’s easy to see why there are more restaurants per capita in Victoria BC than any other Canadian city.
Vancouver Island is an incredible place to explore. With never-ending wilderness, deep cultural history, beautiful towns and cities set amongst the natural beauty of forests and oceans, there is so much to see and do!
The blue skies, long, bright days and warm nights means that summer is here in the capital city! August is by far the hottest month of the year in Victoria and if there is one kind of food that really says summer it’s BBQ!
August is one of the hottest months of the year and it’s the perfect time to head out and to explore everything the Island has to offer. Whether you’re heading for an outdoor adventure, walking through charming towns, visiting breweries and dining out, booking tours or seeing attractions – there are many ways to make incredible memories here!
There’s no doubt that British Columbia is one of the most peaceful places in Canada – which is why it is consistently one of the top destinations in the world! With ocean views of the beautiful Salish Sea and Pacific Ocean, dense forests, majestic mountains and charming towns and cities, Vancouver Island is a tranquil destination.
Vancouver Island, located in British Columbia, just across the Strait of Georgia from Vancouver itself, is a dream destination for many in Canada and the nearby Pacific Northwest region of the U.S.A. With an endless amount of outdoor activities to be enjoyed and plenty of in-town amenities like restaurants, bars, and cafes in Victoria, you won’t lack for things to keep you and your fellow travelers entertained.
While there’s a real variety in activities, just like much of North America, there’s also a big variety in weather based on the season you decide to visit. Lucky for you, and a surprise to many, the winters on Vancouver Island aren’t nearly as snowy and cold as they are on mainland B.C. You’ll still want to bring a warm coat and plenty of cozy clothes but it won’t be quite the tundra you might be expecting. On the same note, you can expect warm summer weather but given the sea breeze, the temperatures aren’t as balmy as they are inland.
With that in mind, we’ll break up our packing list into 4 separate seasonal lists and 1 checklist for things you’ll need year-round, regardless of the season.
Whether you plan your trip to Vancouver Island in the winter, spring, summer, or fall, there are a few things you won’t want to come here without. In winter and spring when rainy days are more likely, you’ll want to pack extra comfy clothes for lounging around your vacation rental home. It’s also a good idea to pack some games and extra things to do for nights in.
Depending on how you’re arriving in town might affect how much or how little you plan to pack. If you’re flying onto Vancouver Island, I suggest going light and packing in a carry on. This will not only save you time at the airport but it also makes it easier to get from point A to point B. If you’re driving to town and will cross over via ferry, your only limitations to packing really depends on the size of your car.
Regardless, using packing cubes will not only save you space but it’ll also help keep your belongings organized once you arrive and begin to unpack.
Luckily, if you’re staying at one of our well-stocked vacation rental homes, you won’t need to worry about packing beach towels, kitchen supplies, or bonus day to day items. Instead, you’ll only need to pack the items you’ll personally use on your Canadian vacation.
These items you’ll want to pack anytime of the year include:
Hiking Boots
Comfortable pair of everyday shoes
Jeans
Sweatshirt
Athletic clothing
Loungewear
Pajamas
Toiletries
Camera
Phone
Laptop (although we highly recommend you use this trip to unplug!)
As said before, winter weather is a bit different than mainland Canada, so instead of piles and piles of snow, it’s our rainy season. While some of that will turn to snow, it doesn’t stick around for too long.
Given that it’s the rainy season, it’s also the low season. That means a more peaceful vacation, away from the crowds that storm the island in the summer. If you’re up for some wet weather, winter is a great time to enjoy the sights, sounds, and delights of Vancouver Island with hardly anyone else around.
While it’s not as cold as you might be expecting if you’re traveling to the island from mainland B.C., you’ll still want to wear ample layers. A water-resistant outer layer is definitely the most important as the rain can come and go quite unexpectedly but underneath that you’ll want some comfy layers.
To make your winter trip as comfortable as possible, here’s what you should pack:
A few extra pairs of pants
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof shoes or rain boots
Long sleeve t-shirts
Hoodie
Leggings (or other athletic clothing for hikes)
Beanie
Scarf
Gloves
Wool socks
Spring Packing List for Vancouver Island
All of those rainy winter days really pay off in the spring when the island turns lush and green. Victoria is known as the “Garden City” and particularly in spring it’s easy to know why. Although you can still expect some rainy days in the spring, the weather starts to warm and the sun starts to last for longer periods of time during this season.
Because of this wide range of weather, you’ll want to come prepared for it all in spring. In general, if you’re visiting in March, expect more winter-like weather, whereas in May, you’ll enjoy weather more similar to summer. April is really a mixed bag where one day could be chilly and rainy and the other warm and sunny.
To fully take advantage of your spring trip to Vancouver Island, you should pack:
Extra pants
Dresses, skirts, and/or shorts (if visiting in late spring)
Short sleeve t-shirts
Long sleeve t-shirts
Rain jacket
Light Sweater
Scarf
Sunscreen
Summer Packing List for Vancouver Island
The summer season is by far the most popular time to visit Vancouver Island. It’s no surprise either, given the exceptional weather that the island enjoys during these months. These months are the sunniest that British Columbia sees all year round and given the nice sea breeze, the temperatures tend to stay lower than on the mainland.
This time of year is ideal for those looking to maximize their time outside. From a plethora of hiking trails and great beaches to patio dining and breweries with outdoor gardens, you’ll have no lack of ways to spend your time. Just know that plenty of others have the same idea as you to spend the long summer days on the island.
Your bag should be significantly lighter in the summer with this Vancouver Island packing list:
Shorts
Dresses and/or skirts
Short sleeve t-shirts
Short sleeve tops
Cardigan or light sweater
Swimsuit
Flip flops
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Fall Packing List for Vancouver Island
Last but certainly not least, here are our packing tips for a fall trip to Vancouver Island. Just like the other seasons of the year, fall is notably less extreme than its mainland counterparts. While you’ll still be rewarded with cool days and fall colors, the weather isn’t usually noticeably cold until the end of the season.
During the fall months (September thru November), you can expect to be able to spend much of your time outside enjoying a hike, hanging out in Victoria, or witnessing the salmon run. There’s a small chance you’ll get your fair share of rain on your trip but these storms are less likely in the fall than they are in the winter and spring.
Get ready for a full fall adventure when you pack:
Short sleeve t-shirts
Long sleeve t-shirts
Sweaters
Dresses and/or skirts
Raincoat
Extra pair of jeans
Scarf and/or beanie
With these travel tips, you’ll be ready to enjoy your vacation to Vancouver Island no matter the season you choose to visit. Better yet, aim to spend a few days on the island in each season so then you can really see the magic of the island and everything it has to offer.
It may not be known as the City of Love and you might not be able to watch lights twinkle on the Eiffel Tower every night but for many years, Victoria has taken the top spot as Canada’s most romantic city – for good reason! With incredible heritage and modern architecture and breathtaking natural beauty the little capital city on the southernmost tip of Vancouver Island is an incredibly romantic city with lots of activities for couples to enjoy. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing but culturally, Victoria is a vibrant place where you can find incredible art, food, music, shopping and so much more. Whether you’re looking to challenge each other, relax together or simply enjoy the peace of one another’s company, you can find all that and more in Victoria!
Kayaking & Dinner
If you both love nature and being active this is a great date night option – especially if you’re staying downtown Victoria! Fisherman’s Wharf is the colourful houseboat community on the edge of James Bay where you can find casual to-go food, friendly harbour seals, and even friendlier neighbours! From here, you can rent a kayak for the day, paddle around the Inner Harbour, Upper Harbour, explore the Gorge Waterway or follow the shore parallel to the Dallas Road walking trail and get a view of this popular path from a different perspective! When you’re all done exploring the waters around the city, you can have an incredible dinner at one of the best oceanfront restaurants in the city: Aura. Here, you’ll find incredible cocktails, exquisite dishes and one of the best patios to watch a summer sunset.
If you’re the kind of couple that likes to think outside of the box when it comes to date nights, this is the one for you! If you’ve never done an escape room before, you’ll get to jump into the deep end with Horror Escape downtown Victoria! As the highest rated escape room experience in Victoria, this is sure to get the blood pumping and make you work as a team to solve all the puzzles and be released before the time runs out! To celebrate your escape, head over to Little Jumbo – a cool speakeasy in Old Town Victoria with a unique vibe and incredible cocktails! The best part of this whole evening? It’s totally walkable from any EMR property downtown Victoria!
Hike, Picnic and a View
If you’re a couple with an active lifestyle who loves spending time together outdoors, this is a great romantic date option. If you’re looking for a challenge, Mount Douglas and Mount Tolmie are both easy to moderate hikes that take you to the summit where you can enjoy spectacular views of Victoria and the surrounding area. If you’re up for a drive, Gowlland Todd Provincial Park in Saanich is an incredible place to hike through meandering forest paths and if you want to search for waterfalls, Goldstream Provincial Park is a popular place to hike and stay nice a cool in the trees even at the peak of summer. No matter where you go for a hike, be sure to check out one of the incredible local businesses that provide delicious picnic supplies so you can take the guesswork out of picnic planning! Head to the Very Good Butchers for mouth watering, plant based charcuterie ‘meats’, The Farmer’s Daughter picnic boxes are ideal for no-fuss, high quality charcuterie on-the-go and Fol Epi has some truly European-style charcuterie boxes with an incredible selection of meats, cheeses, pickles and organic bread to enjoy with your special someone. wn Victoria!
Shop at a Farm Market and Cook Dinner Together
In the summer, Victoria farmers markets are filled with fresh local produce, meats, cheeses, preserves and more. Not only can you find great food but the lively energy of a farm market is so much fun – a great way to spend a sunny summer day with that special someone. If you’re looking for a comprehensive list of the farm markets in and around Victoria, you can check out our blog post about all our favourites here! When you get home with all your goodies, what better way to end the day than with a chilled bottle of wine and making a meal together with your haul? If you’re not sure what to make, you can check out Taste Magazine online for great recipe ideas, perfect wine pairings and inventive cocktails. If you’re really into upping your date game, book an online cooking class from The London Chef – you can show off your skills and learn new ones!
Known for its beautiful countryside and rich agricultural land, the Saanich Peninsula just north of Victoria is where you’ll find many local farms that supply the restaurants in Victoria and beyond with incredible quality produce, meats, cheese, honey and more. Arguably one of the most beautiful places on the Peninsula, Sea Cider Farmhouse is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike, a coveted venue for weddings and special events and where some of the most spectacular cider is made. Taking an afternoon to browse the orchard, sample the ciders, and have a romantic lunch at their beautiful restaurant might be one of the best ways to spend a summer day. If you’re staying at one of the many EMR properties with beautiful outdoor spaces, you can extend your romantic day by purchasing your favourite ciders to sip while you watch the sunset from the patio.
Chase the Sunset on Dallas Road
Dallas Road is famous in Victoria. Known for the pristine 7.5 kilometre seaside walking trail, Dallas Road is a popular spot for locals to enjoy all year ‘round. One of the best features of this path is that in Victoria, this is where you find unparalleled sunsets – and what could be more romantic than walking along the edge of the sea while the sun sets behind the waves? Ideal for anyone staying in Victoria this is a great way to spend the last hours of a summer day and if you’re looking for a casual bite to eat or a place to sit and watch the sun disappear, the Breakwater Bistro near Ogden Point has a fabulous patio right on the ocean.
Brunch and a Spa
If there’s one thing that Victoria has in abundance, it’s restaurants and if there’s one thing that Victorians love, it’s brunch – so finding wonderful brunch places is pretty easy in this city! No matter what kind of brunch you’re looking for, Victoria has it! Looking for a healthy option that will feed your body and soul? Try Nourish Kitchen & Cafe! Want something hearty and filling? Jam Cafe has southern inspired dishes that will make your tastebuds sing! The Blue Fox is known for their eggs benny and Hey Happy has light, healthy breakfasts and lunches for the casual brunch go-er. When it comes to spas, Victoria has those in spades too! From upscale facilities at Willow Stream Spa, Boathouse Spa and Amatista Spa to holistic experiences at Sapphire Day Spa and casual organic services at Silk Road, you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for!
Road Trip to a Winery
An easy half-hour drive north of Victoria you can get to the Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island’s very own wine country. The Cowichan Valley has a unique Mediterranean-like microclimate that makes it perfect for growing and producing incredible wines. On a sunny summer day, you can take a short road trip and visit one or more of these stunning vineyards, sample some wine and stop for lunch at one of the lovely restaurants attached. For more information you can read all about our favourite wineries here!
Late Night Stroll & Ice Cream
If you haven’t been to Victoria, you may not know that day or night, Victoria is a beautiful place! At night, the city lights up with heritage lamps, fairy lights, strings of bulbs over the narrow alleys and warm lights coming from the patios and windows of the restaurants. On a warm summer evening, there is almost nothing better than heading out after dinner, as the sun starts to set, grabbing some ice cream and simply walking around the city, hand in hand. Stop at Oh Gelato or Victoria Ice Cream & Fudge Factory and walk with your tasty treats to the Inner Harbour to watch the buskers perform, the sun go down and watch the lights come on the Parliament Buildings. Check out the long-time local favourite Beacon Drive In where you can get a classic soft serve and take it with you to stroll along Dallas Road and Jackson’s Ice Cream Float right on Fisherman’s Wharf is a great place to get some icy treats to-go and walk through James Bay or just enjoy people watching on the wharf!
Go dancing!
These days, it seems like no matter where you travel to, the only places to go dancing are nightclubs filled with obnoxiously loud music, sticky floors and 20 somethings vying for each other’s attention. In Victoria though, there is a place to go dancing with your special someone that has great live music, friendly staff and lively, age-appropriate patrons: Hermann’s Jazz Club! For 40 years, Hermann’s has been the place to go for great live jazz and funky bands perfect for cutting a rug to, every night of the week! Plus, you can find a great cocktail list and excellent food menu so you can really make a night of it!
