Things To Do in Beacon Hill Park

bridge over pond in a garden - beacon hill park victoria bc

When you’re visiting Victoria, British Columbia, one of the must-visit attractions is Beacon Hill Park. Located in downtown Victoria, this incredible urban park spans over 200 acres and is filled with activities and attractions. Whether you’re traveling with kids, looking for historical attractions, or just want to spend time in nature, Beacon Hill Park has something for everyone!

Established in 1882, Beacon Hill Park was named after the two beacons used by the Hudson Bay Company that used to be located on top of the hill on land set aside for a city park by James Douglas, the governor of the Colony of Vancouver Island. Beacon Hill Park is located in the heart of downtown Victoria on Vancouver Island, British Columbia nearby the stunning Inner Harbour. It’s bordered by Douglas Street to the east, Cook Street to the west, Dallas Road to the south, and Circle Drive to the north. Today, thanks to the Friends of Beacon Hill Park, a non-profit organization who work hard to maintain the park and provide educational programs and organize events in the park, Beacon Hill is one of the largest public parks in Victoria where you can find historical attractions, peaceful natural spaces, playgrounds, walking paths and so much more! 

Gardens in Beacon Hill Park

By far one of the greatest draws for visitors to the park are the gardens. Beacon Hill is home to several gardens, ranging from beautifully cultivated gardens like the rose garden and more wild, natural spaces like the camas meadow. The rose garden is located near Goodacre Lake and has over 1,000 roses in different varieties and colors. In the spring and summer, this garden is filled with incredible roses each with unique blooms and scents. The camas meadow is located in the southwestern corner of the park and is home to a stunning display of purple camas flowers in the spring. Beacon Hill is also home to many beautiful Garry Oak trees and visitors can go see these native trees up close in the Garry Oak grove near the children’s playground. 

Historical Attractions

With a history that dates back to the 1880’s, it’s no wonder that Beacon Hill Park is rich in history! One of the most famous historical attractions is the totem pole, which stands at 127 feet tall and is the second tallest totem pole in the world. It was carved by Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations artist Mungo Martin and was raised in the park in 1956. Visitors can explore the Dallas Road gun battery, which was built in 1895 to protect Victoria and the Esquimalt Naval Base from naval attack and the Cameron Bandshell, built in 1898 located near the center of the park, is a popular venue for concerts and events. As you enter Beacon Hill you can’t miss Goodacre Lake Fountain built in 1885. While it has undergone several restorations over the years it serves as a symbol of the park’s rich history and enduring beauty, and it remains a popular attraction for visitors to the park today.

Recreation 

If you’re traveling with kids, there are plenty of activities and amenities in Beacon Hill Park to keep them entertained! One of the most popular attractions is the Beacon Hill Children’s Farm petting zoo, where kids can pet and feed a variety of animals, including goats, rabbits, and chickens! There are also several playgrounds throughout the park, including one near the petting zoo and one near the tennis courts. For nature kids, there are plenty of trees and rocks to climb and open spaces to run plus, kids will also love watching the peacocks, ducks and geese that roam freely throughout the park.

If you’re looking for recreation areas, there are plenty at Beacon Hill! Kick a ball around on one of the soccer fields, lawn bowl on the lawn bowling greens, get a few volleys in at the tennis courts or spend an afternoon on the putting green. Beacon Hill is a great place to jog and if you’re looking for a more leisurely activity, you can take a stroll around the park and enjoy the beautiful Garry oak and Arbutus trees. You may even spot some great blue herons near Fountain Lake!

Proximity to Downtown Victoria

One of the great things about Beacon Hill Park is its proximity to downtown Victoria. You can easily walk to the park from the Inner Harbour, and it’s just a short drive from Douglas Street and the Trans-Canada Highway if you’re coming into Victoria for a visit. If you’re staying in the city, Beacon Hill Park is a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown while still being close enough to enjoy all the attractions!

There’s no doubt that with so much natural beauty and historical significance, Beacon Hill Park is a must-visit when you’re staying in Southern Vancouver Island! 

Things to Do in Victoria BC

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Known as the City of Gardens, Victoria, British Columbia is perched on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and is one of the most beautiful places to visit on the west coast of Canada. Best known for its unique blend of old-world British charm and contemporary urban development surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, Victoria is also a hub for historical sites, unique attractions and once-in-a-lifetime sightseeing opportunities. It’s no wonder that Victoria, BC is consistently voted one of the top Canadian cities to visit! Whether you’re staying right in the heart of downtown Victoria, in picturesque Oak Bay, modern Langford, or wild Sooke you can find your perfect Pacific Northwest experience! 

Attractions

The Parliament Buildings

501 Belleville St, Victoria, BC V8V 2L8 | www.leg.bc.ca

Located in the beautiful Inner Harbour, the British Columbia Parliament Buildings, built by Francis Rattenbury for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897 are arguably the most recognized landmark in Victoria. With a grand, ornate facade, oxidized copper domed roofs, and stately grounds these buildings certainly make an impression – and the interior is equally magnificent. Filigree, gold leaf, murals, stained glass, important artifacts and columns can be found throughout, a testament to the building’s historical and contemporary importance to the Province of BC.  You can take a free guided tour to learn more about building and even watch the action when the legislature is in session! 

Royal BC Museum

675 Belleville St, Victoria, BC V8W 9W2  | www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

Right next to the Parliament Buildings in Victoria’s Inner Harbour sits one of Canada’s greatest cultural treasures: the Royal BC Museum. Founded in 1886, the museum has collected artifacts, documents and specimens of BC’s human and natural history both preserving them for the future and using them as tools to share the stories and knowledge of BC. Here, you can explore the natural and colonial history and learn more about the First Nations of BC. Plus, in the adjoining Thunderbird Park, you can see Coast Salish totem poles and the Mungo Martin House that displays striking carvings from the renowned Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw artist.  

Craigdarroch Castle

1050 Joan Crescent, Victoria, BC V8S 3L5 | www.thecastle.ca

Nestled in the beautiful neighbourhood of Rockland you’ll find one of the most impressive historic buildings in Victoria. Built by coal baron Robert Dunsmuir in the 1800s, Craigdarroch Castle this European-style castle was the Dunsmuir family home for many years. Today, the castle welcomes thousands of people each year to tour this modern-era castle and be transported to another time.

The Fairmont Empress Hotel

721 Government Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1W5 | www.fairmont.com/empress-victoria

Not long after the construction of the Parliament Buildings was completed, Francis Rattenbury was again commissioned to create the Empress Hotel as a part of the Canadian Railway project. After a long tumultuous history, the enormous chateau-style building still sits next to the Parliament Buildings in Victoria’s Inner Harbour and encompasses an entire city block. Today, guests can wander through the main floor lobby, make reservations in one of the most opulent dining rooms in the city, enjoy afternoon tea and experience a truly Victorian, heritage landmark. 

The Butchart Gardens

800 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay, BC V8M 1J8 | www.butchartgardens.com

One of the most well known tourist attractions on Vancouver Island is undoubtedly the world-famous Butchart Gardens. This National Historic Site is home to over 900 different plant varieties over fifty acres of land cultivated into five distinct gardens. Take an afternoon to wander through the lush Mediterranean Garden and fragrant Rose Garden, marvel at the precision of the Italian Garden, find your zen in the Japanese Garden and meander through the paths of the calm Sunken Garden. After the gardens, treat yourself to some delicious gelato, stop in for a coffee at the cafe or grab a table in the restaurant for a healthy lunch! 

Miniature World

649 Humboldt St, Victoria, BC V8W 1A7 | www.miniatureworld.com

If you’re looking for the perfect family attraction in Victoria – you’ve found it! With incredible exhibits in perfect minute detail you can see two of the largest dollhouses circa 1880, explore space in the year 2201, watch the world’s smallest sawmill, walk through enchanted forests filled with castles and watch miniature trapeze at the smallest big top! It’s a uniquely Victorian experience perfect for kids of all ages!  

Victoria Bug Zoo

631 Courtney St, Victoria, BC V8W 1B8 | www.victoriabugzoo.ca

Since 1997, the Victoria Bug Zoo has been delighting guests with awe-inspiring bugs from around the world! With over 50 incredible species of bugs to explore including glow-in-the-dark scorpions, giant walking sticks, gorgeous moths and butterflies and so much more both sceptics and avid entomologists of all ages are sure to have a fantastic time learning more about these incredible creatures! 

Hatley Castle

2005 Sooke Rd, Victoria, BC V9B 5Y2 | www.hatleycastle.com

Built in 1908 by James Dunsmuir, the son of coal baron Robert Dunsmuir, this grand fortress-style castle was James’ home until his death in 1920 and would stay in the Dunsmuir family until 1937 when James’ wife and daughter died. Shortly after their tragic deaths, it was purchased by the government and became a Naval training base and military college. Today, Hatley Castle is the administrative offices of the prestigious Royal Roads University and has been used as the backdrop for many TV shows and movies! You can opt for a self guided tour and walk the expansive Edwardian-style gardens and home solo or book a guided tour and learn more about the estate and the people who have called it home over the years! 

Victoria Butterfly Gardens 

1461 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay, BC V8M 1J5 | www.butterflygardens.com

This enormous indoor jungle located just west of Sidney is filled with thousands of tropical butterflies, colourful birds, lizards of all sizes and more! Plus, if you’re into creepy crawlies, you can have a look at their latest exhibit, the Insectarium! Butterfly Gardens is a must see – especially if you’re looking for a family experience! 

Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

1040 Moss St, Victoria, BC V8V 4P1 | www.aggv.ca

Located just outside of downtown Victoria in the neighbourhood of Rockland, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is home to over 20,000 pieces of art making it the largest public collection in BC. With an incredible permanent display of painting and works by the renowned BC artist, Emily Carr and one of Canada’s most important Asian art collections, fascinating and inspiring temporary exhibits and passionate docents, the AGGV is a must for anyone who wants to learn more about Victoria and BC through art. 

Outdoor Attractions

Whale Watching Tours

Various locations: map

If you’re a nature-lover or an outdoor enthusiast, Vancouver Island is a must! And if you’re wanting to have a truly memorable experience, you can’t go wrong booking a whale watching tour with one of our many highly-rated, local tour operators. While most tours operate year-round, the summer months are the best if you’re hoping to spot orcas, humpback and grey whales that travel through the Strait of Juan de Fuca on their yearly migration. Explore the natural beauty of the Island from a different vantage point, learn about the biodiversity of the Pacific Northwest ocean and meet some of our aquatic neighbours from eagles to sea lions, up close and personal!

Kayaking in Victoria

Various locations: map

With over 3,000km of coastline and hundreds of lakes and rivers to explore, it’s no wonder that kayaking is one of the most popular recreational activities in Victoria. Not only do paddlers have so many options but kayaking is an easy, fun and healthy way to spend a day in the capital city! Whether you’re looking for a few hours of solo paddling or a guided tour, Victoria has it! Just click on the map link and you can find rentals and guides to fit your needs! 

Goldstream Provincial Park

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If there’s one place that locals love to visit it’s Goldstream Provincial Park and for good reason! If you’re looking for majestic waterfalls and lush forested hiking trails near Victoria, this is where you’ll want to go. Plus, you can find paths perfect for kids or people with mobility issues and the nature house is always a great place to stop by with the family! 

Fort Rodd Hill

603 Fort Rodd Hill Rd, Victoria, BC V9C 2W8 | 250-478-5849

Tucked away on the edge of the water sits Fort Rodd Hill, a 19th-century west coast artillery fortress that was on active duty from 1895 to 1956. Here, you can learn about the life and personal stories of soldiers and lighthouse keepers through the years through interactive exhibits, artefacts and self-guided audio tours. On the edge of Fort Rodd Hill, you’ll find one of the oldest lighthouses in Canada, Fisgard Lighthouse. Built in 1860, Fisgard Lighthouse was originally a beacon to guide the British Royal Navy’s Pacific Squadron as they came into Victoria. For sixty nine years a lighthouse keeper was stationed at Fisgard Lighthouse to ensure the beacon functioned and kept vessels safe until it was automated in 1929. 

Beacon Hill Park

100 Cook St, Victoria, BC | www.beaconhillpark.com

Beacon Hill Park is one of the most incredible places to explore in Victoria. This expansive urban park is within easy walking distance from downtown Victoria and offers visitors acres and acres of stunning landscapes from cultivated gardens and ponds, garry oak groves, moss-covered boulders, fields of grass, playgrounds and even a petting zoo! While you’re walking through this incredible garden, keep your eyes peeled for the resident peacocks that roam free and treat visitors with large, iridescent tail displays! 

Victoria’s Chinatown

500 Fisgard St, Victoria, BC V8W 1R4 | www.chinatown.library.uvic.ca

When gold was discovered in the Fraser Canyon, the gold rush began in BC. Thousands of people immigrated to the province including a large Chinese population. During this time of growth, Chinatown was a collection of simple wooden huts on the edge of the remote trading post of Fort Victoria. In the following years, Chinatown grew rapidly and became a densely populated area with thriving businesses, schools, a hospital as well as successful underground gambling dens, opium factories and brothels. Today, Chinatown occupies the 500 to 600 block of Fisgard St. in downtown Victoria and is best known for being Canada’s oldest Chinatown, a National Historic Site and home to the beautiful Gate of Harmonious Interest. Here you can pop into the funky boutiques in Fan Tan Alley, the narrowest street in North America, browse shops filled with housewares and taste some of the best Chinese food on Vancouver Island. 

Dallas Road  

map 

When the sun is shining in Victoria, one of the best ways to spend an afternoon is to take a walk on the Dallas Road seaside trail. Beginning at picturesque Fisherman’s Wharf follow Dallas Road heading south and you can enjoy stunning views of the Olympic Mountains across the Strait of Juan de Fuca and crisp ocean air. On your way, you can stop in for a coffee, walk out onto the breakwater, see the world’s second tallest totem pole or take a detour to walk through Beacon Hill Park. 

The Pacific Marine Circle Route – a Perfect West Coast Adventure

overcast day on china beach canada

When you’re researching your trip to Vancouver Island, Canada you’ll likely find endless information about British Columbia’s capital city, Victoria and there’s always lots to read about Nanaimo, the second largest city on Vancouver Island. You’ll find a plethora of articles all about the incredible restaurants, attractions, heritage sites in these areas – we know, we wrote a lot of them! But if you’re looking for a real Canadian adventure, there’s one road trip that is relatively unknown to anyone but locals that offers breathtaking pacific northwest coast landscapes, hidden natural swimming spots, wild surfing, quaint towns to explore, heritage sites, wineries and more: The Pacific Marine Circle Route. This 255 km road trip loops around southern Vancouver Island and takes you to parts of this Island that you would never normally get to experience. So, buckle up because we’ve got an adventure in 5 parts that will make you never want to leave Vancouver Island. 

Victoria to Sooke

(40 km ~45 minutes)

Beginning in Victoria, you’ll want to head west on Highway 14. While this is technically a highway, Highway 14 is more of a country road than a major thoroughfare as it meanders through the city of Langford and the small town of Metchosin on the way to Sooke. Along this route, there are many stops you can make to stretch your legs. While you’re going through Langford, you can stop by Goldstream Provincial Park where you can find forested hiking trails, rushing rivers and gorgeous waterfalls. Pop into My-Chosen Cafe for a taste of country living and just outside of Sooke, be sure to visit Sheringham Distillery and try some truly unique pacific northwest coast flavoured spirits. When you get to Sooke, you’ll want to take a break and experience where the forest meets the ocean at East Sooke Park or take the short drive to see the incredible Sooke Potholes. You can take a seaside walk along Whiffin Spit, enjoy the spectacular ocean views and stop in at the nearby West Coast Grill for dinner.

Sooke to Port Renfrew

(71 km ~1.5 hours)

When you leave Sooke, you’ll be leaving a lot of familiar comforts behind and beginning your journey into the wild west coast. Many sections of this route are former logging roads that have been paved to make this trek easier and safer, but it is important to note that there is no cell service on this leg of the journey so use caution. Following this road that twists around enormous trees and past rushing waterfalls, between the open Pacific Ocean and dense west coast rainforest, you’ll find yourself in the most beautiful places in the world. On this part of your journey you’ll want to stop at the historical Sheringham Point Lighthouse, grab a bite at Shirley Delicious, one of the best rated cafés in Canada and stretch your legs at Jordan River, the southernmost beach of the Juan de Fuca Provincial Park where surfers from all over the island come to find incredible waves and battle the elements. As you continue your journey north into the Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, be sure to stop at some of the beaches that dot this incredible park. You’ll find Sombrio, China, Mystic and Botanical beach along this route, each more beautiful than the next, perfect for stretching your legs and getting some fresh sea air. Perched at the top of Juan de Fuca Provincial Park you’ll find Port Renfrew. Here, the land juts out into the ocean, making it feel distinctly wild and where you’ll find incredible open ocean seascapes, old growth forests, hiking trails like the trailhead to the famous West Coast Trail and a quaint little town. It’s the perfect place to stop for supplies, have a delicious dinner or book a whale watching tour or go on a fishing expedition from Wild Renfrew Resort! 

Port Renfrew to Duncan

(91km ~1.5 hours)

Heading back out onto the road from Port Renfrew, your route is going to start heading east to the Cowichan Valley where you will stop in the lovely little city of Duncan. As you leave Port Renfrew, you can make a quick detour to visit Avatar Grove – a magical grove of old growth Western Red Cedar and Douglas Firs and home to Canada’s Gnarliest Tree known to locals as “Big Lonely Doug” (note: this detour is best made with a four wheel drive vehicle.) As you’re leaving Port Renfrew, you can also visit Fairy Lake where you can see the mysterious “bonsai” – a tiny Douglas Fir growing out of a submerged log in the lake. The twisting road will eventually take you to Lake Cowichan, a large, fresh water lake and popular swimming spot for locals! Take a dip in the lake or take the time to experience tubing down the Cowichan River before heading back out on the road towards Duncan, home of the Cowichan Tribes First Nation and known for the incredible totems throughout the city centre. 

Duncan to Sidney

(45km ~1.25 hours)

Once you’re finished exploring the beautiful heritage city of Duncan, it’s time to head south toward your next stop: Cowichan Bay. The people of this tiny little maritime village on the east coast of southern Vancouver Island really know how to slow down and appreciate life. With a bustling houseboat community on the water, an artisanal bakery, ocean-side dining, handmade ice cream and gift shops filled with handmade, local items, Cowichan Bay is a great place to take a break. From here, you’ll head south on Highway 1 towards Mill Bay passing through Vancouver Island’s wine country, home to incredible wineries. On this leg of the journey, there is also the Kinsol Trestle on the Cowichan Valley Trail that you can stop to see. As one of the largest free-standing wooden trestles in the world, views from here are remarkable! From there, you can go straight to the Mill Bay BC ferry terminal and wait for the ferry to take you across the Saanich Inlet to Brentwood Bay on the Saanich Peninsula, just south of Sidney. While the crossing doesn’t take long, the ferry itself is small and can only accommodate a certain number of vehicles each crossing so when you’re planning this leg of your journey, check the website to ensure there are no delays! When you’re landed in Brentwood Bay, head north to Sidney to explore this pedestrian friendly town centre, the lively marina and incredible restaurants! 

Sidney to Victoria | Duncan to Victoria

(27km ~25 minutes) | (61km ~50 minutes)

If you’ve made it to Sidney from Duncan on the ferry, you’ll want to head down the Peninsula to the capital city of Victoria where your journey began! On your journey south, you’ll find many incredible sites where you can stop! In Sidney you can visit the Shaw Center for the Salish Sea, the local aquarium and educational centre, head to Butchart Gardens and explore the incredible blooms, wander through the orchard at Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse and stop into one of the many breweries in Saanich to try some local beer! 

If you’re heading to Victoria from Duncan and have decided to save a trip to the Peninsula for another day, you’ll want to head south on the Malahat, the swooping, cliffside section of Highway 1 that connects the Cowichan Valley to Greater Victoria. As you travel south from Duncan, you can stop in at one of the many incredible wineries in the Cowichan Valley to taste the wine or to stop for a wonderful lunch. You’ll have to take the short hike to see the Kinsol Trestle on the Cowichan Valley Trail and if you’re ready to relax after such a long journey, be sure to book a treatment or two at the spa at the Villa Eyrie! As you approach Victoria, this is a great opportunity to stop by Goldstream Provincial Park if you weren’t able to on your way out of town or take a small detour to visit Hatley Castle and tour the incredible home and grounds of one of Victoria’s founding families in Colwood. If you’re ready to kick back after your journey, we get it! Grab an appointment at Willow Stream Spa and take yourself and your travel companion out for an incredible dinner downtown Victoria and pat yourselves on the back for completing the Pacific Marine Circle Route! 

Adventure Begins with an EMR Rental! Book Today!

Grab a Bite! Best Places to Dine Out in Victoria

Best Places to Dine Out in Victoria

Victoria, British Columbia has more restaurants per-capita than any other Canadian city and it’s no wonder why – we have access to some of the best ingredients in the world! Whether you’re staying in an EMR property downtown Victoria or if you’re enjoying Sidney and North Saanich in a stunning EMR Saanich location, you’ll want to spend some of your stay exploring the incredible cuisine on South Vancouver Island! From French fine dining and casual Italian bistros to Japanese tapas and cool West Coast eateries, Victoria restaurants have it all and more! It’s often said that one of the best ways to learn about a new city is through the food and visiting restaurants that locals love. So come and learn about this beautiful capital city in Canada’s Pacific Northwest the best way possible – through our food! 

Red Fish Blue Fish

1006 Wharf St, Victoria

When it comes to fun, flavourful dishes and fresh Ocean wise seafood, you’ll be hard pressed to find anything better than the menu at Red Fish Blue Fish! This long-time local favourite food stand, tucked away in the Inner Harbour is one of the best places to find a huge variety of casual classic and Mexican-inspired seafood dishes from fish and chip combos like fresh halibut and wild salmon to comforting chowder and deliciously messy fish tacos, tostadas and sandwiches. It’s really the perfect place to grab a bite while you’re exploring Victoria! 

Brasserie L’ecole 

1715 Government St, Victoria

If you’re looking for the perfect place for French fine dining in the heart of Victoria, you can’t go wrong booking a table at Brasserie L’ecole, located on Government St right near Victoria’s Chinatown. With decadent French-country inspired dishes made from locally sourced, seasonal, local ingredients the menu at Brasserie is both elevated and approachable. From menu items like pâté and salmon rillettes to decadently juicy steak frites, burgers and ratatouille, the Brasserie takes French comfort food flavours to a whole new level.

Pagliacci’s

1011 Broad St, Victoria

If you love Italian food as much as we do, you’ll want to make sure that you make sure to visit one of Victoria’s favourite restaurants: Pagliacci’s. Set in one of Victoria’s many heritage buildings, this lovely bistro offers guests a dinner menu filled with flavourful handmade meat and veggie pasta dishes, perfectly prepared steaks, surf and turf with jumbo prawns and crispy salads. Here, you can also find one of the best brunch spots and if you’re looking for a great happy hour, Pag’s has it! Plus, Pagliacci’s also offers easy takeout options with individual sized cocktails, wine and beer options as well as their full menu! Buon appetito!

Il Terrazzo

555 Johnson St, Victoria

Right in the heart of Old Town, tucked away down a little alley is one of the loveliest, fine-dining, Italian restaurants in downtown Victoria. For nearly 30 years, this restaurant has been known for its incredible ambience, service and menus. If you’re looking for the best restaurant for an intimate dining experience that will make you feel like you’re in the heart of the Mediterranean, this is it!

Ferris’

536 Yates St, Victoria

Once upon a time, there was a funky little restaurant named Ferris’ that opened right near the water in heritage downtown Victoria. It quickly became a popular restaurant for local foodies and its popularity has never wavered. Now Ferris’ is so much more – there’s Ferris’ Grill & Garden Patio when you’re in the mood for casual dining or a fun happy hour spot,  Ferris’ Upstairs Seafood & Oyster Bar where diners can come for something more upscale and intimate and Perro Negro for absurdly delightful cocktails and Spanish tapas and other small plates.

Little Jumbo

Down the Hall, 506 Fort St #102, Victoria

Looking for a funky speakeasy vibe with incredible craft cocktails and a delicious menu? Little Jumbo has you covered! For nearly a decade now, this incredibly cool spot located in heritage downtown Victoria has been drawing crowds with imaginative craft cocktails and delicious, fresh, ever-changing dishes. With edgy decor like the bare Edison bulbs hanging from the ceiling, never-ending great music, knowledgeable service this permanently busy restaurant is a must when you’re dining in Victoria!  

The Fairmont Empress

721 Government St, Victoria

Standing pride of place in the beautiful Inner Harbour stands The Empress Hotel. As a well-known heritage site, this hotel is not just a place where visitors book their stay in Victoria, it also has a world-class spa, beautiful gardens, small shopping area and some of the best restaurants in the city. Since 1908, The Empress has been offering a formal, British high tea service complete with classic tea blends, tiered trays laden with finger sandwiches, fresh scones, cream and preserves. Today you can still experience one of the most cherished Victorian traditions in the sophisticated Lobby Lounge. If you’re looking for a pre-dinner cocktail, Q Bar is one of the top places in the city to go for exceptional hand-crafted cocktails, local beer on tap and an impressive wine selection. Q at the Empress is one of the best places to find Pacific Northwest Coast inspired cuisine in an elegantly modern dining room. For one of the best patios in the city, you’ll want to make a reservation on the Verandah where you can find comfortable fireside seating, warm drinks, festive treats and watch the world go by.   

Café Brio

944 Fort St, Victoria

With an unassuming facade, this lovely restaurant on Fort St. in Victoria has long been serving Italian-inspired, rustic, West Coast cuisine to the discerning foodie crowd in Victoria. With a focus on sourcing the highest quality, local ingredients, impeccable service and gorgeous wine bar, Café Brio is sure to impress! 

Saveur

658 Herald St, Victoria

For contemporary fine dining, there’s no better place to make a reservation than Saveur. Using almost exclusively local ingredients and making their menu reflect the seasonality of the region, the beautifully plated, contemporary French inspired dishes make an evening at Saveur a memorable and delicious experience. 

AURA Waterfront Restaurant

680 Montreal St, Victoria

AURA Waterfront Restaurant, on the edge of James Bay is by far one of the best restaurants to find incredible food and waterfront views. Best known for their brunches and fun happy hour offerings, AURA focuses on sourcing fresh, local ingredients for their global-inspired dishes. For larger parties, you can book a table and have access to the Chef’s Group tasting menu – a set menu featuring all the very best AURA has to offer! 

The Pink Bicycle

1008 Blanshard St, Victoria

When it comes time to find a great burger in Victoria, you won’t want to go anywhere but the Pink Bicycle! Their menu is jam packed with inventive and mouth-watering meat and veggie burgers, unique poutine options, and more! All made with high quality, fresh ingredients everything from the bun to the mayo is handmade with care and for the gluten free crowd, there are delicious gluten free buns and burgers for you to enjoy! 

Nubo Japanese Tapas & Nubo Kitchen + Bar

739 Pandora Ave, Victoria & 490 Pandora Ave, Victoria

When it comes to Japanese food, Nubo has taken Victoria by storm, opening two very different but equally delicious Japanese restaurants in downtown Victoria. Nubo Japanese Tapas is a small, modern restaurant perfect for grabbing a casual bite and one of the best takeout sushi restaurants in the city. While Nubo Tapas is perfect for a casual bite, Nubo Kitchen and Grill is a high-end dining experience right in historic Victoria. Both locations are inspired by the casual Japanese tapas style dining called Izakaya, at both locations, you’ll find carefully created dishes like crispy tempura, silky ramen and cool maki, perfect for sharing. Using both traditional Japanese flavours as well as globally inspired flavour combinations, the food at Nubo is sure to impress! 

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EMR Vacation Rentals New Blog

Often thought about writing about my experiences in the vacation rental industry in BC but just never go around my busy schedule to do so. Over the last 12 years, since I first go involved in the vacation rental industry a lot has changed.

Gone are the days of putting up a simple website promoting your property on the internet, getting a ton of links pointing to your site with link exchanging, just to ensure you are ranking high in the number of search engines to choose from. Now it is much more complex with in-depth SEO (search engine optimization) development requirement, social media, paid search engine ads, content writing etc. For many businesses in our industry it has been getting harder and harder to keep up.

Mill Bay Marina on Vancouver Island British Columbia

Since the internet search world is depending on new content being developed on a regular basis, I will take my kick at the can to adding my two cents worth of information on my experiences working in the vacation rental and travel industry in British Columbia.  We have a good team of people who work together at EMR Vacation Rentals, and all of us at one time of another will be providing our thoughts and to share information about our company, the industry, and the more fun things like traveling in British Columbia (our home).

Hopefully, this blog, will provide you with interesting subjects and information you (the reader) will find useful.

Welcome to our blog and please follow us here.