How to enjoy a getaway to this gorgeous seaside destination

Out of doors lovers can benefit from the metropolis from numerous angles, by land and by sea — Photograph courtesy of Vacation spot Larger Victoria

A return to beloved Vancouver Island feels even sweeter after a pair years away – and but extra particular for many who hadn’t made it to this enchanted slice of western Canada earlier than the pandemic shifted all of our worlds. With border restrictions lastly eased, it is a breeze to as soon as once more go to Victoria, the welcoming British Columbia capital that is surrounded by the gorgeous Salish Sea (the Juan de Fuca Strait, Puget Sound and the Strait of Georgia).

Though guests can simply arrive from Vancouver by air or by sea, the FRS Clipper proves essentially the most handy mode to journey from the U.S. and not using a automobile. Hop on a glossy, high-speed catamaran in Seattle for a soothing cruise straight to the guts of Victoria. That is the one service transporting passengers between the 2 cities’ downtown docks.

The place to remain

Magnolia Lodge & Spa provides boutique luxurious, with heat private touches, in a major downtown location — Photograph courtesy of Magnolia Lodge & Spa

The Magnolia Hotel & Spa proves a central and welcoming HQ from which to discover Victoria, which resides on the unceded conventional territory of the Lekwungen Peoples. Situated a pair blocks from the Parliament Buildings and one from the Interior Harbour, the place seaplanes buzz, buskers serenade and seagulls swirl, the resort incorporates a cozy foyer and welcoming rooms and suites showcasing heat and delicate hues, darkish wooden, soothing artwork, nook fireplaces and enjoyable tubs.

Conventional turndown service makes friends really feel cared for in a non-invasive means, whereas breakfasts downstairs in The Courtney Room (assume crab and aged cheddar omelets, grain bowls and fried hen with waffles) show the right technique to gasoline up for a day of explorations. Dinner on this elegant but unpretentious house means native delicacies together with fresh-shucked oysters, foraged-and-farmed salads, charcoal-grilled steelhead trout and Fraser Valley duck breast, maybe accompanied by a smoky cocktail or standout classic from B.C.’s Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country.

The Courtney Room inside Magnolia Lodge & Spa spotlights native fare in a chic, light-filled house — Photograph courtesy of Dasha Armstrong

Be sure you cease on the entrance desk to select up Magnolia’s Curated Trails maps. These detailed itineraries are grouped into themes starting from farther-flung finds (the Saanich Peninsula Flavour Path and Cowichan Flavour Path) to downtown treasures just like the Stunning Boutiques Path or Victoria Brewery Path. Stops are really helpful at cordial newcomer Herald Street Brew Works, the place grabbing a bar stool provides theater seating to the beer-making course of, and Whistle Buoy Brewing Company, whose dog-friendly patio in Market Square is a dreamy spot during which to mingle with locals on a leisurely, sun-kissed afternoon.

Simply on the opposite facet of the Clipper terminal, there’s Inn at Laurel Point, a 200-room resort on the mouth of the bustling harbor that has a fascinating history, has been carbon neutral since 2009 and unveiled its lovely new foyer in January 2021.

Begin the day with balcony espresso, watching the waterways thrum to life with playful otters, ducklings, kayakers, floatplanes, ferries and stirring residents of neighboring houseboat communities, too. Out of your elevated perch, get pleasure from “inn-room” breakfast choices like an eggs benny, porridge made with Canadian metal lower oats or a build-your-own omelet creation with parmesan residence fries and toast.

The Inn at Laurel Level provides prime balconies from which to observe the town bustle to life — Photograph courtesy of Inn at Laurel Level/Vacation spot Larger Victoria

Downstairs Aura Waterfront Restaurant + Patio combines soothing Interior Harbour views with globally-inspired small plates, lots of which showcase seasonal items, from kale to raspberries, delivered straight from the chef’s personal backyard. (His spouse occurs to be a wildflower farmer, too.) Strive the grilled asparagus; halibut ceviche with coconut, cilantro, lime and taro chips; crispy pork stomach with fried peanut and bacon crumble, chicory and carrot-truffle mouse; or the seared sockeye salmon with fennel, orange salad and smoked trout roe.

Not-to-be-missed close by actions embody a day expertise on the Pendray Inn and Tea House, inside a Victorian-era manor, the place you may get pleasure from flaky scones, savory finger sandwiches and candy treats alongside unique teas, served in delicate dishware. Towers of vegan goodies can be found if you happen to specify forward of time, too.

Aura Waterfront Restaurant + Patio permits diners to relish seasonal delicacies plus views of Victoria’s Interior Harbour — Photograph courtesy of Inn at Laurel Level/Vacation spot Larger Victoria

Out of doors actions

In terms of out of doors adventures, the choices right here appear limitless. In Victoria itself, there are tried-and-true favorites like strolling alongside serene Dallas Highway or wandering Beacon Hill Park, a verdant metropolis gem that is residence to the world’s tallest story pole (measuring 127 ft and seven inches).

Spend a memorable morning connecting with First Nations group members by Songhees Tours, loved on foot or by canoe. Throughout these enriching explorations, cultural guides lead you to a few of their individuals’s most vital historic websites, weaving in wonder-filled tales and sacred tales alongside the way in which. And for a particular finale? Savor historically impressed snacks like fried bannock from the Songhees waterside food truck.

Inside the “biking capital of Canada,” it solely is sensible to additionally hop on a guided tour with The Pedaler Cycling Tours and Rentals. Expertise the town’s distinctive neighborhoods from a brand new vantage level, through easily-accessed bike lanes, as you study quirky enjoyable information and insider secrets and techniques.

Or, if the climate’s not cooperating, select to spend some hours contained in the Ritual Nordic Spa, rotating between the Finnish sauna, steam room, chilly plunge pool, salt lounge, out of doors patios, rinse station and Nordic bucket bathe. (To actually pamper your self, guide a personal session right here.)

Do not miss the magical, new Malahat SkyWalk, with a spiral picket ramp that gives among the area’s finest panorama views — Photograph courtesy of Hamish Hamilton

These and not using a rental automobile ought to prioritize taking a shuttle or taxi out to The Butchart Gardens, a Zen-filled Nationwide Historic Website with greater than one million crops from 900-plus varieties. Then there’s the Malahat SkyWalk, an elevated tree stroll that leads guests by a magic-tinged madrone forest, with driftwood art work by Tanya Bub tucked among the many branches en route.

Climb the picket construction’s gently sloped spiral ramp, accessible to strollers and wheelchairs as effectively, that culminates with a panoramic lookout level located 820 ft above sea degree. Drink in views of Finlayson Arm, Saanich Peninsula, Mount Baker and the distant Coast Mountains earlier than making your means down – through the ramp or a twisty slide that may revive nearly any customer’s childlike spirit.

The place to eat

Culinary choices in Victoria delight, whether or not you attempt an old-school downtown institution like Nautical Nellie’s Steak & Seafood House, recognized for its tomahawk steaks, regional seafood treasures (attempt the scallop ceviche and seafood tagliatelle) and Wine Spectator award-winning beverage listing. Or take into account newer sizzling spots like Boom + Batten, a hip hangout from which to stare upon supersized yachts whereas indulging in oysters, seafood towers and exquisite dishes like island-raised Parry Bay lamb.

Eva Schnitzelhaus, a current addition to the downtown scene, brings delectable German-inspired fare to a pleasant eating room; menu objects might be tailored for gluten-free and vegetarian diners, because of considerate variations like eggplant schnitzel.

Eva Schnitzelhaus is a brand new eatery serving German-inspired fare in a enjoyable, informal method — Photograph courtesy of Lillie Louise Images

Between the Interior Harbour and Chinatown, The Mint is tucked under avenue degree, proving a pleasant house for conversing amongst Tibetan momos and attractive mains from butter hen curry to “Ginger Cilantro Sticky Rice,” that includes marinated tofu and coconut peanut sauce. Tip: Take a look at the venue’s schedule for upcoming nights devoted to comedy, music and brave open-mic abilities.

And within the charming Fernwood neighborhood, dinner at stage wine bar is an expertise to not be missed. In a fascinating room boasting an intimate, European really feel, select shareable plates and tantalizing cocktails from a succinct, mix-and-match menu that reveals off sardines, olives, cheeses, meats and native fish, too.

Day journey

Within the rolling Cowichan Valley, Merridale is a cidery, distillery, eatery and tasting room rolled into one — Photograph courtesy of Merridale Cidery & Distillery

If time permits, pencil in a day journey to the Cowichan Valley, maybe facilitated by the type and educated proprietor of journey firm Explore Vancouver Island.

On its bucolic 20-acre orchard, the family-owned operation at Merridale Cidery & Distillery in Cobble Hill focuses on conventional strategies and practices – with some fashionable spins. Fashionable ciders vary from their Cowichan Dry to the Merri Berri, a refreshing mix of native apples fermented slowly, then blended with B.C. blackcurrant, cherry and raspberry juices.

The venue additionally produces its personal spirits, together with a rum that is made utilizing B.C. honey, then is fermented, distilled twice of their small-batch copper nonetheless and aged in oak barrels. On a dappled patio, maybe accompanied by dwell music, get pleasure from a farm-fresh unfold of salads, charcuterie boards, burgers, pizzas and savory pies.

In Duncan, get pleasure from wine tasting from the scenic balcony of Blue Grouse Estate Winery, an operation that proudly maintains a sustainability-centric focus that enables the staff to really feel like true “stewards of the land.”

Blue Grouse Property Vineyard welcomes guests to its glossy house, at one of many oldest vineyards on Vancouver Island — Photograph courtesy of Blue Grouse Property Vineyard

One final trek

In your final afternoon on the town, earlier than boarding the Clipper residence, it’s possible you’ll determine to push out onto the water with the assistance of the pleasant of us at Victoria Kayak, in operation since 1996. Possibly you be part of a guided tour, or maybe you select a self-led paddle by the quieter tributaries of downtown Victoria, the quaint capital metropolis that is graciously welcomed you again to relish all her charms – previous and new.

As you glide underneath a collection of bridges, your strokes falling into meditative rhythm, you may simply discover a presence you have not been in a position to seize for fairly a while. As you marvel at sleek herons mid-flight and playfully debate together with your journey companion as to which waterside dock you’d most like to name residence, your spirit feels reignited – and also you keep in mind, gratefully, that that is the very best reward journey has to supply.