(Photo Credit to Lexa Bergen)

Fresh Off The Press, in Victoria, BC

Samantha Brown's Places to Love

Season 7 Episode 703

Join Samantha Brown as she immerses herself into the historical and innovative city of Victoria BC, during Season Seven, Episode Three of PBS’s two-time Emmy Award-winning series. Samantha Brown’s Places to Love returns when she ventures into the waterfront capital city of British Columbia. Victoria, BC is a unique blend of old-world charm and new-world experiences mixed with sustainable innovation. If you're looking to experience Victoria, like Samantha Brown, here are a few places you must visit.

Accessibility & Inclusivity 

We take great pride in welcoming all travellers, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity to all. With a diverse range of tourism experiences that embrace the LGBTQ2* community, multigenerational travel, mobility needs, and more, you'll see why Victoria ranked amongst Travel + Leisure’s Top 50 Places to Visit in 2023 and in Condé Nast Traveler's ranking as the #1 city in the world. 

LGBTQ2* Inclusive Travel

Victoria is proud to incorporate Inclusive Travel into every facet of travellers plans. With TAG Accommodations, Rainbow Registered businesses, and a proud member of Victoria Pride Society, there is no shortage of inclusive travel options that strive to create queer-friendly experiences for their guests. We strive to make travellers feel safe and respected. Stay tuned for more inclusive travel events in Victoria, BC.

Accessible Travel

From family-friendly to wheelchair accessible, Victoria has an adventure for ALL! Everyone with varying abilities deserves the opportunity to enjoy an active and rewarding lifestyle. Whether reaching new heights above the treetops with Malahat SkyWalk, or activating the senses along the Salish Sea through Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Tours - inspire your own accessible itinerary. 

Relax | Reset | Restore

Wellness travel renews your mind and body. Lifts your spirits. Settles your soul. Expands your world. Whether a trip for business or a family holiday, its easy to design your vacation with wellness in mind. Check out our guide to health & wellness, for inspiration on how you can slow-down in Greater Victoria.

(Photo Credit to @matt_shannon_photography)

Wild Renfrew:

New Forest View Studio

Wild Renfrew Seaside Cottages announced their new Forest View Studio available January 2024. With special features such as an outdoor shower, outdoor jetted tub, private patio and a gas fire-pit, curate a wellness vacation never to be forgotten. This studio sits on the edge of a little forest, granting a private and peaceful evening and night.

(Photo Credit to Wildwood Saunas)

Wildwood Saunas

Located at the beautiful Bilston Creek Lavender Farm, Wildwood Saunas recently found their new home in July 2023. Indulge and relax during a 90 minute cycle between a wood-burning sauna, cold plunge, and serene outdoor fire pit & shower. Sitting on the edge of the lush forest, this is the ultimate experience to re-connect with nature and oneself.

Anniversaries & Milestones 

10th Anniversary

Victoria Beer Week

March 1-9th 2024 

Victoria Beer Society celebrates 10 years of unique craft beer experiences. Victoria Beer Week launched in 2014 and has since become a successful annual festival creating craft beer ambassadors out of regular beer consumers. VBW is a week-long festival showcasing BC craft breweries in unique event settings across Greater Victoria.

25th Anniversary

Ska & Reggae Festival

June 19-23rd 2024 

The annual Victoria Ska Fest is a diverse music showcase featuring the best reggae, ska, dub, jazz, dancehall, and punk from across the globe. This family-friendly event is the largest and longest running event of its kind in North America. Located at a variety of different venues downtown, the festival gives everyone a chance to discover and rediscover their sound.

New Restaurants

(Photo Credit to Rudi)    

Rudi

Rudi opened in late 2023. Rudi is short for Rudolph, a traditional German name that is inspired by owner, Jesse Dame’s, grandfather. Rudi is a place to come together and share food, drinks and stories. Expect a menu inspired by traditional European cuisine and beloved family recipes passed down through generations – with tweaks and new ideas added over time.

(Photo Credit to Shuck Taylor's)

Shuck Taylor's

Shuck Taylor’s is a new oyster house that opened end of September 2023. With a focus on fresh shellfish, their menu is expected to change with the tides. Local oyster and seafood master, Jess Taylor, began by running his own catering business, Wandering Mollusk. Now operating a permanent location, his passion for local and quality seafood will attract customers to the heart of the city. 

Greater Victoria: Canada's Resale Capital

Greater Victoria was named the Resale Capital of Canada, according to data sourced from Statistics Canada. With 44 unique and eclectic second-hand shops located from Sooke to Sidney, the region boasts the highest number of registered resale businesses per capita. This thriving sector, ranging from vintage boutiques to thrift stores, contributes to a vibrant and sustainable retail economy across the region. 

Here's a few consignment shops to get you started:

• House of Savoy
• Twice as Nice Consignment
• WIN Resale Shop
• A La Mode Consignment

Destination Greater Victoria is honoured to be based on the traditional territory of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples, whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.