Recommendations of "to go places" in Victoria

[Riza]

Hi guys and girls. Looking to pick some brains and get recommendations of places to go for our tour of Victoria this weekend. I have been once before but I always find it is better to ask locals of the best places to go.

It could be a awesome place to eat, cool place to visit best bar in town or just something you think is cool for visitors to check out. Oh ya, where is the best Pho in town lol. This trip will be a mix of work and vacation. :thumb:

Also if you have any questions about our tour you can post them here.:eyebrows:

Hope to see some of your this weekend.:clap2:

 

[FreeG]

My personal favorite for breakfast: The Blue Fox (go early and don't schedule any appts soon after - you'll be wanting a nap! My fave: peasant toast)
Coffee - there's about 1 non-Starbucks cafe for every 10 people in Victoria, I swear. Downtown, there's dozens & dozens. Mocha Cafe by Fisherman's Wharf is a favorite of mine (especially if its not raining). Wild Coffee on Yates & Broad is awesome too - very neat decor inside.
Along with coffee comes chocolate - Rogers Chocolate. Been around since 1880-something. Cause its good.

I personally wouldn't bother with High Tea at the Empress - something like $60/person for tea, tiny sandwiches & English "biscuits" (sugary crackers to me). Save money & time & hit a cafe. If you're inklling for tea, Murchies on Govt between View and Fort is good.

Can't speak to pubs, tho there seem to be a good deal of them downtown. Some friends of mine like Swans.

Fisgard St west of Govt is China Town. Kinda cool to me, but I've never been to many others so I can't compare. Looks like decent Indian, Chinese (of course) and more coffee shops all around there.

If you like running, Beacon Hill park is really nice, go thru/around it & end up on Dallas Rd, run along the water to Ogden Point, out to the nav marker, then through James Bay.

If you have wheels, head up to top of Mt. Doug for a panorama of lower Vancouver Is, WA, mainland BC.

Lots of people on here have lived here far longer than me so I'm sure they can share more nooks & crannies. Enjoy your trip!

 

[Walk Softly]

Spinnakers brew-pub has really good food and, of course, great beer in a pretty cool eclectic setting with a nice view across the harbor. If you go: Their chocolates are excellent!

 

[Riza]

Wow, cool. Thanks for all the suggestions, I will be making a list and trying to hit some of your recommendation. Now Beacon Hill park for a run is right up my alley, love running in the morning

 

[misterpeer]

My two fav spots for dinner is Olo and Ca va bistro!

 

[meaghanmcleodDELETED]

Glad you are both coming over. I can't add any suggestions, as I don't really know things to see. Let me know if you need anything. Would love to see you while you're here. Had such a good time when I came over for Halloween. Xo

 

[paprides]

Haultain's Fish and chips…1100 block Haultain.
Hand cut daily, an interesting selection of fish in a family owned restaurant. (at least it was the last time i was there).

Indian food at the Bengal Lounge in the Empress, although i'm told it's closing for renovations. Best to make a phone call when you get there.

At the inner harbour, Red Fish Blue fish…..oops. closed.

Jeepers, every suggestion except Haultains is a miss, sorry Riza, I've got nothing worthwhile to add.

 

[pro-boner]

The Jam Cafe......542 Chatham....giant breakfast, huge lines in the summer, I don't know what it is like now, in the summer it is 40 min wait to get in for brunch. And yes it is worth the wait. All the locals downtown know about this place.

 

[badbadboy]

Spinnakers brew pub / restaurant.

Great food, mostly organic from Vancouver Island and of course craft brews made on the premises.

Always a good walk back to the hotel afterwards around the inner harbour.

http://www.spinnakers.com

 

[Riza]

Wow guys, thanks for all the suggestions. We have many places to check out. I know for sure we will be doing a spa day :clap2:

Also just found out that Becky is coming also for Saturday and Sunday so will be even more fun.:eyebrows:

 

[Ribbed]

I agree with BC Babe, plus Olo and Spinnakers. The rest of the places listed are pretty meh.

 

[Claire Monet]

I don't know Victoria very well (planning a work/play trip soon so I also appreciate the recommendations!) but if you like cider Sea Cider is a great place to check out. It's just a quick detour off the main highway from the ferries into town. They serve flights for tasting and, though I didn't indulge at the time, their small bite menu looked very tasty.

 

[paprides]

I was thinking how interesting it might be to hear of your opinions of the places you saw, and enjoyed over the weekend.
Riza's Road Trip Report!

 

[badbadboy]

I did a "Ghost Walk" with an SP who was interested in the paranormal.

You meet near the Empress at 8 or 9 PM and walk downtown through alley ways where murders happened years ago.

It was interesting history wise and I take it others in a room at the end of the tour felt the presence of a visitor amongst us. A bit of spooky fun

 

[six1961xis]

Try Fol Epi Organic Bread & Pastry:
http://folepi.ca/

or the Dutch Bakery (good pastries; café is sort of octogenarian):
http://thedutchbakery.com/

Harbour Ferry is fun:
http://www.victoriaharbourferry.com/
Whoops! Like Red Fish Blue Fish, ferry resumes in Feb...

 

[rlock]

I did a "Ghost Walk" with an SP who was interested in the paranormal.

Did you check out Ross Bay Cemetery ?