The food scene in Victoria is crazy awesome right now! There are so many fantastic restaurants serving utterly delicious food that’s local, seasonal, sustainable and ethical.
I’m especially excited about the new Victoria Public Market, with tons of tasty vendors, Be Love, a new restaurant serving to-die-for organic cuisine and awesome drinks, and Fol Epi organic bakery, with out-of-this-world baked goods, breads and pastries.
But Victoria is one of my favourite places to visit beyond it's fabulous food and drink, and there will be a lot more of the historic city in my future as my parents are retiring there later this year. They're big walkers and with their enthusiastic help I'm slowly discovering all of the city's scenic, historic and natural nooks and crannies.
Every time I visit Victoria, I discover something new. Here are a few stories I’ve written about British Columbia’s quaint capital:
- BC Living – Victoria’s Food Festival: Dine Around and Stay in Town, February 20, 2014
- Homes & Living – Victoria spas combine indulgent, natural ingredients for stunning results, August/September 2013
- The Province – Taking a historic tour of venerable Victoria, August 17, 2012
Below are highlights from some of my recent visits. Click the titles to visit their respective websites.
STAY: Beaconsfield Inn Bed and Breakfast
(Image: Aaron Barr)
STAY: Inn at Laurel Point
(Image: Inn at Laurel Point)
STAY: Fairmont Empress
(Image: Aaron Barr)
EAT: 10 Acres Bistro and Bar
(Image: Catherine Roscoe Barr)
EAT: AURA Waterfront Restaurant
(Image: Catherine Roscoe Barr)
EAT: The Bengal Lounge
(Image: Bengal Lounge)
EAT: Bubby's Kitchen
(Image: Bubby's Kitchen)
EAT: Camille’s Fine West Coast Dining
(Image: Camille’s Fine West Coast Dining)
EAT: Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub
(Image: Aaron Barr)
EAT: Veneto Tapa Lounge
(Image: Veneto Tapa Lounge)
EAT: Be Love
(Image: Catherine Roscoe Barr)
EAT: Victoria Public Market – Vij’s Sutra
(Image: Catherine Roscoe Barr)
EAT: Victoria Public Market – La Cocina de mama Oli
(Image: Catherine Roscoe Barr)
EAT: Victoria Public Market – Roast Meat Shop and Sandwiches
(Image: Catherine Roscoe Barr)
EAT: The White Heather Tea Room
(Image: Catherine Roscoe Barr)
EAT: Fol Epi organic bakery
(Image: Catherine Roscoe Barr)
EAT: Fry’s Bakery
(Image: Catherine Roscoe Barr)
VISIT: Boathouse Spa and Baths at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel
(Image: Boathouse Spa and Baths)
VISIT: Spa Magnolia at The Magnolia Hotel
(Image: Spa Magnolia)
VISIT: SORA Spa at the Hotel Grand Pacific
(Image: SORA Spa)
VISIT: The Pedaler cycling tours
(Image: The Pedaler)
VISIT: Discover the Past walking tours
(Image: Aaron Barr)
VISIT: Silk Road Tea
(Image: Aaron Barr)
VISIT: Royal BC Museum
(Image: Aaron Barr)
TRAVEL: Harbour Air
(Image: Catherine Roscoe Barr)