Fiery orange leaves pop out against a brilliant blue sky. Early morning fog seeps between the trees, hinting at the spooky festivities to come. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we embrace the annual, almost magical, transition to fall.
For some, it’s a fresh start. A chance to celebrate the beginning of a new season and the opportunity to wander down colorful, leaf-filled country roads. For others, it’s about gearing up for the holiday festivities to come, with trips to visit family and friends.
BOOK NOW: Seattle to Victoria Overnight Hotel Package Deal!
But sometimes we just need a place where we can relive our childhood memories of unapologetically jumping into crunchy mounds of leaves. A place where we can slow down and savor the fine details and uniqueness of the season.
The best part? All of this can be found only a short 2-hour and 45-minute ride away from Seattle on the Victoria Clipper fast ferry. With activities the whole family can enjoy, Victoria, B.C. is the perfect destination for a quick weekend fall escape. Ready to explore? Be sure to also check out this comprehensive Fall Guide to Victoria from Destination Greater Victoria!
Day 1
10:45 a.m. – Victoria Clipper arrives from Seattle into Victoria’s Inner Harbor
11:30 a.m. – Jam Café
If there’s one thing you must-do in Victoria, it’s indulging in the all-important weekend brunch. In fact, we’d say it’s practically an institution. With a menu full of divine dishes, the local favorite, Jam Café doesn’t disappoint. Thick cut brioche French toast topped with sautéed cinnamon roasted apples in maple butter will quickly land the restaurant on your list of go-to spots for superb eats.
1:00 p.m. – The Butchart Gardens
Catch a luxury, double-decker motorcoach to The Butchart Gardens to see Mother Nature work her magic to transform all 55 acres into glowing oranges, russets, reds and golds. Crunch through dry, fallen leaves carpeting the ground and a colorful array of dahlias ranging from the size of tablespoons to dinner plates compete with the trees for your attention. Find your inner Zen at the tranquil Japanese Garden.
With glancing rays of golden sunlight combined with a grove of Japanese maples awash in a kaleidoscope of fiery colors, as well as fewer crowds, it is the perfect scenic sanctuary.
Afterward, indulge in one of the property’s coziest traditions – afternoon tea at the Dining Room Restaurant. Sip on a perfectly steeped steaming cup of tea and dig into three-tiers of hand-sized, house-made treats!
5:45 p.m. – Hotel Grand Pacific
A mere two-minute walk along the waterfront from the FRS Clipper Belleville terminal, the Hotel Grand Pacific is an oceanside gem and the perfect home-base for the weekend. A modern recently renovated property, the hotel boasts bright, airy rooms and unbeatable views of the Inner Harbour, Olympic Mountains and surrounding city.
Once you manage to pull yourself away from your room, go for a dip in the on-site athletic club’s heated Olympic size lap pool.
Or kick back in the sauna while little tykes splash and play in their own kid’s pool.
Looking to really relax during your stay? Sign up for a fitness class and get in touch with your inner yogi or find utter contentment by the peaceful, mirrored pond. Meanwhile, the kiddos won’t be able to resist feeding the resident ducks as well as feasting on the tasty snacks available in the pre-order fridges. Can you say house-made cookies?
6:00 p.m. – Saveur
At the lively, brick-walled Saveur restaurant, award-winning Chef Robert Cassels’ diverse menu blows way past your traditional French fare. Focused on transforming local Island ingredients into playful and elegant seasonal dishes, Cassels works closely with the farmers, foragers, and fisheries of Vancouver Island to serve up a rotating selection of French-inspired preparations.
Go big ordering off the tasting menu for a five-course feast of well-executed plates paired with hand-picked local wines. You also can’t go wrong sampling the Haida Gwaii Spring Salmon or Cowichan Valley Chicken off the la carte menu. Either way, be prepared for an elevated dining experience.
7:30 p.m. – Ghostly Walks Tour
Not afraid of the dark, are you? Grab a lantern and follow Victoria’s pre-eminent historian, John Adams (or one of his expert storytellers), on hand-picked routes past some of the city’s spookiest haunts. The ghostly walks tour wanders through original brick alleyways and courtyards surrounding Old Town, Chinatown, Bastion Square and Helmcken Alley.
Listen to spell-binding stories and hair-raising tales of eccentric citizens, heroic deeds, tragic accidents and paranormal events that bring Victoria’s dark past to life. Those chills up your spine? We’ll leave it up to you to decide if they’re from an errant gust of wind or the spirit of an early settler who continues to make his mark on the city. Book this tour with Clipper, learn more.
9:00 p.m. – Clarke & Co.
Duck into the hip, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Clarke & Co. bar for a cocktail-forward menu created with locally-distilled spirits and house-made ingredients. With an inviting 14-seat, New York-style bar and whiz mixologist Ryan Broekhuizen behind the counter, you’ll instantly feel at home in this intimate little space.
Be adventurous and opt for an off-menu option such as the frothy-sweet Balkan Market, a concoction of Chilean pisco and Slivovitz plum brandy. Or get a taste of Canada with the Maple Butter Smoked Old Fashioned. Whatever you do, don’t miss the chance to scoop up a handful of the free, olive oil-popped popcorn. Yum!
Day 2
8:00 a.m. – Bard and Banker
Opened in 1885 as the Bank of British Columbia, the building that houses the Bard & Banker has a history as rich as a fine bourbon. While the stately spot may be best-known for serving up soul-warming, two-finger pours of whiskey, with Chef Sol Tainui at the helm, it has also become a prime spot to indulge in some breakfast classics.
With a $9 price tag on breakfasts before 9:00 am, it is hard to say no to oven-baked French toast topped with fresh berries and caramel sauce. Combined with a cup of locally-roasted Discovery Coffee, you’ll feel as though you have won the breakfast lottery.
9:45 a.m. – Cowichan Valley Wine Tour
Need some time to unwind? Journey into the heart of Vancouver Island on the Cowichan Valley Wine Tour. Venturing into this seemingly untouched paradise, urban storefronts quickly give way to old-growth rainforests and snow-capped mountains. It’s hard not to feel a bit of PNW nature giddiness filling your soul as the glittering waters of the Saanich Inlet cutting through the rugged terrain come into view.
While away the day at three award-winning vineyards, and sip your way through generous samples of Pinot Gris, Ortega and Cabernet Franc at Venturi-Schulze Vineyard, Blue Grouse Estate Winery and Vineyard as well as Enrico Winery. Capped by a farm-to-table lunch and cider tasting at Merridale Cidery, there’s no better way to get into the spirit of the season.
4:45 p.m. – Fernwood Shopping & Belfry Theatre
Expand beyond your familiar boundaries and catch an 11-minute cab ride out to the artsy neighborhood of Fernwood for a quick tour of the local shopping scene. Head inside the well-designed Pigeonhole Home Store (the building itself even looks like a house!) to peruse a curated collection of antiques, glassware, rugs, books and more. Or check out the bright, airy Luna Collective. A longstanding community favorite, this is a one-stop-shop for vintage threads and handmade finds. Shopping has never been easier.
If it’s more culture you’re after, swing the by the historic Belfry Theatre. Housed in former Baptist Church built between 1887 and 1892, the property boasts a stunning steeple and Gothic architecture and is now home to the talented Belfry Theatre Company.
6:30 p.m. – Stage Wine Bar
Chic, snug and located across the street from Fernwood Square, Stage Wine Bar offers the perfect spot to debrief and refuel post-shopping-spree or show. Order up a few of the restaurant’s shareable small plates, such as crispy Pommes Frites and pillows of gnocchi, and you’ll quickly silence any rumbling tummies.
The sophisticated watering hole features a wide selection of the good stuff along with carefully curated cocktails. When it comes time to pair your pours, scan the bar’s extensive wine list, chalkboard of unique offerings or ask the friendly, expert staff to point you in the right direction.
Day 3
9:45 a.m. – Blue Fox Café
A phenomenal restaurant to begin your morning, Blue Fox Café can be referred to as the pioneer of all day breakfast serving up delicious mid-morning eats. Put Canada’s breakfast staple – Eggs Benedict – to the test or opt for for their mouthwatering Griddle Cakes and French Toast.
Or combine both yummy crustaceans with everyone’s beloved veggie – the avocado – for the most mouth-watering avocado toast around. On top of the excellent food, fantastic ocean-front views of the Inner Harbour mixed with the hum of conversation and soft clatter of dishes from the kitchen make for a great dining experience.
10:30 a.m. – Hoods, Castles and Legends Bike Tour
There’s something about crisp air and colorful leaves drifting down from the trees like multi-colored snowflakes that calls for a bike ride. Pop over to the fully-stocked Pedaler Tours and Bike Rentals on Belleville Street to pick up some wheels. Roll through Victoria’s scenic neighborhoods, past the iconic Craigdarroch Castle and historic Chinatown.
(Insider tip: With more 39 rooms brimming with elegant Victorian-era furnishings and spooky history, popping inside the towering stone building to geek out over the castle’s impeccable stained-glass windows and spectacular city views is well worth the trip.)
On the way back to Victoria’s core, make a detour through the scenic Beacon Hill Park. Come fall, this 200-acre urban oasis bursts with colors reminiscent of those you’d find in a crayon box – scarlet, burnt sienna and goldenrod.
12:00 p.m. – Afternoon Tea at Pendray Teahouse
After pedaling in the cool autumn air, tuck next door to refuel with traditional afternoon tea at the Pendray Teahouse. Enjoy the beautiful rich wood accents and stained glass windows as you enjoy a classic British tradition. Book this tour with Clipper, learn more.
1:45 p.m. – Stroll to The Breakwater
Swing out along Dallas Road with a quick stop by Fisherman’s Wharf as you soak in the busy harbor traffic of ferries, seaplanes, helicopters and cruise ships. From Dallas Road you’ll split off to walk along The Breakwater which leads you out to a lighthouse and stunning scene across the Salish Sea.
4:00 p.m. – FRS Clipper Terminal (5:00 p.m. departure)
Before you know it, it’s time to hop back on the Victoria Clipper fast ferry for the return voyage to Seattle. Relax in your comfy seats and catch one final spectacular view – the sun filling the sky with an orange and golden glow before it drops below the horizon.
Feature photo: The Butchart Gardens