The British Columbia capital is one of the best destinations for soaking up the magic of the season. And, with the holidays just around the corner, now is the perfect time to plan that holiday weekend getaway to Victoria!
Looking for an enchanting escape filled with activities and attractions while immersed in sparkling lights and beautiful decor? Victoria, BC is your prime destination. Press pause on the chaos of the season, enjoying it as it was meant to be: quality time spent with friends and family.
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If there was ever a North American city suited for a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the season, this is it. Plus, a scenic three-hour sail on the convenient Victoria Clipper ferry makes getting there part of the fun. From sipping a warm cuppa tea and indulging in mouthwatering local cuisine to simply enjoying the scenery and decor, Victoria is the perfect place to transform winter’s chill into a trip full of holiday goodness.
Day 1
10:45 a.m. – Victoria Clipper arrives from Seattle into Victoria’s Inner Harbor
11:30 a.m. – Aura
Off the boat and through customs, it’s time to tackle the first order of business. Brunch! A less than 10-minute walk from the FRS Clipper terminal brings you to the stunning waterfront restaurant, Aura. Nestled against the backdrop of Victoria’s Inner Harbour, it would be hard to find better for incredible fresh eats. And oh, does it deliver.
Aura’s award-winning menu combines local ingredients and international flavors in small, beautifully plated dishes bursting with flavor. We love the traditional brunch menu but if you’re here in December we recommend the festive menu for seasonal treats.
2:45 p.m. – Hotel Grand Pacific
Adequately fueled, stop at the elegant Hotel Grand Pacific to drop off your bags. This seaside gem is mere minutes from the FRS Clipper terminal. It’s renowned for its striking views, exceptional dining, and top-of-the-line athletic club. Furthermore, these swoon-worthy digs perfectly meld classic architecture with modern amenities.
The property’s plush, complimentary robes and stunning vistas beg for a quiet night in. While you could just gaze out at the lights of the Parliament Buildings and Robert Bateman Center dancing across the Inner Harbour waters, it’s still early and there’s a lot to explore. Book this hotel with FRS Clipper as part of our Holiday Sale, learn more.
4:00 p.m. – Butchart Christmas Lights Tour
Once you’ve made your way back outside, catch a motor coach in front of the Fairmont Empress Hotel. You’ll be transported to the gates of world-renowned Butchart Gardens in under 60-minutes. With 55-acres of glittering winter wonderland stretching out before you, The Butchart Gardens Christmas Lights Tour combines 300,000 colorful, dancing lights. They bring the dazzling scenery to life with a 12 days of Christmas theme.
7:45 p.m. – Dining Room Restaurant at The Butchart Gardens
Need to give the feet a rest and soothe those hunger pangs? Head to The Dining Room Restaurant for some of the tastiest and most festive dishes around. Warm, cozy and inviting, it’s one The Gardens’ hidden gems.
We recommend reserving a coveted table by the crackling fire. You might dine on the juicy half rack of lamb or perhaps the smoked coho salmon, among numerous other enticing options. But be sure to save room for dessert. Decadent treats like the sugar plum gâteau or chocolate entremets are well worth the splurge.
10:00 p.m. – Fairmont Empress Veranda
Keep the cozy vibes going and head out on the Empress hotel’s sprawling, harbor-facing Veranda (Fairmont Gold access only). Here you can cuddle up next to a roaring fire pit. Grab a soul-warming mug of mulled wine, spiced cider or hot cocoa – complemented by freshly-roasted s’mores, you’re sure to stay toasty warm.
Day 2
9:45 a.m. – John’s Place
A Victoria breakfast institution for more than three decades, there’s often a line outside the eclectic John’s Place. But its home-style favorites, ranging from made-from-scratch bread and waffles to sausages, is more than worth the wait. Plus, while you wait you can check out the photos of staff, friends and celebrities that paper the walls from floor-to-ceiling.
If we had to recommend just one item it would be the famous cream cheese syrup-topped Belgian waffles. Deliciously sweet, this is truly heaven on a plate.
11:30 a.m. – Johnson Street Shopping
Stroll just a block over to Johnson Street and you’ll discover a lineup of picturesque, candy-colored storefronts. It’s the perfect opportunity to cross a few things off your holiday gift list–and at an exchange rate favorable to the American dollar! Step into the stylishly-low tech Regional Assembly of Text to pick up adorable handmade cards and buttons or Kaboodles if you’re searching for toys and games.
If you’re after unique threads, visit Flavour Upstairs or pop back up to Government Street to Duchess and Duke for vintage gems at great prices. Creating a winning fashion formula for your trendiest friends and family members has never been easier.
1:00 p.m. – Sült Pierogi Bar
Hearty and comforting, there’s something about a steaming plate of pierogis that make them the perfect companion on a cold winter day. At Sült Pierogi Bar, chef and owner Troy Barnaby’s menu goes well beyond the traditional heavy cheese and potato fare. It’s uniquely focused on eastern European recipes re-imagined with flavors from across the globe while featuring Canadian-sourced toppings.
Opt for the classic roasted garlic, potato and triple cheese-filled Squeaks. Or, perhaps try the spinach, jalapeno, green onion, cream cheese and whipped potato Hulk Smash. Either way: yum!
2:00 p.m. – Christmas in Old Victoria Walking Tour
Immerse yourself in the city’s English vibes by ambling past the most iconic buildings all decked out in lights with a walking tour of Old Victoria. Not only is it a great way to learn about the region’s history, but you’ll also get into the other kind of holiday spirit, the paranormal kind. Your guide will share very interesting tales from the heartwarming to the humorous.
If accounts of a First Nations legend, a Christmas Day brawl at Fort Victoria, and a memory from Emily Carr’s childhood don’t leave you grinning from ear-to-ear, we don’t know what will! Book this tour with FRS Clipper, learn more.
4:00 p.m. – Lights of Wonder
Still not enough Christmas lights? A massive, light-driven exhibition, Lights of Wonder transforms Centennial Square into a sparkling valley of lights. A glowing orca pays homage to the region’s majestic coast while a larger-than-life crown brings the city’s namesake to life. There’s also a pulsing river of colorful koi bringing luck to the community. Of course, a towering, 40-foot-tall Christmas tree takes center stage.
6:00 p.m. – The Local on Wharf Street
For an extra dose of yuletide cheer, grab dinner and drinks at aptly-named The Local on Wharf Street, a favorite haunt of Victoria residents. With low-lighting and tasty, shareable small plates, this watering hole is already an ideal spot to dine on a winter’s night. Married with maxed out holiday decor, it feels as if you’ve stepped into an old-fashioned Christmas movie.
7:30 p.m. – Hermann’s Jazz Club
Tucked away on View Street, the cozy Hermann’s Jazz Club is a jewel of a place to catch some of the best music Victoria has to offer. One of the city’s oldest jazz clubs, this hotspot doesn’t skip a beat. It combines an intimate setting, fabulous sounds, and top-notch eats and drinks. In addition to the relaxed atmosphere, classic Christmas brass and some of the friendliest locals around make for an extra cozy holiday experience.
Day 3
10:00 a.m. – Blue Fox Café
With a late afternoon departure, there is more than enough time for one last stellar brunch. Swing by the hip, brick-walled Blue Fox Cafe, a perennial local favorite. With vibrantly painted walls and a menu boasting whimsical riffs on classic Canadian comfort food, this café hits the mark for excellent eats and a chill vibe.
Skip scouring the menu as there’s really no need. We highly recommend feasting on one of the dozen eggs Benny’s to put the Canadian staple to the test. Whether you go with the smoked-salmon forward Eggs Pacifico or the savory Eggs Pico, you really can’t go wrong.
11:45 p.m. – Christmas at Craigdarroch Castle
Burn off brunch with a 15-minute walk up Fort Street to the magnificent Craigdarroch Castle. It’s the perfect place for some old-timey holiday fun. Every year, castle curator Bruce Davies along with Sherry Kerr, the museum’s longtime decorator, go all out. All 39 rooms and four stories of the castle are chock-full of holiday trimmings.
Wander through all 20,000 square feet of interior space and experience how wealthy Scottish industrialist Robert Dunsmuir and his family celebrated Christmas over a century ago. Check out glamorous Victorian-era furnishings, exquisite stained-glass windows, vintage toys tucked under the tree, festively decorated mantles and a Christmas feast setting fit for royalty.
(Insider’s tip: Climb up the 87 steps of the castle’s grand oak staircase to the tower for jaw-dropping views of downtown Victoria and the Olympic Mountains.)
2:00 p.m. – Tea at the Empress
Afterward, warm up in the fanciest way imaginable with a festive Tea at the Fairmont Empress. Perched on the edge of the Inner Harbour, stepping into the renowned hotel never fails to enchant. Inside, English tradition meets white tablecloth service with friendly staff shuttling steaming cups of tea and tiered platters past elegant tables.
Dig into delicious seasonal treats where every level of the trays is stacked with locally produced festive goodies. This is an experience that is anything but ordinary!
4:00 p.m. – FRS Clipper Terminal (5:00 p.m. departure)
Back onboard the Clipper, the siren song of comfy leather seats, a warm beverage and a good read, is impossible to resist. Comfort class combined with twinkling lights from the shore and collective contented silence onboard, it’s hard to think of a more serene and relaxing way to end the weekend.
