Has it been months since your last weekend away from home, let alone out of the country? Feeling like you need a quick escape for some R&R but struggling to find that magical sweet spot in your friends’ schedules? Stop waiting for the right time or for your travel partners to show up, throw caution to the wind and embark on a fun-filled solo adventure!
While traveling on your own may sound intimidating, it is one of the most rewarding ways to travel. You have complete and utter freedom to do what you want, when you want. Do as much, or as little, as your heart desires, stick to a set schedule or change plans, it is all entirely up to you. Plus, you’ll broaden your horizons not only by exposing yourself to a new place and culture, but by also striking out on your own to meet people and make new friends.
Only a short and scenic ride away from Seattle through the Salish Sea on the Victoria Clipper ferry, a getaway to the charming city of Victoria, BC is just the ticket. Voted by Culture Trip as one of the top 10 cities in Canada to travel to solo, the city boasts more than a handful of hidden gems, a walkable downtown core and some of the nicest locals around, perfect for a less-stress adventure. Whether you want to spend a leisurely day lounging at the spa or jump out of bed early to trek through Victoria’s lush gardens, check out these tips for how to experience Victoria, BC on your own.
Dine with a Group
Don’t want to eat alone for every meal of your trip? Hop on a food-focused walking tour and get a taste of the local scene while you chow down with some new companions! Sample delicious eats hand-crafted by six of Victoria’s hottest chefs and artisans as you make your way around the city. Unite with your fellow foodies as you slurp spoons full of island-based olive oil and balsamic vinegar, snack on some of the most authentic arancini balls you’ll find this side of Italy and nosh on melt-in-your-mouth macarons.
Or if you fancy yourself a craft brew aficionado, visit three local “hop” spots and sip your way through Victoria’s best brews paired with three courses of mouth-watering bites. After all, there is no better way to bond with your fellow foodies than over a steady flow of beautiful brews and excellent eats.
With a resident beer expert as your guide, you’ll not only increase your brew IQ with a peek behind the scenes, but you’ll also sip a lineup of fresh suds straight from the source. Not only will you satisfy your appetite for the finer things in life, but you’ll also leave armed with recommendations from in-the-know-experts for the rest of your visit. Book this tour with Clipper, learn more.
Seek Out Solace
One of the best parts about traveling solo is that it gives you the opportunity to show a little love to the most important person in your life – YOU! Instead of focusing on the needs of others, treat your busy, hardworking self to some serious downtime and tranquility.
A short 15-minute shuttle ride will land you at the – Oak Bay Beach Hotel. A stunning ocean side setting, it is an ideal spot to rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit at the property’s five-star spa. Get your glow on with a fabulous facial or treat yourself to an ahhh-amazing massage. Enter a Zen-like state as all your stress and worries are rubbed away.
If a full slate of spoil-you-silly amenities doesn’t leave you feeling refreshed, a soak in the warm seaside mineral pools should do the trick. Listen to the sound of the waves as they lap and crash against the shore and gaze out at panoramic vistas of the ocean and Mt. Baker. Nothing is more tranquil or serene. On the way back inside, pop into the toasty steam room and sauna to unwind. Filled with the invigorating scent of eucalyptus, it will relax your mind and soothe your soul. Book this hotel with Clipper, learn more.
Shop Till You Drop
You know those shops that you would never drag your significant other or friends into? Now’s your chance to be unapologetically selfish and spend a leisurely few hours, or even a day, browsing all they have to offer. The trendy Johnson, Store and Fisgard Streets are home to a shopaholic’s paradise of unique boutiques.
Pop into the bright Little Gold or Tonic Jewelry on Johnson for a curated collection of distinctive, hand-crafted rings, necklaces and earrings. Stroll one block over to the vibrant Pa Boom to peruse your way through everything from art prints to glassware and textiles. Then, head around the corner to the long-time local staple Fan Tan Home and Style to stock up on superb home décor and furniture.
Bonus points for stopping a moment to chat with the local shop owners. Warm and friendly, you won’t have to try very hard to get them to share their favorite picks and places. Whether it’s a recommendation on what style suits you best, a suggestion on where to find other independent, artisanal shops or hidden gems around the city, the knowledgeable boutique owners and staff won’t steer you wrong.
Be One with Nature
Sometimes the breathtaking coastal and forest scenery of Vancouver Island is best experienced when you’re traveling solo. With no other distractions, you’re able to focus on your surroundings and enjoy the journey as well as the destination. Better yet, you’re able to set your own pace with plenty of chances to press pause along the way to take in the views and enjoy the moment. Not to mention, a little exercise and time outside does wonders for your body and soul!
If it’s outstanding vistas you’re after, hike to the top of the 738 foot-tall Mount Douglas. Though not technically in Victoria proper, the trek through towering old-growth trees will prove worthy of some downright breathtaking 360-degree views of the island from above. On a clear day, you can see the Haro Strait to the east, Saanich to the north and west and all the way to downtown Victoria from the south. Soak in the serenity of the Salish Sea from the summit and keep an eye out for passing seals and orcas as they glide by below.
Winding along the southern end of Victoria and the edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the seaside Dallas Road is another prime spot for breathing in some salt-sea air. Walk, run or bike the relatively flat path and be prepared for jaw-dropping views of the Olympics across the water.
(Insider tip: Make a detour at Beacon Hill Park and head down to the waterfront to peer into tide pools. Or go straight for the beach and dig your toes into the sand as the waves pound against the shore. Did someone say “beach selfie”?)
Hang Out with the Locals
Traveling solo doesn’t mean you have to spend your entire trip alone if that is not what you want. Push yourself outside your comfort zone and connect with the people around you. With some of the most welcoming locals around (Victoria was ranked as the friendliest city in Canada by Conde Nast Traveler in 2016), odds are the person sitting next to you at the bar will be more than happy to strike up a conversation.
Pull up a chair to the counter of the modern and airy Zambri’s restaurant, where hearty Italian cuisine reigns supreme. Feast on their award-winning, fresh-from-the-oven pizza paired with lively stories from your new friend on the next stool over. When you can get recommendations straight from someone who knows the city-inside-out, you’ll wonder why you ever relied on your phone for suggestions.
Looking for some more local flavor? Beer-loving, farm-to-table foodies will want to gather around the long communal tables at The Drake Eatery, where a lineup of Pacific Northwest craft beers and a solid selection of small plates will leave you in gastronomic heaven. Or swing by Hank’s Untraditional BBQ for a rotating selection of made-from-scratch dishes featuring every type of smoked, braised and barbecued meat you can imagine. If comparing whether beef shoulder or double pulled pork tastes better on a biscuit doesn’t unite you with your neighbor, we don’t know what will!
Feel the Rhythm of the City
Ever wish you had a few spare moments to stop and truly immerse yourself in the vibe of the city? This is your chance! When you’re exploring on your own, you get to make the plan. The schedule or pace of the day is entirely up to you! Don’t feel like cramming in stops at 10 of the city’s popular sights, all into one day? Don’t do it! Instead, find a quiet corner in Nourish Kitchen and Café’s upstairs seating area to cozy up with a good book and watch the world go by outside the windows.
Or take advantage of the city’s small footprint and allow yourself to explore at random. Strolling around the city for a day, or even just a few hours, is a great way to find off the beaten path experiences and discover something new. Allow yourself to be curious and check out Victoria’s forgotten alleys (Insider tip: Trounce and Fan Tan should be at the top of your list).
Or follow a whim and duck inside an interesting café or museum. With just you as your guide, you’ll learn to enjoy your own company and trust yourself to make your own path. You’ll be amazed at things you discover when the decision of where to go next is left up to you.
Whether it’s your first solo pilgrimage or one of many, there is no need to feel guilty over how to spend your time in this gem of a city. You get to choose. This trip is all about you!
Feature Photo: Destination Greater Victoria