Between work, social media status updates and family obligations, sometimes you just need to schedule some quality relaxation and pampering with the girls. Hello, Victoria.
Only a short and scenic ride away from Seattle through the Salish Sea on the new Victoria Clipper, the city has its fair share of hidden gems, perfect for a stress-free weekend. Whether you’re planning a bachelorette party, needing some mom/daughter time or just seeking a relaxing weekend away, check out these tips from Victoria locals!
Where to Stay
Nothing says girls’ getaway like a weekend of ultimate relaxation at one of Vancouver Island’s spas. Boasting everything from steaming seaside mineral pools to a trickling indoor waterfall, these luxurious resorts are truly the perfect way to unwind and bliss out. The best part? A little R&R is only a hop, skip and jump away.
Victoria local and resident food expert (she literally wrote the book on Victoria’s brunch scene), Rebecca Wellman, has a few recommendations when it comes to relaxing in style.
Wellman says, “The first is a local Victoria getaway at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. Spa, seaside pool, great food and a beautiful hotel. What more can you ask for? The other is Tigh-Na-Mara in Parksville. The Grotto spa, private cabins and excellent restaurants make this the perfect Vancouver Island getaway!”
Wellman says, “The first is a local Victoria getaway at the After a weekend of pampering with your BFFs, you’ll be rested, rejuvenated and ready to tackle anything life throws your way.
Where to Get That Morning Buzz
Need a delicious caffeinated beverage to kick start your adventure? Hop into the cozy, laid-back Hey Happy Coffee. Here the baristas own their craft to perfection, using exact measurements and handmade ingredients to meticulously whip up your drink…minus any pretention. Sip on a unique pour over or sample one of their seasonal drinks, curated to match the weather and highlight local flavors.
Stef Hartwig, owner of Lore General Store, a unique home and accessories shop on Government Street, notes, “We usually jump in the car, head to Hey Happy for a coffee and then continue on Up Island to be in nature.”
Stef Hartwig, owner of Where to Shop, Shop, Shop
A little retail therapy is an essential part of any weekend with the ladies. Combine a handful of modern, trendy boutiques with an excellent exchange rate and you’ll find it quite easy to indulge in some serious, guilt-free shopping.
A lover of all things vintage, fashion and floral, Victoria lifestyle-blogger, Laura Mitbrodt from Laura Jane Atelier, says, “Shopping Duchess and Duke on Government Street is a must-do. This is one of my favorite consignment shops for vintage fashion and the decor is so cute. I also love Pom Pom Boutique because they have the cutest cat-themed items.”
A lover of all things vintage, fashion and floral, Victoria lifestyle-blogger, Laura Mitbrodt from A less than 10-minute walk down the street, Victoria’s historic Chinatown also offers a treasure trove of trinkets.
Honor Cienska, owner of the West Coast-inspired Tonic Jewelry in Market Square, mentions, “I love to browse through Fan Tan Alley and around Chinatown, usually with a Bubble Tea in hand. There are so many things to feast the eyes on.”
Honor Cienska, owner of the West Coast-inspired Where to Eat
Let’s be honest, one of the highlights of experiencing a new city is reveling in some local and interesting eats. Followed by a quick urban hike if you feel the urge burn off the extra calories.
Brandy Fedoruk and Rebecca Ann Dolen, co-founders of the adorable stationary store, Regional Assembly of Text on Johnson Street, suggest:
“Take a nice walk along the water from our shop to Fisherman’s Wharf for a delicious lunch at Smoke and Anchor, after wandering the docks and picking out your favorite houseboats. From there, enjoy an adventure at sea on a water taxi back to Chinatown for happy hour. There is nothing better than a raspberry mojito or two on the beautiful outdoor patio at the Canoe Club.”
“Take a nice walk along the water from our shop to Craving more delicious treats? Steph Shannon, owner of Johnson Street jewelry store Little Gold, also recommends:
“Check out Bao for lunch, followed by a visit to Sattva Spa for some relaxation. Afterward, take a tour of the cherry blossoms and a walk around the Inner Harbour at night to check out the lights on the Parliament Buildings.”
“Check out Where to Take a Stroll
Sometimes the best escape is only a simple stroll around the corner. With plenty of restaurants, shops and parks all within a mere 20 minutes of Clipper’s Victoria terminal, you don’t have to go far to have fun.
Charity Hobbs, owner of the modern Terroir Tea Salon, says, “What I love about Victoria is it’s a walkable city. Fabulous Fort is several blocks of great boutique shops and restaurants in the heart of downtown and it’s the perfect place to spend the afternoon with girlfriends. When we want to enjoy nature we head to Beacon Hill Park for the beautiful gardens and birdlife, or walk along Dallas Road at the southern tip of Vancouver Island to breathe in the ocean air with spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains.”
Charity Hobbs, owner of the modern Where to Hike
With a nearly endless supply of lush old-growth rainforests, pristine waterways and stunning peaks at your fingertips, Hartwig says it best when she states, “Being outdoors is always a requirement in Victoria.”
Hartwig recommends, “Hike up Ruckle Provincial Park or Mount Maxwell on Salt Spring Island. One of the best things about finishing a hike on Mt. Maxwell is stopping by the roadside stand of Mt. Maxwell Coffee Roasters, who roast their coffee in a yurt at the base of the mountain.”
What to See
Need to give the feet a rest? Find a comfy couch inside one of the tea houses along Victoria’s tea trail and indulge in a piping hot pick-me-up.
Mitbrodt says, “Be sure to do afternoon tea at Point Ellice House. Afterward, you have tea you can take a tour of the house and visit the secret vintage tea shop.”
Where to Adventure
Victoria offers no shortage of things to do, but sometimes it’s good to push beyond your familiar boundaries and enjoy a little adventure.
Hartwig says, “One of my favorite spots is McKenzie Bight in Gowand Todd Park in the Saanich area. The drive is really pretty and you can stop at all the local farms to grab local fruit and vegetables. Another excellent place to spend in nature is in the Sooke area with a picnic on the beach. We love Mystic Beach, which offers an easy to moderate hike.”
Hartwig goes on to say Salt Spring Island is another one of her favorite escapes. She explains, “We usually rent a cabin on Cusheon Lake. The cabins are cozy and in the summertime, the lake is a great place to swim or canoe. On our way back to the ferry, I love to stop at Morningside Organic Bakery Café & Bookstore, which has an excellent book selection, including vegan cookbooks. In addition, the treats, breads and vegan cheese they sell are amazing!”
Where to Sip a Craft Cocktail
There’s no better way to cap off the day than with a little liquid refreshment. If you want to toast to your sisterhood with cocktails all around, look no further than some of the fine local watering holes.
Hartwig, says, “For night time, we love to visit Bodega for a cocktail or two and then head next door to The Tapa Bar for a great dinner. On our way home we might stop by the Q Bar at the Empress or Clive’s Classic Cocktail Lounge.”
Find yourself beyond the city’s borders? No problem! Trish Tacoma, owner of the hip clothing boutique, Smoking Lily, states:
“When we’re done with shopping and touring around for the day, I love to take my friends to the Oak Bay Beach Hotel for a cocktail and hot tub soak so we can watch the sun go down in the classiest way.”
“When we’re done with shopping and touring around for the day, I love to take my friends to the Oak Bay Beach Hotel for a cocktail and hot tub soak so we can watch the sun go down in the classiest way.”Whether you’re a fashionista in need of fresh threads or a foodie in search of a taste of Europe, Victoria offers an endless array of captivating activities. Spending a weekend in Victoria is the ultimate way to enjoy some relaxing downtime with your girls.
