Cassandra’s Canadian Travel Guide
Victoria, British Columbia is one of the most beautiful coastal cities in Canada. Located on Vancouver Island, it offers incredible waterfront views, an exceptional food scene, and a walkable downtown filled with cafรฉs, restaurants, markets, and historic charm.
Whether you are visiting for a weekend or planning a longer stay, this guide covers exactly where to stay, where to eat, and what to do while in Victoria.
Where to Stay
Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort
Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort is one of the best places to stay in Victoria, especially if you want to be on the water while still close to everything. Located directly on the Inner Harbour, the hotel sits just across from downtown, offering beautiful views of the skyline while keeping you within walking distance of Victoriaโs restaurants, cafรฉs, and attractions.
One of the things I appreciated most about staying here was how easy it was to explore the city. The harbour walkway runs directly in front of the hotel, making it simple to walk into downtown, visit Fishermanโs Wharf, or take one of the small harbour ferries across the water.
The property itself offers a full resort feel, with spacious guest rooms, an indoor pool and fitness centre, and outdoor harbourfront seating with fire pits overlooking the water. Sitting outside in the evening by the fire, roasting sโmores, was one of my favourite ways to end the day. We visited in January, and coming from Winnipeg, I could not believe how beautiful the weather was. A light long sleeve was all I needed.
The hotel also provides a daily activity guide, which I found really helpful. It outlines everything happening on property, from kidsโ movie nights to Saturday pool parties and seasonal programming, so you always know whatโs going on during your stay. The staff were consistently warm and welcoming, and it is clear they put real care into creating a memorable guest experience.
I also love that the hotel partners with HeyYa Rentals to offer fully electric, street-legal golf cart rentals directly from the property. It is one of the most fun and convenient ways to explore Victoria, especially along the waterfront and through nearby neighbourhoods.
If available, I always recommend booking a Club Lounge room when staying at Marriott properties, and this location is no exception. The Club Lounge offers a full breakfast, and I loved their coffee. The cappuccino machine was magic. I pressed one button and had the best frothy cappuccino every morning, my idea of heaven. The location, waterfront setting, and thoughtful amenities make this one of the best hotel options in Victoria.
Bakeries & Coffee
Working Culture Bread
Working Culture Bread is one of my favourite bakeries in Victoria and absolutely worth stopping for. The cinnamon buns are a must. They are soft, fresh, and made in limited batches, so arriving earlier in the day is your best chance of getting one. Their croissants, sourdough loaves, and seasonal pastries are equally worth picking up. This is the kind of place locals love, and once you visit, you will understand why.
Hey Happy
Hey Happy is one of Victoriaโs most well-known specialty coffee shops, located in Market Square. Truly one of the best lattes and matchas I had in a long time. The cafรฉ itself is small, but its central location makes it easy to grab a coffee while exploring downtown. I cannot wait to visit again. A must visit for any coffee lover in Victoria.
Lunch
LURE Restaurant + Bar
Located inside Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort, with panoramic harbour views and a menu built around Vancouver Island ingredients, this is a restaurant worth booking whether you are staying at the hotel or not.
I had the chance to sit with Executive Chef Curtis Toth, and hearing how much care goes into sourcing local ingredients made me appreciate this restaurant even more.
The avocado and sesame salad with grilled chicken quickly became my go-to lunch. This is no ordinary salad. The chicken was incredibly juicy and flavourful. I also highly recommend the miso Brussels sprouts and the scallops in red Thai curry. Both were standout dishes and absolutely worth ordering.
In the winter, LURE offers WinterLURE, a six-course dining experience set inside private heated domes along the harbourfront patio. Each course is beautifully presented, and one of the most memorable moments is when broth is poured tableside from a teapot over the prepared ingredients. It makes the entire experience feel elevated and truly unique. Between the waterfront setting, the food, and the level of care behind each dish, LURE is absolutely worth adding to your Victoria itinerary.
Glo Restaurant + Lounge
Glo Restaurant + Lounge is located along the Selkirk Waterway and is one of the most beautiful waterfront lunch spots in Victoria. The floor-to-ceiling windows mean every seat has a view of the water, which makes it such a nice place to slow down and enjoy lunch. Their menu is locally and globally inspired and changes seasonally, so there is always something fresh. Between the waterfront location and the setting alone, Glo is absolutely worth adding to your lunch plans while visiting Victoria.
Pendray Tea House
Pendray Tea House is one of the most special dining experiences in Victoria, located inside a restored 1897 Victorian mansion overlooking the Inner Harbour. From the moment you walk in, the historic architecture, original woodwork, and elegant dining rooms make it feel like you have stepped back in time.
They are best known for their traditional afternoon tea service, which is served on tiered trays with freshly baked scones, pastries, and savoury bites. It is a beautiful experience and something Victoria is known for. They also offer seasonal tea services, including their West Coast Afternoon Tea featuring regional ingredients like smoked salmon and Dungeness crab.
If you prefer an evening experience, Pendray also offers Scottish high tea and a Sunday Roast Beef Dinner, which includes classic accompaniments like Yorkshire pudding. It is a great option if you want a more traditional sit-down meal in a historic setting.
Dinner
Marilena Cafรฉ + Raw Bar
Marilena Cafรฉ + Raw Bar is one of the most awarded restaurants in Victoria and absolutely worth booking. It was named Canadaโs Best New Restaurant in 2024 and ranked among Canadaโs 100 Best Restaurants in 2025, and it completely lived up to the reputation.
The space itself is stunning, with warm wood ceilings, dramatic lighting, and a beautiful bar at the centre of the room. There are several seating options depending on the experience you want. The raw bar and chefโs counter allow you to watch dishes being prepared up close, while the dining room offers a cozy yet upscale setting.
Iโm still thinking about the lobster tacos, grilled octopus, and sashimi. They came out like pieces of art, some finished with gold on top. The sablefish was one of the best dishes I had on the entire trip, and it is considered one of their signature dishes. Definitely worth ordering if you like fish.
The hospitality here stands out just as much as the food, and this is one reservation I highly recommend securing while in Victoria.
Janevca
Janevca is one of the most beautiful restaurants I have ever been to. Located inside Rosemead House, a restored historic mansion, the entire experience wows you from the moment you arrive. You are greeted at the front, escorted inside through the grand entrance, and immediately feel how special this place is. Once inside, the lounge sits to the left and the dining room to the right, and the entire space is stunning. This is a must visit when in Victoria.
I loved Janevca so much I would book it twice. Once right when they open for a pre-dinner cocktail and their wood-fired pizzas and cheese plates, which were perfection, and then again for dinner in the main dining room.
Dining here is meant to be a shared experience. The seasonal plates are served family-style, and our server helped curate the pacing of each dish, making the evening feel seamless.
I am still thinking about the pork cheeks and risotto. Both were incredible. Their cocktail program is equally impressive. My favourite was the El Fuego Rosa made with mezcal, serrano aperol, watermelon, grapefruit, and lime. They also made an excellent espresso cocktail.
Between the food, cocktails, service, and the stunning setting, Janevca is absolutely worth visiting while in Victoria.
Il Terrazzo
If you are looking for the coziest, most romantic restaurant in Victoria, Il Terrazzo is your spot. They have been a Victoria staple for over 32 years, and it is easy to understand why. Tucked just off the main street around the corner from Waddington Alley, you arrive to twinkling lights that instantly make it feel magical.
The space is breathtaking, with glowing fireplaces, exposed brick, and intimate dining rooms tucked throughout the restaurant. It feels warm, inviting, and so special from the moment you walk in.
The carbonara was outstanding and absolutely worth ordering. Make sure to also order their focaccia, which comes with a delicious olive tapenade. It was incredible.
Our server Glen, who has been at the restaurant for over 20 years, shared that one of the main chefs has worked at Il Terrazzo for 31ยฝ of the 32 years it has been open, and many members of the team have been there just as long. You can truly feel that sense of family when you arrive. The ownerโs son even greeted us at the door.
As Glen told us, Il Terrazzo will โblow your socks off,โ and he was right.
Stage Wine Bar
Stage Wine Bar is a small, intimate restaurant known for its thoughtfully curated wine list and seasonal menu. It is the kind of place that is perfect for a relaxed evening, sharing plates, and discovering new wines. The atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, and it is a great option if you enjoy wine-focused dining experiences.
Lumache
Lumache is a modern Italian restaurant focused on handmade pasta and seasonal ingredients. I did not have time to visit on this trip, but it was recommended by several locals, which always says a lot. It is absolutely on my list for next time.
Nightlife
Bard & Banker
Bard & Banker is a historic Irish pub in downtown Victoria and a must visit if you are looking for a fun night out. They have live music every night, and the wings were also really good. I had the best time here.
Things to Do
Fishermanโs Wharf
Fishermanโs Wharf is such a fun spot to visit. The colourful buildings, waterfront setting, and food vendors bring Victoriaโs coastal charm to life. Grab a BeaverTail, enjoy the views, and stop for fish and chips. When in Victoria, it only makes sense.
Photo Credit: Off the Eaten Track
Moss Street Market
Moss Street Market is open every Saturday year-round and features local farmers, food vendors, and artisans. It is a great place to experience Victoriaโs local food scene.
Market Garden
Market Garden is a must visit for food lovers and a great place to find unique ingredients or hostess gifts.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours
Horse-drawn carriage tours are a fun and beautiful way to explore the city and its historic streets.
For additional planning resources, restaurant recommendations, and seasonal events happening throughout the city, Tourism Victoria is an excellent resource. Their website makes it easy to explore different neighbourhoods, discover local experiences, and plan your trip with confidence.
Victoria truly is one of Canadaโs best cities to visit. Between the incredible restaurants, beautiful waterfront, and relaxed coastal lifestyle, it is a destination I already cannot wait to return to. If you go, let me know. Cheers Victoria, until next time!
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