10 Ways to Enjoy a Tranquility Break in Victoria
Victoria, BC is known as a different place, at a different pace. Many locals run on island-time; meaning we love to slow down our speed, find therapy in our sweeping land-and-sea scapes, and dive into the feeling of newfound clarity and a refreshed mindset. While our city has a number of attractions that thousands enjoy each year, we also understand the craving for a quieter, crowdless vacation. Here’s a list of ways to catch that tranquility break you’ve been looking for.
Enjoy your island escape!
Aquatic adventures
Join AdventureCo tours for an unforgettable adventure across the Salish Sea. Hop aboard a Tall Ship Sailing Cruise and embrace the tranquility of the sea, or race across it on a Guided Jet Ski Tour or Zodiac Boat Tour. Feeling, dare I say, adventurous! Join the team at AdventureCo on a Learn to Sail Tour or a Fishing Charter, for a hands-on, maritime experience you won't forget.
AdventureCo Tours
Go for a paddle
Take to the Salish Sea from the heart of the city. With the iconic Inner Harbour flowing straight into the heart of downtown and beyond, it's always a breeze getting out onto the water in Victoria. Head over to Kelp Reef Adventures, located on Fisherman's Wharf (Victoria's floating neighbourhood), and enjoy a guided kayaking tour and explore the Inner Harbour, or for the adventurous, the Strait of Juan de Fuca. View the city's historic architecture, gain a new vantage point of your surroundings, and possibly even seal an otter, sealion, or orca, or two!
Kelp Reef AdventuresEnjoy the views at Gonzalez Hill Observatory
This local favourite offers unparalleled views of Victoria and the Juan de Fuca Strait – and you don’t have to leave the heart of the city to find them. As the highest point of land (66 m) on our southern coast, Gonzales Hill is home to the Gonzales Hill Observatory, which has been the city’s weather station for over 75 years. The quaint, heritage building’s natural surroundings are decorated with rare wildflowers, gnarled Garry Oak trees, and rocky knolls to climb on. It’s a spectacular spot to curl up with a book and take in the inspiring views of Olympic Mountain backdrop and our elegant south-Oak Bay neighbourhood.
Gonzales Hill Observatory
Curl op with your next favourite novel
Now… about that book! Don’t head out to a spectacular lookout without first making a trip to Munro’s Books. As a mini destination within our destination, Munro’s Books has topped international lists as one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores – just a few steps inside, and you will see why. Situated in a striking heritage building with a magnificent 24-foot coffered ceiling and elegant artwork, you haven’t been to a bookstore quite like this. You’ll find a large selection of journals, puzzles, history books, great fiction, poetry… really, whatever genre you fancy for your tranquil escape. Munro’s also carries a large selection of local, Canadian, and Indigenous authors’ works – a must for any book lover looking to take home a memorable and meaningful souvenir.
Munro's BooksFind comfort in a cup at Murchie’s Tea
Right beside Munro’s Books is Murchie’s Tea & Coffee, established in 1894. Founder John Murchie was a Scottish man, who perfected the craft of tea making and brewing by delivering to Queen Victoria herself. At Murchie’s, there are over 130 varieties of loose-leaf tea and a charming selection of tea accessories, lovingly called “Murch-andise”. If you can’t wait to dig into the book you just purchased at Munro’s, stop at Murchie’s for lunch. The elegant silverware presentation, paired with the delectable cakes, pastries, and sandwiches for purchase will give you that true sense of “treating yourself”.
Murchie's Tea & CoffeeSeek out puzzle therapy at Puzzle Lab
Perhaps reading is not your thing… but exercising your brainpower through a good puzzle is! Look no further than the intricate, one-of-a-kind creations of Puzzle Lab. Their carefully designed wood-cut puzzles are as beautiful as they are challenging, with unique pattern cuttings that mimic coral reef growth patterns. They even have a design composed of orca-shaped pieces! The feeling of pride and quality emanates from each of Puzzle Lab’s creations, and we can’t think of a more perfect project to get lost in for a few hours.
Puzzle LabExperience Shinrin-Yoku with Rainforest Tours
If your version of escaping is by forest-bathing, seek out an excursion with Rainforest Tours. Our island is teeming with lush, temperate rainforest canopies, hidden waterfalls, vibrant tide pools, and more. Rainforest Tours’ expert guides know how to navigate all of them! Your adventure is made easy, with Rainforest Tours providing a pickup and drop off from downtown Victoria or Sooke, as well as refreshments, backpacks, and a delicious roast chicken or vegetarian sandwich that hits the spot after hiking. Their guided tours are deliberately kept small and intimate, to guarantee you get that remote West Coast experience you’re seeking.
Rainforest Tours
Enjoy summer sunrise yoga at Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Nothing says mindfulness quite like an hour of yoga. Combined with a summer sunrise in an otherworldly setting, and your mind, body, and soul are in for a true treat! Running until the end of August, Oak Bay Beach Hotel is holding 60 minute yoga sessions every Saturday morning on their spectacular Seaside Gardens Terrace. You do not have to be a guest at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel to participate! A portion of all proceeds will be donated to Surfrider Foundation Vancouver Island. Even pods of orcas have been known to welcome guests to their workout!
Please note that this activity tends to sell out each week, thus we recommend booking early to guarantee your spot on the Terrace.
Kick back with a picnic at Church & State Wines
Eat, drink, and experience a relaxing outing to a vineyard property. Just 15 minutes from Victoria, Church & State Wines in Brentwood Bay is Vancouver Island’s largest winery. Their passion to make wines translates into their meticulous wine-making processes, which accurately capture a unique sense of character, depth and the elegance of this island region. Bring your own picnic blanket or chair and indulge in a wonderful picnic overlooking the vineyard; with delectable food and beverages from their Tasting Bar.
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