Cozy Places to Escape the Winter Chill in Victoria, B.C.

Greater Victoria’s distinct micro-climate allows you to experience the winter season like nowhere else.

Greater Victoria may experience the mildest year-round climate in Canada, however, we’re firm believers in taking advantage of the temperature shift to curl up in some of Victoria’s coziest spaces and intimate places – trust us, there’s no shortage!

The patio at Lure Restaurant + Bar on the Inner Harbour in Victoria, BC

Lure Restaurant + Bar

Cozy up in a heated dining dome at LURE Restaurant & Bar and indulge in an enchanting evening, overlooking the harbour.

Lure Restaurant & Bar
A whooly mammoth on display at the Royal BC Museum in Victoria, BC

Royal BC Museum

The Royal BC Museum is a great place to escape the cold as you’ll want a couple of hours to explore and wander through their many galleries and exhibits. Grab a hot cup of coffee from the café and stay for a while if you’re still not ready to brave the cold.

Royal BC Museum
A salad is served at Boom + Batten in Victoria, BC

Boom + Batten

Situated right on the water (seriously, you can even kayak under it), in the Victoria International Marina, Boom + Batten is Victoria’s newest waterfront eatery. With a warm and modern atmosphere, cozy up to a delightful cafe beverage and indulge in a decadent meal as you watch the weather through a floor to ceiling window.

Boom + Batten
A couple sits outside the Penny Farthing in the Oak Bay Neighbourhood of Greater Victoria, BC

Penny Farthing Pub

A quaint space in the heart of Oak Bay Village, the Penny Farthing Pub is a cozy place to warm up with a hot toddy and traditional English soul food.

Penny Farthing Pub
A woman receives a facial spa treatment at the Spa Magnolia in Victoria, BC

Spa Magnolia

It’s important to treat yourself and a visit to the Spa Magnolia is a wonderful way to do just that. Warm-up with a cup of tea and a relaxing spa treatment.

Spa Magnolia
An aisle of books at Russell Books in Victoria, BC

Russell Books

This family-owned bookstore is one of the most well-known and loved in Victoria, and for good reason. You may know Russell Books for its three stories of floor-to-ceiling shelves that are packed with books, plus overflow stacks that you had to be careful not to tip over as you browsed. Russell’s is sporting a new space this winter! Check out the new location on Fort Street where every book will now have shelf space!

Russell Books
An assortment of baked goods and sandwiches at White Heather Tearoom in Victoria, BC

White Heather Tea Room

You’ll feel right at home at the White Heather Tea Room. Stop by for their popular Afternoon Tea served daily featuring house-made scones with jams and Devon cream, tea sandwiches, sweet treats, and a warming pot of tea.

White Heather Tea Room
A man reads a book in a room at the Pendray Inn and Teahouse in Victoria, BC

Pendray Inn and Tea House

The Pendray Inn & Tea House is a perfect place to cozy up during a winter escape to Victoria. Located right along the Inner Harbour, several of the unique rooms in this late 1800’s mansion offers views over the water. With ornate details and plushy furnishings, you’ll feel right at home.

The Pendray Inn and Teahouse
The exterior of the Garrick's Head pub at dusk in Victoria, BC

Garrick's Head Pub

Nestled in historic Bastion Square, the Garrick’s Head Pub has been a Victoria fixture since 1867. Cozy up by the fireplace and taste a flight of local craft beers; they’ve got more than 50 on tap.

Garrick's Head Pub
A group dines at Ferris' Upstairs Seafood & Oyster Bar on Yates Street in Victoria, BC

Ferris' Upstairs Seafood & Oyster Bar

Up a narrow flight of stairs in one of Victoria’s downtown heritage buildings is Ferris’ Grill & Oyster Bar. It’s bustling but cozy, and a great place to enjoy west coast comfort food on a cold day.

Ferris' Upstairs Seafood & Oyster Bar
A couple enjoys a drink at the Bard & Banker in Victoria, BC

Bard & Banker

Located inside an old bank building, the aptly-named The Bard & Banker Pub is a cozy Scottish pub where you can soak in some holiday cheer over a pint of ale or a hot apple cider.

Bard & Banker
A couple walks down a staircase at Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria, BC

Craigdarroch Castle

Filled with beautiful antiques and historic charm, it is easy to spend hours browsing at Craigdarroch Castle.

Craigdarroch Castle Historic House Museum
A meal set-up at a window-side table at Nourish Kitchen & Cafe in Victoria, BC

Nourish Kitchen & Cafe

If you love brunch, you might have already been to Nourish Kitchen & Cafe for their famous Sleeping Beauty pancakes. Located in a heritage home in James Bay, Nourish is the ultimate spot to cozy up with a cup of bone broth or a bowl of winter squash and red lentil soup. Dine on the main floor or order your meal and drink to bring upstairs and lounge in their cozy sitting area.

Nourish Kitchen & Cafe
A woman soak in a mineral pool at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel in Victoria, BC

Oak Bay Beach Hotel

Named one of the top hotels in Canada by Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards (2019), Oak Bay Beach Hotel offers the ultimate hygge experience. Warm your soul with a relaxing spa treatment at the Boathouse Spa and then soak your worries away in the seaside mineral pools. Freshen up in your luxurious room before indulging in handcrafted pizza at FARO.

A drink is served at Clive's Classic Lounge in Victoria, BC

Clive's Classic Lounge

House-made liqueurs, bitters, syrups and shrubs make the handcrafted cocktails at Clive’s Classic Lounge, a unique and noteworthy experience for anyone. This cozy bar, located within the Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites, also features a great menu with a focus on international comfort cuisine.

A couple shops for tea at Murchie's Tea & Coffee in Victoria, BC

Murchie's Tea & Coffee

Established in 1864, Murchie’s Tea & Coffee has been importing specialty teas and coffees from around the world for over 100 years. On a blustery day, escape the chilly weather with a hot pot of tea and a yummy slice of cake.

Murchie's Tea & Coffee
A pub-style breakfast and a pint at the Irish Times in Victoria, BC

Irish Times Pub

Possibly the cheeriest pub in town, Irish Times Pub has live music Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. and offers a great selection of traditional Irish pub food to warm you up from the inside out.

Irish Times Pub
Children explore the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea in Victoria, BC

Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea

Take the kids up to Sidney for a day of indoor adventures. Discover the secrets of the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea then linger in one of Sidney’s many new and used bookstores.

Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea
The exterior of Hatley Castle in Victoria, BC

Hatley Castle

Experience the tranquillity of Hatley Park National Historic Site and take in the gorgeous gardens, scenic sites and historic architecture.

Hatley Park National Historic Site
The interior of the Breakwater Bistro in Victoria, BC

Breakwater Bistro & Tasting Room

On a stormy winter day, cozy up in this warm, west coast atmosphere. Located in the Breakwater District, discover their new menu and delightful, handcrafted tacos. Did we mention you’ll also have one of the best seats in Victoria to storm watch?

Breakwater Bistro & Tasting Room
The exterior of the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, BC

Find your stay

If you do end up heading outside for some fresh winter air, a walk along Dallas Road is always a great way to enjoy the blustery weather. Start at the Breakwater Bistro and continue toward Cook Street Village, taking in the shops and boutiques along the way.

A cozy visit starts and ends with a cozy stay! Find your perfect accommodation here.

Accommodations

Download Victoria's Vacation Guide

Destination Greater Victoria is honoured to be based on the traditional territory of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples of the Songhees Nation and Xwsepsum Nation, whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.