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!
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 & BarRoyal 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 MuseumBoom + 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 + BattenPenny 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 PubSpa 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 MagnoliaRussell 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 BooksWhite 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 RoomPendray 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 TeahouseGarrick'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 PubFerris' 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 BarBard & 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 & BankerCraigdarroch Castle
Filled with beautiful antiques and historic charm, it is easy to spend hours browsing at Craigdarroch Castle.
Craigdarroch Castle Historic House MuseumNourish 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 & CafeOak 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.
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.
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 & CoffeeIrish 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 PubShaw 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 SeaHatley Castle
Experience the tranquillity of Hatley Park National Historic Site and take in the gorgeous gardens, scenic sites and historic architecture.
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 RoomFind 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.