8 Unique Accommodations in Greater Victoria

Whether you crave the luxurious or are looking for a rugged wilderness retreat, there is no shortage of ways to break out of the ordinary in Greater Victoria. Make your vacation extra memorable with a stay at one of these unique accommodations.

Hotel Zed

Located just ten minutes from the downtown core, Hotel Zed is the place to stay for those looking to rebel against the ordinary. From the ping pong lounge and “Zedinator” waterslide to the comic books and retro rotary phones in every room, you may never want to leave the property! But if you do decide to venture into downtown, their brightly coloured VW shuttle or cruiser bikes are always available for guest use.

Image credit: Hotel Zed

Spinnakers Guesthouse

As the first brewpub in Canada, Spinnakers has been a core part of Victoria’s hospitality scene for many years. Besides their delicious beer, Spinnakers also offers quaint accommodations in their guesthouses. Choose from a room in the heritage house for a blend of modern luxury with Victorian history, a garden suite that overlooks the Inner Harbour, or a private bungalow surrounded by heritage fruit trees and gardens. Every stay also includes a delicious breakfast in the waterfront dining room and samples of Spinnaker’s own beer and handcrafted truffles.

Image credit: Field and Forest

Swans Hotel

Enjoy a stay on the edge of Canada’s oldest Chinatown at Swans Hotel. A warehouse-turned-apartment-turned-hotel, Swans’ 30 beautiful suites and lofts feature original brick and wood beams dating back to 1913 and kitchens in every suite. The Hotel’s penthouse boasts an open plan layout split over three levels and even has a private rooftop patio perfect for watching the sun set over Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Downstairs is Swans Brewery and pub, where you can enjoy in-house brewed craft beer and elevated pub fare.

Image credit: Swans Hotel & Brewpub

Oak Bay Beach Hotel

Over in the charming neighbourhood of Oak Bay, the Oak Bay Beach Hotel sits on the edge of the Pacific Ocean just ten minutes from downtown Victoria. With classic Manor House-inspired architecture mixed with modern comfort and amenities, it’s no surprise that this boutique luxury hotel was named one of the top 25 hotels in Canada by U.S. News for 2020. While the hotel itself is nothing short of breathtaking, it is the in-house spa that really sets this property apart. As Victoria’s only oceanfront spa, the Boathouse Spa offers a wide range of services and features stunning seaside mineral pools so you can have the ultimate relaxation experience right at the edge of the Salish Sea.

Image credit: Wisteria Voyage

Villa Eyrie Resort

Escape to the clouds at this luxury hotel perched high atop the Malahat. With views stretching over the Saanich Inlet and beyond, you can be pampered at the Tuscan Spa or indulge in fine European fair at Alpina Restaurant. Though this stunning getaway is just a 25-minute drive from downtown, you will feel worlds away from it all at Villa Eyrie.

Image credit: @tomparkr

oTENTik at Ford Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse

Imagine camping out under the stars amidst secret bunkers, military command posts and the oldest lighthouse on Canada’s west coast. At Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites, you can do just that! The five oTENTik tents on site each sleeps up to 6 people and include an outdoor firepit and most of the equipment you will need for a fun family camp out. A camp host will also be onsite to tell you about the site and the many nearby activities and attractions. Make sure to reserve your summer adventure ahead of time, as space is limited.

Yurts at Merridale Cidery & Distillery

If camping isn’t your style, why not try “glamping” at Merridale Cidery & Distillery. With two on-site yurts equipped with hardwood floors, fireplaces and clawfoot tubs, this isn’t your typical camp experience. While staying on the property, you will be able to stroll through the orchards and sample craft ciders and spirits in the tasting bar. The yurts also make for the perfect bridal suite, as Merridale Cidery & Distillery is known for being a popular wedding venue.

Image credit: @nat_venture 

Wild Renfrew

For a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Wild Renfrew to experience the west coast community of Port Renfrew. Here, you can take in the towering trees and wild surf from one of their several lodging options. Choose a Seaside or Creekside cottage which offer private spaces perfect for families or groups who want to be perched on the edge of the wilderness. For a different kind of stay, travellers can enjoy classic hotel rooms or the hostel style dorm rooms in the West Coast Trail Lodge.

Image credit: Wild Renfrew