Basking in Victoria's Long Summer Nights

Long summer nights are upon us, and what better place to enjoy the evening warmth than Greater Victoria? Nestled on the edge of the Pacific, framed by old growth cedars and pristine beaches, summer in Victoria is bathed in a perpetual glow.

After spending your days on Victoria’s most iconic tours and exploring the city’s distinct cultural flair, here are some of our top recommendations to bask in those long summer nights.

Enjoy Dinner with a Picturesque View

Victoria is renowned for its exceptional farm-to-table dining experiences, many of which offer stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. After a long day in the sun, there’s nothing better than sitting back with a great view of the harbour.

If you’re looking to try a new dining spot, OpenTable’s recent Top 100 Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Canada features Boom + Batten, Finn’s Seafood Chops Cocktails, Glo Restaurant + Lounge, Steamship Grill & Bar, and The Butchart Gardens’ Dining Room. These, among other dining options in Victoria, offer a perfect pairing of ambiance and mouthwatering cuisine.

Whether you’re on the hunt for fresh seafood or the finest produce from the Saanich Peninsula, Victoria’s culinary scene has something for everyone. Be sure to check out The Ultimate Victoria Patio Guide for more outdoor dining inspiration.

YAM Magazine also recently published its Best Restaurant Awards for 2024, which makes a great jumping off point to plan some memorable outings on your next visit to Greater Victoria.

Among the award winners are:

The Courtney Room

• Restaurant of the Year
• Best Sommelier and/or Wine Program

Marilena Café & Raw Bar

• Best New Restaurant
• Best Big Night Out
• Outstanding Service

Block Kitchen + Bar

• Best Casual
• Best Happy Hour

Aura Waterfront Restaurant + Patio

• Best Patio

House of Boateng

• Best Brunch

Nourish Kitchen & Café

• Best Plant-Based

Finest at Sea

• Producer of the Year

Delight in Sunset Sips at the Fairmont Empress

One of Victoria’s most iconic hotels, the Fairmont Empress is bringing back Sunset Sips for the summer months. Indulge in an elevated evening experience with tea-infused cocktails and mocktails in the customary elegant décor the Empress is renowned for. This hand-crafted menu includes drinks such as the ‘Duchess of York’ with passion flamenco infused rum, cherry shrub and acidified orange, and ‘Tiffany’s Breakfast’ with grapefruit liqueur, chamomile demerara syrup and coffee bitters. It’s the perfect setting to watch the sun set over the Inner Harbour in a roaring twenties-inspired lounge.

Go on a Sunset Paddleboarding or Whale Watching Excursion

If you’ve never stepped foot on a paddleboard, we highly recommend venturing out with one of our local operators, including South Island SUP, Ocean River Sports and Pacifica Paddle Sports. With guided tours for all abilities, paddleboarding is a great way to take in the scenic landscape and immerse yourself in the natural environment. As you glide across calm waters, enjoy the warm hues of sunset and the twinkling lights of the city. It’s an invigorating yet peaceful way to wind down your day.

Another iconic sunset activity, sure to take your breath away, is a sunset whale watching tour. As golden hour hits Greater Victoria, the Salish Sea transforms into a sparkling aquatic carpet with warm gusts of wind at your back. For even the most seasoned of whale watchers, a sunset excursion is truly unique. Visit our dedicated whale watching page for more details and a full list of operators, including Eagle Wing, Prince of Whales, Orca Spirit Adventures, SpringTide, Five Star, and BC Whale Tours.

Explore Victoria’s Craft Beer Scene

Victoria’s craft beer scene has never been livelier, and there’s no better time to explore it than during the long summer months. If you prefer to venture out on your own, we recommend checking out The Drake Eatery and Swans Pub & Brewery, along with other great local breweries. For more formal itineraries, the BC Ale Trail is a great resource to find exceptional local beverages throughout southern Vancouver Island. Many of these breweries offer patios to enjoy cold drinks, turning a short stop into a perfect night cap after a wonderful day of adventure.

Journey through the Flavour Trails

The Flavour Trails offer a delightful journey through the rich agricultural landscape of Greater Victoria, the Saanich Peninsula and the Southern Gulf Islands. This self-guided tour, in the form of maps and itineraries, takes you to local farms and businesses where you can taste the freshest and finest local products. From locally sourced cider and vegetables to exquisite wines and cheese, the Flavour Trails highlight the best of the region’s culinary offerings. As you traverse the region, you’ll also get to soak in the scenic beauty of the countryside.

Take a Walk along the City’s Most Famous Paths

As we’ve written about in our Take a Walk blog or Celebrating the Summer Solstice, Greater Victoria is filled with countless pedestrian-friendly routes that are perfect for an evening stroll. Among our favourites that we visit time and time again are the Inner Harbour, Dallas Road and Esquimalt Gorge Park. A great option at any time of year, these pathways are especially enchanting during long, warm summer evenings. If you feel like a bit more action, you can also venture further into the city and enjoy the sights and sounds of Government Street, Chinatown or Songhees Park.

Join the Fun at Summer at Ship Point

A highlight of summer weeknights, Summer at Ship Point is a community celebration of food, fun and music in downtown Victoria. This festival-like gathering features live musical performances multiple times per week, along with food trucks and beer gardens for evening socials. A casual environment with rotating entertainment, Ship Point is a great place to enjoy a relaxed evening with friends. As the sun begins to set on the city, you’ll also have a front row seat to one of the best vantage points in the area and a true encapsulation of what island life is all about.

If you haven’t already, don’t forget to check out Touchdown Pacific, taking place on August 29-31. With a two-day tailgate festival leading up to a BC Lions CFL home game, this summer event is the perfect back-to-school event for sporty families. Visit bclions.com/touchdown-pacific for more information on the game and festivities leading up.