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

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!

Please note that all businesses mentioned have taken the necessary steps to adapt their business to safely serve you during this time. Please check directly with the business you wish to visit for their COVID-19 safety protocols. 

LURE Restaurant & Bar

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

The Mint

It’s located underground and primarily lit by candles and overhead strands of twinkling lights, so you know it’s going to be cozy. The Mint offers a fantastic cocktail menu and wonderfully creative food options, plus they often have live music in the evenings.

Image by @davevanphotography via @themintvictoria (snapped pre-COVID-19)

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.

Image of the First Peoples Gallery @royalbcmuseum

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.

Image by @boombatten

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.

Image by @pennyfarthingpubvictoria

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.

Image by @spa.magnolia

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!

Image by @harry’s_flowers via Twitter.

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.

Image by @whiteheathertearoom

Pendray Inn & 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.

Image by @mabookies via Instagram

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.

Bodega

Located in charming Trounce Alley, Bodega has a truly European atmosphere with an incredible Spanish-inspired menu and wine list. Cozy up here with a glass of sherry and some tapas to share.

Ferris’ Grill & 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.

The 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.

Image by @davehutchisonimages

Villa Eyrie Resort

Perched at the summit of the Malahat, Villa Eyrie Resort will have you feeling miles away from the cold as you cozy up with the best view in town. Many of the rooms have their own fireplaces and Jacuzzis where you can unwind and relax in total privacy.

Craigdarroch Castle

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

Image by @wisteria_voyage

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.

Image by @alexandra_ep via @nourishvictoria

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. 

Image via @oakbaybeachhotel

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.

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.

Sidney, B.C.

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.

Hatley Castle

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

Image by @royalroadsu

Breakwater Café & Bistro

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?

Image via @breakwaterbistro

Cowichan River Lodge

When we think of cozy, we think of Cowichan River Lodge nestled into the woods. Curl up with a book by the picture window and warm yourself by the fire after a walk through the woods.

Image via @cowichanriverlodge

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. Warm-up with a coffee at Bubby Rose’s Cafe & Bakery on Cook Street.

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