Girls Getaway to Victoria, BC
This Fall, grab your girls and head to fabulous Greater Victoria. With the city’s balance of unique activities and laid-back vibe, your visit can be as adventurous, indulgent and relaxing as you like. From hot brunch spots to shopping to the spa, we’ve got you covered with suggestions for everyone. You’ll be planning your next visit before you even leave!
Stay and spaaah
Book your stay at one of the city’s landmark hotels like the Fairmont Empress and get ready to be treated like a princess. Experience Fairmont Gold and the VIP service begins the moment you arrive at the specially reserved reception desk on the private Fairmont Gold floor. From there, enjoy a private lounge exclusively for Fairmont Gold guests, as well as complimentary continental breakfast in the lounge, complimentary canapes & honor bar in the lounge, and more. Set the tone for your getaway with a visit to The Magnolia Hotel & Spa – before you set out to explore Greater Victoria, transform your state of mind with an indulgent facial, massage or wrap.
Relax as you listen to the soothing ocean waves breaking below from the mineral pools with a stay Oak Bay Beach Hotel. The hotel’s Boathouse Spa and Bath is Victoria’s only oceanfront spa with serene views of the Salish Sea, the perfect way to lay back and adjust to island time.
Pinkies up!
What could be more Victorian than high tea? Grab the gals and sip away at Tea at the Empress. This iconic landmark boasts a sophisticated setting that blends turn-of-the-century elegance and modern refinement. Enjoy the house – Empress Blend of tea, that is steeped in tradition and served in royal China gifted to the Empress Hotel from King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother).
Tea at the Empress isn’t the only Victoria tea house offering the royal treatment. The Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden offers four-star guest service along with exceptional food and feature teas in the heritage home of the former Prince and Princess Abkhazi of Georgia, all while surrounded by lush world-class gardens.
Flower power
With Canada’s best climate, the gardens are always on display in Greater Victoria. Waltz through the famous sunken garden at The Butchart Gardens while you soak up the sunshine, then enjoy incredible dining experiences at their dining room, restaurant, and coffee shop. With so much to discover, The Butchart Gardens proves to be a world of its own.
Local Tip: Purchase some flower seeds from the gift shop to try your hand at gardening.
Greater Victoria’s love for horticulture doesn’t end there. The volunteer run Gardens at HCP offer a beautiful and expansive off the beaten track experience, the array of gardens are the perfect backdrop for a selfie or group photo. A picturesque café welcomes you back from your walk with cuisine as beautiful as the garden itself.
The dining is divine
Victoria is a city where you can be who you want to be and eat what you want to eat. Breakwater Bistro offers a rewarding combination of surreal views and tasty treats to enjoy with your morning coffee as you stroll the waterfront along Dallas Road.
Time for a healthy spot of lunch? Be Love is healthy and delicious and the perfect mid day stop. Be Love is one of Victoria’s favourite restaurants a staple for our local vegetarian and vegan community with their organic, plant-based ingredients. Good food, great vibes!
Eat like a local by eating local. 10 Acres Bistro showcases local Vancouver Island seafood, cheese, and produce, in a casual laid back environment – perfect for catching up with the girls. Many of 10 Acres ingredients are sourced from their own farm located on the Saanich Peninsula.
Take a sip & savour tour
With some of Canada’s top wineries and restaurants at our doorstep, Victoria boasts a wine scene like no other. Explore our local wineries with the provider that fits your needs. Island Time Tours shuttles you through the Cowichan Valley for Wine and Food tours in fun, sociable groups, visiting many of the region’s top wineries.
Looking for something a little more intimate? Take a concierge-level wine tour with L.A. Limousines, stopping at four properties dotted across the valley. Live the Greater Victoria wine scene in comfort and style as La Limo’s drivers chauffeur you through valleys.
With That Girl in Victoria’s self-guided audio tours, you will uncover the storied history of the Garden City’s downtown core, all while discovering the shops, sites, and flavours of this stunning city along the way. Now you’re ready to be that girl in Victoria, you know the one, with all of the fun facts and history about Victoria.
Brunch it up
Brunch is a Victoria staple; it closes the gap between two of our other favourite meals – breakfast and lunch. And there’s no shortage of great brunch places to choose from. Enjoy the everlasting summer with brunch at Fireside Grill’s gorgeously landscaped patio and savour the farm to table inspired fare. Dig into the flavours of the farm in the heart of the city with OEB Breakfast Co. OEB balances the best of the countryside with contemporary flare, and jampacks their menu with favourites, and soon to be favourites, that simply can't be made at home. The Brunch culture in Victoria is like no other. Check out the best spots to brunch at here (Must-Try Brunch Spots in Victoria, BC).
Shop 'til you drop
Shopping, shopping, shopping! Victoria is filled with boutiques, sustainable shops and malls for some of Canada’s best shopping. Downtown you’ll find the Bay Centre, and a little ways down Douglas is Mayfair Mall. For more unique shopping check out the boutiques on LoJo (Lower Johnson street) and Market Square.
...In your wildest dreams
For the adventurous girl gang, you are in the right spot. Hop on a scooter at Cycle BC to immerse yourself in Victoria. Scoot your way through downtown, and along the water through Oak Bay. Unbeatable views, and a blast. Then make your way to Sea Cider through the twisty, smooth roads of Saanich, to enjoy a crisp, organic cider in a serene ocean view orchard.
Take a walk on the wild side. Experience the ultimate natural high atop the Malahat Skywalk overlooking the serene Saanich Peninsula from over 250m above sea level, yikes! After a beautiful wrap around walk to the top, slide your way down the 20m high spiral slide, weeee!
After looking at the treetops, find yourself amongst the trees at Wildplay. Zip your way through the emerald beauty of Victoria’s forests on their six exhilarating zipline flights. Feeling adventuresome? Work your way through the woodwork on their elevated adventure courses, featuring ziplines, tight ropes, and wobbly bridges.
Dance the night away
They don’t call this a girls’ weekend for nothing! It’s time to dance! For more classic tunes and a feel-good vibe, the lively atmosphere of the Sticky Wicket (known as the Sticky to locals) will be a great time. Just down the street through Bastion Square are the Irish Times Pub and Bard & Banker which have beers on tap, and shoes on the floor! Make sure to check out if any live bands are playing. Both are great venues to take in Victoria’s electric live music scene. Friends of Dorothy’s is an evening you’ll never forget. The perfect place for a girls night, drinks on tap and entertainment for all! They offer a fun and inclusive environment with their many different drag shows.
Cheers to the girls!
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