A woman walks beneath some arches at The Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC
Experience Victoria like a witch

Wicked in Victoria

Recommended accommodations for a Wicked stay

The Belleville Room at The Pendray Inn and Suites in Victoria, BC

The Pendray Inn and Teahouse

Step into a storybook at The Pendray Inn, a historic 19th-century Victorian mansion nestled along the waterfront. With stained-glass windows, intricate woodwork, and antique-filled rooms, it’s a place where the charm of another era meets modern comforts. Take off to the Emerald Tower, and stay in the Emily Carr suite, complimented with tasteful touches of green adorning the Victorian-era home. Or, be tickled pink in the Belleville Room, featuring beautiful pink ceiling frescoes from 1906. After a day of adventuring, unwind with a cozy pot of tea in the teahouse, where you’ll feel like Glinda herself, relaxing in a space that’s as enchanting as it is welcoming. Located just steps from Victoria’s Inner Harbour, The Pendray Inn offers the perfect blend of elegance and whimsical retreat.

Photo credit: Pendray Inn and Teahouse

The Pendray Inn and Teahouse
The entranceway to the Heritage House at Spinnakers GuestHouses in Victoria, BC

Spinnakers GuestHouses - Heritage House

For a stay that feels like a page from Wicked itself, book a room in Spinnakers' Heritage House, an elegantly restored home built in 1884. his Victorian-era treasure, with its timeless charm and thoughtful details, feels like a place where Glinda’s elegance and Elphaba’s intrigue could effortlessly coexist. Each guest room features a private patio for moments of reflection, a crackling fireplace to warm your soul, and a magical sense of history. Weekly bookings are treated to a complimentary beer and truffle pairing—a pairing as surprising and delightful as any Wicked twist. The Heritage House’s old-world elegance makes every moment feel spellbinding.

Photo credit: Spinnakers Guesthouses

Spinnakers GuestHouses

Day one

The interior of Friends of Dorothy in Victoria, BC

Mimosas and magic

Start your journey at Friends of Dorothy, Victoria’s most fabulous brunch spot, where chandeliers glitter and eclectic decor makes you feel like you’ve stepped into Oz. Sip on a mimosa, tuck into a brunch that’s sure to take you over the rainbow, and soak in the fun, inclusive vibe—perfect for channeling your inner Glinda!

Local Tip: You’re spoiled for choice at FoD; can’t make up your mind? Try Today’s Best Brunch Things, for a variety of their favourite daily flavours.

Friends of Dorothy Cocktail Lounge
A couple walks along a pathway in fall at The Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC

Green and glorious

After brunch, make your way to The Butchart Gardens. This iconic, flower-filled wonderland is enchanting any time of year. As you follow the winding paths through each garden, it’s like stepping onto your own yellow brick road, guiding you through vibrant landscapes that reveal new wonders around every corner. As you stroll through spring blossoms, fiery autumn reds, or sparkling holiday light displays, it feels like your very own Emerald City. Get lost among the roses, wind through the tranquil Japanese Garden, and soak in the mesmerizing colors—it’s almost as if the flowers are singing back to you.

The Butchart Gardens
Green and black soap at Starlite Soap Studio in Victoria, BC

Soaps and spells

Keep the colours flowing, head over to Starlite Soap Studio for a hands-on experience that will feel like crafting your own colourful potions! At this vibrant workshop, an instructor guides you through the magical process of creating your own custom soap, with vibrant colours (pink and green anyone?) and fragrances to choose from. As you swirl together beautiful hues and enchanting scents, you’ll feel like a soap-making sorceress, creating something beautiful and unique to take home.

Starlite Soap Studio
A pink cocktail at Q at the Empress at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, BC

Sips of sorcery

Close out your day at Q at the Empress for a dinner as grand as it is glam. With Empress Gin cocktails on hand, you’ll feel right at home in this historic, yet unapologetically chic setting. The Empress Gin is especially magical—it’s colour-changing, transforming from deep indigo to a vibrant pink with a splash of tonic or citrus, like your own bewitching elixir. Don’t miss the Empress Experience gin tasting flight to channel your inner potion-maker—sophisticated but with a dash of mystery!

Photo credit: @fairmontempress (Instagram)

Day two

The exterior of Floyd's Diner's James Bay location in Victoria, BC

Brunch, Bold & Brilliant

Kick off your second day with breakfast at Floyd’s Diner, where the “Mahoney” surprise meal brings playful, chaotic energy to your table. What’s a surprise meal, well that’s whatever the chef feels like making you! Who knows what your breakfast fate might be? It’s a Wicked-worthy thrill for sure.

Photo credit: @floyds.diner (Instagram)

Floyd's Diner
A fall day at Hatley Park National Historic Site in Victoria, BC

Follow the castle road

Next, step into the enchanting Hatley Castle—a setting so magical it almost feels like you could study sorcery there. Wander through this historic estate and its scenic grounds and gardens, which evoke the grandeur of a royal kingdom. Snap a photo in your best Glinda pose; this is your kingdom, after all.

Hatley Park National Historic Site
A pathway through the lavender at Bilston Creek Farm in Greater Victoria, BC

Spellbound by lavender

Our fantastical journey continues at Bilston Creek Farm, a sanctuary that feels straight out of Elphaba's dreamscape. Stroll through lavender fields that stretch like magic in the summer, or soak in the scents of lavendar in the barn in the winter, filling the air with calming, herbal notes, as if spellbound. When it’s time to unwind, gather around a cozy fire pit, or slip into the warmth of a Wildwood Sauna—experiences that feel like they could melt away even the wickedest of worries. With each moment, you’ll feel the world’s weight lift, as if touched by a bit of Oz’s own magic, in a place that’s both grounding and enchantingly otherworldly.

A woman glides through the trees at WildPlay Elements Park in Victoria, BC

Fly over Oz

For a little thrill, channel your inner Elphaba and zoom into the treetops at WildPlay for some ziplining, where you’ll feel like your defying gravity. Just imagine you’re flying on a broomstick through the lush forests of Vancouver Island—it's the ultimate dose of wicked fun and perfect for daring spirits.

WildPlay Element Parks

Day three

Lattes and levitation

Start your morning at Nourish Kitchen & Cafe, where farm-to-table goodness meets a truly enchanting vibe. This cozy spot is known for its vibrant, healthful dishes and beautiful hot beverages that feel almost like potions—a Heartbeet or matcha latte, for a splash of pink and green in your morning routine. Savour each sip and bite in this charming heritage house, and let the fresh flavours set a bright, magical tone for your day.

Photo credit: @nourishvictoria (Instagram)

Nourish Kitchen & Cafe
The exterior of Wentworth Villa Architecture Heritage Museum in Victoria, BC

A spell of structure

From one heritage home to the next, make your way to the Wentworth Villa Architecture Heritage Museum. This Victorian-era treasure transports you to another time with its intricate design and carefully preserved stories. It’s as if you’re wandering through history’s own fairytale, where details come to life and every corner has a tale to tell.

Wentworth Villa Architecture Heritage Museum
A pear and hazelnut macaron at Bon Macaron Patisserie in Victoria, BC

Tasting wicked wonders

For a burst of flavour fit for the Emerald City, make your way over to Bon Macaron Patisserie for a whimsical snack. Pick from a rainbow of flavours and colours as delightful as the Land of Oz itself. With choices like Black Current Dark Chocolate, Calamansi Wildberry, Gummy Bears, and Pear Hazelnut, each macaron is like a spellbound treat, and each bite is a little burst of joy.

Photo Credit: Lainya Semple

Bon Macaron Patisserie
A woman in a dress stands outside Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria, BC

A castle of wonders

It’s been a day filled with character, so let’s carry on to Craigdarroch Castle, an iconic mansion that feels like it belongs in a fantastical world. With its grand staircases, beautiful stained glass, and sweeping views from the turret, this castle is the perfect place to soak in Victoria’s own blend of magic and elegance. Each room tells a story of drama and beauty, leaving you with a sense of wonder and a feeling that you’ve truly found a place like no other.

Craigdarroch Castle Historic House Museum
The brick and green interior of End Dive in Victoria, BC

Potions and plates

After a castle fit for a princess, it’s time for some wickedly good food. Head to End Dive, a neighborhood gem that feels like a secret little hideaway. The restaurant’s playful green decor and its frogman logo set a fantastical tone, as if you’ve stumbled into a spot in the Emerald City itself. End Dive’s menu focuses on local, pescatarian fare, with fresh and flavorful dishes that showcase Victoria’s coastal bounty. Pair your meal with one of their inventive cocktails—crafted with a flair that feels almost like alchemy—to end your evening on a delightfully enchanting note.

End Dive

Day four

A mother and child shop for sweets at the Dutch Bakery & Diner in Victoria, BC

Sugary spells

Begin your day at the Dutch Bakery & Diner, a beloved Victoria institution that’s been enchanting visitors with its warm meals, delightful pastries and old-world charm since 1956. Enjoy a magical array of savouries or sweets, from buttercream-filled cakes and delicate shortbread cookies to house made sausage rolls. Savour a morning treat and feel transported to a fairytale bakery where each bite feels like a spell cast to start your day with joy.

Dutch Bakery & Diner
A man explores an interactive exhibit at Monkey C's Artcade in Victoria, BC

Wicked to the touch

Step inside the rainbow at Monkey C’s Artcade. This interactive art show is a living exhibition of creativity and curiosity. Go behind the curtain, flick switches, press buttons, and explore wild sounds, pulsating music & blinking lights on an array of interactive art machines, for an experience that’s sure to make you feel like the wizard himself. Witches of all ages are invited to rediscover wonder, embrace the unexpected, and play with strangers at this one-of-a-kind exhibit that feels like a blend of a gallery and a playground.

Dutch Bakery & Diner
A man pours a cup of tea at The Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden in Victoria, BC

Petals and porcelain

For a mid-day adventure, make your way to the Abkhazi Garden and Tea House. This historic garden, lovingly created by Prince and Princess Abkhazi, feels like a hidden kingdom of its own, with winding paths and lush landscapes that reveal something beautiful at every turn. Settle in for a traditional high tea with delicate finger sandwiches, scones, and an assortment of fine teas. It’s an experience fit for royalty, surrounded by an atmosphere that’s every bit as magical as Oz.

A horse drawn carriage tour through Victoria, BC, with Tally-Ho Carriage Tours in Victoria, BC

Carriage to wonder

Close your day with a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic streets of Victoria. Snuggle under a cozy blanket as your charming steed leads you past Victorian-era buildings, twinkling lights, and scenic harbourside views. This timeless experience is both romantic and whimsical, bringing a touch of old-world magic to the end of your journey. With the sound of hooves on cobblestone and a cool breeze at your back, it’s the perfect finale to a day that feels like a scene from your very own storybook.

Victoria’s magic will linger with you, casting a spell that calls you back again and again. After all, there’s no place like this.

Travelling with little witches and wizards

A girl and a pony enjoy tea at Pipsqueaks and Ponies in Victoria, BC

Hooves and hocus-pocus

Start your day with a magical visit to Ponies and Pipsqueaks, where young witches and wizards can meet and greet some adorable miniature horses. These gentle creatures, each with a personality as unique as a character from Oz, are perfect for little ones to interact with. Watching their delight as they brush, pet, and maybe even take a short ride with these tiny ponies is a heartwarming start to your day. That my dear, is a horse of a different colour!

Photo credit: @poniesandpipsqueaks (Instagram)

Ponies and Pipsqueaks
A view of a tiny kingdom at Miniature World in Victoria, BC

Tiny tales of Oz

Grab your munchkins and head to Miniature World, a land of endless fascination. This enchanting spot will transport you through scenes of fantasy and history, with tiny worlds and figurines so detailed it’s like magic. From fairy tales to castles, your little travellers will feel like they’re wandering through their own enchanted realms. Each display is like a storybook brought to life, full of whimsical surprises and fun for kids and grown-ups alike.

Miniature World
A girl does a flip on a trampoline at Flying Squirrel in Victoria, BC

Flying without broomsticks

When it’s time for some high-energy fun, visit Flying Squirrel Victoria, an indoor trampoline park that lets kids (and adults) jump, flip, and fly through the air like the monkeys they are! With foam pits, obstacle courses, and plenty of space to practice their best airborne tricks, Flying Squirrel brings a spark of adventure to your day. It’s the perfect way to let out all the excitement of the trip with some high-flying fun.

Flying Squirrel Victoria

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Destination Greater Victoria is honoured to be based on the traditional territory of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples of the Songhees Nation and Xwsepsum Nation, whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.