The first time I visited Victoria was two years ago, during our month-long road trip from Montreal to Tofino. We only stayed two days in town and really didn’t get to explore as much as I would have wanted. This year, as I begun to plan yet another cross Canada road trip, I started working in the corporate world, which forced me to shorten our summer vacation. Instead of driving all the way from Quebec to British Columbia, we flew to Victoria in July and spent seven amazing days there.
It all started with… a burger at Big Wheel burger as we got out of the airport. I was about to pass out from starvation and instead of rushing to the nearest fast food on our way to the Airbnb we had booked for the first night, my husband suggested we tried a restaurant and found this one. It was excellent! Service was impeccable, I devoured my crispy chicken burger with fries and all the different sauces they offer.
The Airbnb we had booked was located near Sooke. It was rather extraordinary to say the least, as it was located in a forge. The property’s huge entrance gate was made of wrought, with an immense wrought spider on it and dragons on each side of the gate. The lavish property is owned by a blacksmith and his wife. The whole garden is decorated with his works of art. It was a part of town we had never visited and loved discovering. It is wild – so much so that you don’t get Wi-Fi anywhere unless you’re in a restaurant.
This brings me to the three other hotels we have stayed at during our stay and that I highly recommend:
– The Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort: Located in the heart of Victoria, the Delta Victoria was a dream to stay at. We loved the lounge club, which gives you access to a delicious breakfast buffet and great snacks toward the end of the day. The pool and AMAZING gym with brand new equipment. Our room with the best view of Victoria, the many terraces.
– Abigail’s Hotel: A 23-room, tudor-style boutique hotel with top-notch service. We could not believe how comfortable the bed and beddings were. We particularly loved the complimentary breakfast that is, in all honesty, the best, healthiest and most complete hotel breakfast I’ve ever had in a hotel or even restaurant. The hotel also offers an afternoon buffet that is succulent. The hotel has an intimate, romantic feel to it that we loved.
– Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa: our second stay at Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa did not disappoint. Located at a 30-minute drive from downtown Victoria, Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa is a luxurious haven of peace and relaxation that you do not want to miss under any circumstance. You’ll love: the suites with an unbelievable view of the bay, the pool, the phenomenal restaurant and pub with a view, kayaking or paddle boarding.
Restaurants:
There are three restaurants that we want to recommend:
Finn’s, located in the heart of Downtown Victoria, the elegant restaurant serves succulent seafood, and offers thoughtful service.
Another must-try is Il Terrazzo, the most beautiful Italian restaurant I have ever seen, and excellent seafood pasta!
Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa’s restaurant: from the sushi bar to the cocktails, and their entire menu, you will live a flawless experience from beginning to end, with an exceptional view and breathtaking sunset.
What we did:
We visited the Butchart gardens, but I was disappointed. I find Montreal’s Botanical garden much prettier. If the Butchart Gardens’ fees were cheaper, I would recommend it but 70$ per person is way too expensive for what it is. At least we got gelato in the Italian garden!
We drove to Port Renfrew: What an experience! Firstly, the drive to Port Renfrew is breathtaking. Secondly, the wilderness and beauty of this place is second to none. We only stayed an hour or two. Long enough time to to enjoy fish n chips at the port’s restaurant with freshly caught fish. The view was incredible: not only because of the landscape, but also because we could see fishermen bring their catch of the day to men who would cut them up and get them ready to be sold.
We visited French Beach: This was the day I realized that my favorite landscapes of all times are beaches surrounded by mountains. French Beach is what my dreams are made of. We didn’t stay long enough to make a fire by the beach, but knowing that it was allowed made me want to come back and simply stay longer in that area.
We went to Tofino: You may wonder why we didn’t explore more of what downtown Victoria had to offer. Here is the truth: firstly, mother nature in the Canadian West Coast is out of this world. Secondly, we live in a big City all year and I knew that in order to fully unplug from reality, I needed to be in nature. So the best of both worlds for us was to stay in luxurious hotels in Victoria and spend our days exploring the area. Now mind you, Tofino is at a five-hour drive from Victoria, but I remembered that the last time we visited, we were gutted to leave after two days. I really wanted to go back and feel the surf vibe that reminds me so much of my brothers and childhood in Senegal. So we went to Tofino and came back to Victoria at midnight!
