Let’s Take a Trip
On January 20, 2021, Destination Greater Victoria published a blog post about how to travel all over the world without leaving our fair city of Victoria. We loved the idea and wanted to share it on our blog too!
You can also check out their original blog post by clicking here!
AROUND THE WORLD IN VICTORIA, B.C.
While international travel is on hold for the foreseeable future, one doesn’t need to venture far in Victoria to find worldly delights. Here, you can experience biting into a croissant au beurre in a boulangerie, being transported by a walk through Fan Tan Alley or indulging in Spanish-inspired tapas, all within a few city blocks. Greater Victoria is home to many local businesses with international influence. This winter delight in exploring the world from your own backyard by supporting these local businesses with your immediate household or bubble.
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.
SAVOUR EACH BITE IN FRANCE
Be transported from Victoria to a charming boulangerie in France as you bite into a warm croissant au beurre at La Roux Patisserie, a bakery serving delicious French-inspired treats on Fisgard Street. Delight your senses by stopping by Bon Macaron Patisserie for an amazing moment in one bite. With inventive flavours like Rose Lychee and Pomegranate Lime, they bring a unique twist to a classic French delicacy.
After dusk, visit Stage. a restaurant plucked from the streets of France and nestled into the charming neighbourhood of Fernwood. Wander in and be enchanted by the European atmosphere and their Pre-Nouvelle French Cuisine.
Downtown Victoria, Saveur Restaurant will transport your senses with their French-inspired, contemporary cuisine, influenced by local fare.
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BE TRANSPORTED TO CHINA
Join a Discover the Past, Chinatown Walking Tour and find yourself immersed as you learn about the history behind Canada’s oldest Chinatown. Treat yourself to a dim sum feast at Don Mee Seafood Restaurant. Wander down Fan Tan Alley and learn about its history through the Royal BC Museum’s Peering into the Past: Celebrating Canada’s Oldest Chinatown exhibit.
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SIP A CUPPA OR A PINT IN ENGLAND
Steeped in British history, Victoria has been rich with tea culture since the 1840s when the British first introduced the prestigious practice.
In true Victorian style, this time-honoured tradition is alive and well, with some modern West Coast flair mixed in. Think local honey produced in rooftop apiaries, exotic infused teas and Asian-influenced menus. Relax and enjoy an afternoon tea in several stately tearooms, loose-leaf shops, gardens and cozy cafés across the city.
Stop by the White Heather Tea Room for tiers of finger sandwiches and sweets galore. Embrace charm at Pendray Inn and Teahouse or soak up the sweet blooms over tea at Abkhazi Gardens. Visit Murchie’s to shop for imported tea and coffee, so you’re stocked up when the craving for a cuppa hits.
Fancy a drink at the local watering holes? The Bard & Banker resides in a charming and historic venue downtown Victoria that brings a British flair to the city. Alternatively, The Snug Pub at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel is a cozy venue to sip a pint and indulge in British fare.
In the heart of Oak Bay Village, find The Penny Farthing Olde English Pub. Picture crackling fires, mahogany finishing’s, Victorian-etched glass and memorabilia decorating the cozy interior. Here, enjoy British staples like bangers and mash or Shepherd’s Pie.
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KEEP THE TAPAS FLOWING IN SPAIN
Travel to Spain through the dynamic flavours served up at The Tapa Bar and Bodega in Trounce Alley. Here, indulge in traditional tapas and pair with sherry, vermouth or specialty wines. Be transported to a spirited Spanish tapa’s bar when you step foot into Perro Negro Tapas + Wine, here tapas flow like good conversation and wine.
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TAKE A VISIT TO IRELAND
Be transported to a pub in Ireland as you step through the doors of the Irish Times Pub. Wear your finest kilt, sip a pint of Guinness and be merry over Irish classics like bangers and mash.
Discover fine linens at Irish Linen Stores on Government Street. Here, traditional and elegant pieces are sourced by hand in Ireland by the shop’s proprietor.
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EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH ITALY
Taste your way through Italy, in Victoria, B.C. when you dine at the city’s Italian-inspired restaurants. In downtown Victoria, indulge in a decadent meal at Zambri’s, located in the gorgeous Atrium Building on Yates Street.
Wander down Waddington Alley to discover Il Terrazzo Ristorante, a hidden gem in a historic space where you can enjoy fine Italian dining. Picture a lively room with cozy brick fireplaces and a candlelit glow.
Located in downtown Victoria’s historic district, Il Covo Trattoria is an authentic Italian restaurant, awarded the Ospitalita Italiana seal. Residing in a building over a 100-years-old, it’s safe to say their venue is both charming and enchanting. We highly recommend trying the gnocchi and saving room for the tiramisu.
Pagliacci’s is a favourite of locals and visitors alike. Located on Broad Street, this joint serves up more than just delicious pasta, think New York-style cheesecake, steaks and crab cakes.
Step into an Italian Bistro when you step through the doors of Fiamo Italian Kitchen, located on Yates Street. They serve all the classic Italian dishes you know and love, plus a few more!
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TAKE A JOURNEY TO INDIA
Your journey to India awaits, visit Sizzling Tandoor to be wowed by bold and delicious flavours. From traditional dishes like curries, biryani and sizzling entrees, to non-traditional plates with a twist, think butter chicken poutine, Sizzling Tandoor offers mouth-watering delights.
Sample Flavours from South India at Dosa Paragon on Yates Street. Here, try dishes like Masala Dosa, a rice crepe stuffed with potato masala and uthappam, a savoury pancake topped with delicious fixings.
Located on Government Street in downtown Victoria, Varsha Indian Kitchen is a family-run eatery offering a traditional Indian menu with contemporary twists. Among menu items, find mom’s take on classics like samosa’s, chicken curry and aloo gobi.
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EXPERIENCE A CULINARY ADVENTURE TO JAPAN
Take a whirlwind dining adventure to Japan as you indulge in Japanese Tapas at NUBO. Visit Sen Zushi on Fort Street and find delicious and fresh Japanese fare to indulge in. For a unique take on specialty Japanese dishes, visit E:Ne and be sure to opt for the sake pairing, they have the largest selection in Canada, as well as sake sommeliers to help you choose.
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Remember to tag us and the businesses if you take any photos on your stay-at-home travels! Have fun on your trip!
