Victoria Island Day Trip | Scenic Spots & Food Guide 🌸
Victoria is perfect for a quick getaway—just a short ferry ride from Vancouver, with a slow pace and fewer crowds! 🚢 Getting There (Vancouver → Victoria) Ferry: Tsawwassen Terminal → Swartz Bay (~1.5 hrs). Pro Tip: Book tickets early on BC Ferries’ website! 📍 Must-Visit Spots 1️⃣ Craft Beer Market Pier 🌅 Golden-hour magic! Best sunset photos here. 2️⃣ BC Parliament Building 🏛️ Postcard-perfect European architecture (skip the interior—the lawns + flower beds are the real stars!). Nearby: Shopping streets + the iconic Fairmont Empress. 3️⃣ Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride 🐴 Walk-ins welcome (or book ahead). Try companies near Hotel Grand Pacific. 4️⃣ Craigdarroch Castle 🏰 Stained glass + grand staircases = gothic vibes (a bit eerie, but photogenic!). 5️⃣ Oak Bay 🌊 Quieter than downtown—pure coastal charm. 6️⃣ Butchart Gardens 🌸 Canada’s most famous garden—a must-see for first-timers! 7️⃣ Glass Beach Hunt for sea-polished "gemstones"—great for kids! 🍽️ Food Recs ✅ Fathom Brunch 🍳 Unexpectedly delicious (not your average hotel restaurant!). ✅ Pendray Inn Tea House 🍵 Instagrammable patio—tea & scones are pretty, but flavors are meh. Skip Fairmont’s afternoon tea (overpriced + underwhelming). ✅ The Snug Pub 🍻 Cozy waterfront bar with epic sunset views. Nearby Faro does great wood-fired pizza! ✅ Il Terrazzo 🍝 Top Italian spot—book ahead! 🛏️ Where to Stay Oak Bay Beach Hotel (seaside luxury) Fairmont Empress (historic grandeur) Hotel Grand Pacific (central + modern) 🌟 Final Thoughts After four visits, Victoria still charms me—slow, scenic, and stress-free. Perfect for weekend escapes! #VictoriaBC #VancouverDayTrips #TravelCanada #IslandVibes #FoodieGuide
