Live Like a Local

Victoria is a popular location for tourists year-round. At the Victoria Regent, we receive guests from all over the world and we understand why: beautiful botanical gardens, panoramic ocean views, and some of the best eats in Canada.

Despite Victoria’s small size, there is always something to do in this town. In fact, there might be more going on than many tourists even realize. Here’s how you can get the most out of your stay in British Columbia’s capital city and explore like the locals do.

  1. Little Jumbo – Down the Hall, 506 Fort St.

This cozy speakeasy is the place to go for craft cocktails. Their menu is constantly in flux with new and interesting drinks care of their inventive bartenders.

  1. Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub – 308 Catherine St.

Canada’s oldest brewpub is located across the Johnson Street bridge from the Victoria Regent. There are over 26 beers on tap and an extensive menu featuring local ingredients.

  1. Dragon Alley – 532 ½ Fisgard St.

Walking distance from the hotel you’ll find Victoria’s China Town, the oldest in Canada. And within China Town you’ll find Dragon Alley, a narrow pathway connecting Fisgard and Herald streets filled with shops and photo ops.

  1. Empire Donuts – 109-230 Cook St.

Located in Cook Street Village, this local donut shop handcrafts simple and tasty donuts each day from scratch. For a bonus like-a-local experience, you can enjoy your donuts during a stroll through Beacon Hill Park.

  1. Walbran Park Lookout – 141 Denison Rd.

Known to locals as Gonzales Hill, this lookout is located on almost 2 hectares of undeveloped land in Oak Bay. A short climb provides panoramic views of Victoria, the ocean, and the Olympic Mountains.

  1. Caffe Fantastico Dockside – 398 Harbour Rd.

Across the water is the Caffe Fantastico, a dockside bar, deli, and café that overlooks the water and serves coffee, craft beers and ciders, cured meats, cheeses, and almost anything else you can think of.

  1. Russell Books

This family-run bookstore is located walking distance from the Victoria Regent. You can find new, used, and vintage titles as well as fun book-related merchandise for you or any bibliophiles in your life.

  1. Harbour Tour – Empress Dock, Inner Harbour

Ahoy, land lubber! See Victoria from a different angle with a tour through the harbour! Victoria Harbour Tours offer two routes: Inner Harbour and Gorge. Your tour guide will show you the sights and sounds of B.C.’s capital, and give a bit of a history lesson on from whence Victoria came.

These are just a handful of places that will make your trip to Vancouver Island unforgettable. If you have questions or would like to book your stay, email [email protected]!