While there’s much to do in Vancouver during the holiday season, there’s a certain special vibe across the straight, in Victoria. I nipped over for a few night’s in November for a sneak peak of the Magnolia Hotel & Spa’s Christmas in Victoria package, available until January 2.
Why not leave the car at home and fly over on the Helijet as flights start at $159 this time of year and they’ll drop you off at the hotel if you ask nicely (kids under 12 yrs fly for free)! There’s so much to do downtown this time of year, and you can do it all on foot.
The Magnolia is right in the heart of downtown Victoria, minutes from the harbour, shopping, holiday lights and sites and fab dining experiences.
Book a Diamond room and you’ll find oversized beds, soaker tubs, cozy gas fireplaces and lots of indulgent treats such as the hot chocolate and baileys for before bed.
There’s two very cool routes that the hotel has put together for this time of year; one is the Tapa Trail and the other the Festive Trail.
The Tapa Trail includes the following. I have have been to a few that I have starred and therefore can give them thumbs up, but I’ve heard good things about all.
*The Magnolia’s Catalano Restaurant & Cicchetti Bar – Mediterranean inspired. Enoy Venetian style cicchetti (Italian for small bites) at the bar. 619 Courtney Street Twitter @cicchettibar
*Chorizo & Co – Love love love this spot! Great chorizo sausage from a family recipe, tapas and paella parties. 807 Fort Street Twitter @ChorizoandCo
Bodega Bar– Spanish cuisine from pinchos to a Barcelona board featuring Spanish charcuterie. 1210 Broad Street
Tapa Bar – Meat and seafood and veggie dishes to share. 620 Trounce Alley
Northern Quarter Bar – live performances – meat or cheese boards. 1724 Douglas Street
The Drake Eatery – British pub style and local craft beer. 517 Pandora Avenue
Perro Negro – Located above Ferris Grill. wide range of cocktails, sherry and wine from Spain. 536 Yates Street Twitter @perronegrotapas
*Little Jumbo Restaurant – Stellar cocktail list an inventive Canadian cuisine. Do not miss the duck fat fried frites! 506 Fort Street – photo from their website.
*10 Acres Bistro – Smaller plates made with loacal, seasonal ingredients 611 Courtney Street Twitter @10acresbistro
Additionally through the holiday season the Magnolia Hotel’s Festive Trail captures the town’s spirit. Take in a performance of Alberta Ballet’s The Nutcracker, try outdoor ice-skating, a Ferris Wheel ride in Centennial Square, free horse-drawn trolley ride, visit the Festival of Trees at The Bay Centre, head to the Inn at Laurel Point for Gingerbread displays or check out the IMAX Polar Express adventure at the Royal BC Museum. Check in with the hotel’s concierge for more. The Hotel’s Catalano Restaurant and Cicchetti Bar will do a holiday feast on December 25 as well.
Magnolia Hotel & Spa’s Christmas in Victoria package starts from $189 per night, and includes a special gift of a $25 voucher, per day, to use towards in-room dining, Spa Magnolia, Catalano Restaurant, mini-bar treats or parking. The price includes a continental breakfast as well.
To book Magnolia Hotel & Spa’s Christmas package call 1-877-624-6654 or visit www.magnoliahotel.com.
