Each time I visit Victoria I find something new, whether it be another fantastic lounge or restaurant, an art show or a new shoe store. I could spend days on end exploring the city, but if you only had one and food is something you at least slightly worship, here’s some suggestions for where to stay and what to eat.
After a ride aboard BC Ferries I recommend picking up one of their package deals hotel deals and check into the Oswego Hotel. I’ve stayed here three times now and love the downtown location in Victoria’s Inner Harbour where you can walk to almost everything you need to see. The ten-story Hotel has spacious rooms, 24 hour fitness just in case walking the city isn’t quite enough, soaker tubs for post workout, French press quality coffee, a full kitchen should you strangely not want to dine out, a bistro should you wish to, complimentary wifi and a parking for just $15 or free for if you drive a Hybrid. Rates vary, but today’s price with the BC Ferry Package is $159 per person based on double occupancy, including the ferry.
Be sure to arrive hungry and pre-book a fantastic culinary tour with my pal and culinary expert Karma Brophy of Feast Concierge. I’ve done the Fort Street Tour, and while I won’t give it all away, I’ll give you some highlights.
Love cheese? Well who doesn’t. One of the tour stops is local cheese purveyor The Little Cheese Shop. After sampling I recommend you leave with a block of something local from The Creamery at Cheese Pointe Farm, Lavender soda syrup from Organic Fare to splash in your BC Bubble at home and a jar of the excellent Vancouver-based Mellifera Bees honey. I know you’re in Victoria buying Vancouver, but this product is hard to find unless you frequent the Vancouver’s Farmer’s Market.
Next up we got meaty at Chorizo & Co. Spanish Delicatessen. Their chorizo sausages are made from a recipe passed down through generations to the deli’s owner and hand crafted by local butcher The Whole Beast; they’re absolutely delicious. Their empanadas and tortillas are so good they completely sell out daily and some evenings they even host paella nights. I must return for this feast.
Onto sugar we picked up some sweets at The Dutch Bakery, a sweet shop that’s been serving Victoria since 1956, and then landed at the new Victoria Public Market .
You could spend an entire afternoon here, but we instead filled the remaining room in our belly’s with a Roast Carvery’a meatball, Sutra’s (an offspring of Vij’s culinary empire) curry poutine and some Salt Spring Island chocolates that were provided to showcase Island Spice Co’s Vancouver Island Salt Co’s variety of flavourful sea salts.
I had plans to then dine at Little Jumbo, but frankly was too stuffed to think of eating again, so alas this adventure will have to wait for the next trip. If you have room I do suggest you go for their wicked cocktails, duck fat fries and charcuterie plates.
After a good rest in the Oswego’s comfy bed, the next morning I stopped in at Hoyne Brewing to pick up a variety of their stellar craft beers and a growler full of the Down Easy Pale Ale for a thirsty drinker who unfortunately was missing on this particular journey. A quick stop for a snack and a bread stock up at Wildfire Bakery and then off to the ferry it was. And funnily enough, I left still very hungry for the city.
