Oh, Victoria. My, my! You dazzled us with your charm and beauty. You even gave us picture perfect weather during the third week of September…lucky us!
Upon our arrival, we instantly knew 2 days wouldn’t be long enough, but all the more reason to go back soon. We literally did not stop the entire 2 days. I’d say we were quite successful doing most things on our list, although we left much of the beautiful island untouched.
Here are some of my favourite shots from our time in Victoria. A photography lover’s dream, it was! At the end of the post, I’ll give you a brief summary of what we did and where we ate. To my surprise, Victoria is very vegan-friendly. Three cheers for that!
Ghost pictures were taken at night!! (click to enlarge) Eric made me do it… ;)
What we did:
– Walked around the charming downtown, Butchart Gardens, drove along the coast and walked along beaches (man, that sun is strong!), shopping (check out Sarah’s Place in Market Square), farmer’s market, enjoyed a drink or two at Irish Times pub with amazing live music, bought snack food at Planet Organic, waterfront for sunset, late night photography fun w/ tripod.
Where we stayed:
– Oswego Hotel. Modern suites. Full kitchen (I really appreciated the French press and blender!). 5-10 min walk to downtown. Downside – no A/C and a hot room, but we weren’t in it much anyway. From what I hear, A/C is rarely needed on the island. You can click to enlarge the above hotel pictures.
Food highlights:
– Café Bliss (loved the Thai Noodle Bowl and the Bliss BLT!!), the famous Rebar Modern Food, brunch at Mo:Le (vegan options like tofu scramble). All highly recommended!
I think I might have to put together an entire post on Butchart Gardens…so. many. pictures. to share!
Victoria, you’ll forever hold a special place in my heart.
Completely beautiful! Thanx for sharing the pics, now I know where I’ll be headed for my next vacation :P
I’m so thrilled to see you had such a wonderful time here in Victoria! I absolutely love living here and I am so lucky. Next time you must check out other towns/cities on the island. I grew up in a small town about 3 hours away and it is completely on the water. Not a lot to do, but if you are an outdoorsy person (which I know you are) you will love it! Glad to see you checked out a few of my favourite restaurants, especially Rebar! Their vegan brownie is to die for!
Would’ve loved to have run into you while you were visiting my hometown! I would’ve told you just how much I love your blog and how you never steer me wrong with your recipes. Victoria is so amazing and I never take for granted just how beautiful and awesome it is. So glad you ate at the restaurants you did – Mole is my absolute favourite!! Well, and Rebar (fantastic cookbook also), Green Cuisine and many others. You’ll definitely have to go back!
I love Victoria! We live in Washington State. If we drive up north to Port Angeles, WA there is a ferry that goes across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Victoria, BC. Absolutely beautiful!
I love Victoria. I have only been there once and it also holds a place in my heart. Your pictures and trip just looks so fun!!
WOW, absolutely stunning scenery!!! Great pictures, now I want to go for a visit :D First I’ll have to get an updated passport [minor detail haha]…
My sister works at Rebar – Victoria is full of vegan and vegetarian places!
Pretty! It looks gorgeous.
Thank you for the gorgeous photos and the feature on my hometown. My husband and I moved here exactly one year ago, a dream come true. I have wanted to live in Victoria for as long as I can remember. I was not surprised that it is vegan-friendly; after all, this is the west coast! Love your site.
i too love the island. So much to see. Nanaimo and Parksville/Qualicum are lovely too. Parksville has a store called Naked Naturals that makes the most amazing green bars that I adapted to my own :-) Tofino…ahhhh. I need to go back. I loved Buchart Gardens too. Sigh. Time for an Island trip.
I’ve traveled to over 100 countries and I honestly could not get over the beauty of Butchart Gardens!!! I think it is an incredibly magical place! What a fun time of year to visit!! I can’t wait to see your pics :)
Absolutely exquisite photography!!! :)
We do have a beautiful province!!! My husband and I went on two “staycations” this past summer, and we traversed Vancouver Island for one. As a born and bred Vancouverite I sometimes need a nudge to remember just how spectacular (and large!) this province is! Next visit Angela I would suggest going to Salt Spring Island. I have family there and we visit several times a year. They are famous for their amazing Saturday market, and they grow/raise so much of their own food on that island. It is a foodie (and vegan too!) paradise.
Thanks for the tip Carolyn!
You and Eric are such talented photographers! Looks like a beautiful place!
Oh my goodness those photos are phenomenal! What kind of camera are you using? I am looking at different options to take photos for my food blog. If I’m going to invest in such a pricey item, I would like to get the most for my money!
Thank you so much! My camera info is all on my FAQ page. :)
Wow, amazing pictures! I’ve been reading your blog for a while but never commented. After moving from Germany to Vancouver I feel like I have to:) Heard so much about Cafe Bliss, hope I’ll make it there soon.
I’ve been there! It’s so beautiful and lovely there! Love all the beautiful pictures you shared.
What a lovely surprise!! I’ve recently found your website and was pleased to find out that you are a fellow Canuck – and then to wake up and see photos of my hometown gave me a great boost to the day….(I live in northern Italy but once a west coaster, always a west coaster!! )
I’m glad you enjoyed the post Jacqueline! Sounds like you are living in some great places :)
Your pictures are lovely. Though i’ve never been there, but just looking at them makes me feel that i’ve been there myself. It’s like looking at a place where i would only see in my dreams. Great pictures!
Hi Angela! Thanks for making my hometown look so beautiful for your blog. Glad you enjoyed it!! The Re-Bar can be touch and go but I went recently on my visit (I live in Ontario now, Guelph actually!) and I was not disappointed with the nut burger. Hope you visit again soon! Love your recipes!