Local Information | WesCan 20/20: Maintaining Clarity in a Complex Future

FOOD & DRINK

EXPLORE VICTORIA

DIRECTIONS TO THE INN AT LAUREL POINT (680 Montreal St. Victoria BC V8V 1Z8)

From Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal

Head South on Patricia Bay Highway (BC-17) from Swartz Bay terminal.
Continue straight onto Blanshard St.
Turn right onto Bellville St.
Turn left onto Pendray St.
Keep right onto Quebec St.
Turn right onto Montreal St.

From Victoria International Airport

Exit airport. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit to turn left onto Willingdon Rd.
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit to continue on Willilngdon Rd.
Continue straight onto Canora Rd.
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit to merge South onto Patricia Bay Highway (BC-17).
Continue straight onto Blanshard St.
Turn right onto Bellville St.
Turn left onto Pendray St.
Keep right onto Quebec St.
Turn right onto Montreal St.

EXPLORE BEAUTIFUL VICTORIA, BC!
Our committee knows the best local Victoria spots. Try out one of the restaurants below for some good eats or take the time to explore a new corner of the city! Nothing here peaks your interest? Just ask us at the conference and we would be happy to share more of our favourite spots.

Where to eat: Breakfast & Brunch

Blue Fox Café (101 – 919 Fort St.) – One of the best breakfast and brunch spots in town!
Jam Café (542 Herald St.) – Another brunch hotspot!
The Ruby (642 Johnston St.) – Offers a friendly atmosphere with breakfast classics.
The Village (5 Victoria locations with 1609 Store St. being the closest to downtown) – A delicious breakfast spot with a fresh and unique take on the classics. Think Benny on top of a latke or locally made mt. royal bagel.

Where to eat: Lunch & Dinner

Tacofino (787 Fort St.) – A casual taco joint that is part of a local West Coast chain started in Tofino. This is the ultimate rite of passage when visiting Vancouver Island.
Red Fish Blue Fish (1006 Wharf St.) – An outdoor waterfront eatery with the best fish ‘n’ chips in town!
Nourish Kitchen and Café (225 Quebec St.) – A café and dining room with local alternative cuisine.
Sabhai Thai (2493A – Beacon Ave. Sidney) – The best Thai food in town! Hit this spot on your way to or from the airport or ferry!
Il Terrazzo (555 Johnson St.) – A cozy spot with tasty Italian cuisine!
Re-Bar Modern Food (50 Bastion Sq.) – A unique restaurant with something for everyone. Re-Bar emphasizes local ingredients in vegan, vegetarian and pescatarian dishes.
Ebizo Japanese Restaurant (604 Broughton St.) – A casual atmosphere with fresh and tasty Japanese cuisine!
Little Jumbo (506 Fort St.) – A quaint and cozy spot with a rotating menu of unique up-scale food and cocktails.
Ithaka Greek Restaurant (1102 Yates St.) – A family owned and operated eatery with authentic Greek cuisine and a casual atmosphere.
Milestones (812 Wharf St.) – This classic chain made our list because of the restaurants perfect location. Dine with the most beautiful view of the Victoria inner harbor and parliament buildings.
Japanese Village (734 Broughton St.) – This is more than just a meal, it’s a full dining experience. Enjoy a social atmosphere while your Teppanyaki meal is prepared right in front of you.
Bin 4 Burgers (180-911 Yates St.) – An inventive and local approach to the classic grub. Plenty of burger options for those with dietary restrictions. Check out Bin 4’s late night deal!
Lure Restaurant and Bar (45 Songhees Rd.) – Delicious food with beautiful views looking across to the inner harbour!
The Mint (1412 Douglas St.) – A modern approach to West Coast-Himalayan fusion food and fresh cocktails.
The Pink Bicycle – Gourmet Burger Joint (1008 Blanshard St.) – An inventive fresh and local spin to classic comfort food.
Victoria Public Market at the Hudson (1701 Douglas St.) – A modern and stylish approach to the classic food court. Explore quality local quick eats and specialty stores in this space.

Where to eat: Treats

Dutch Bakery & Coffee Shop (718 Fort St.) – A Victoria spot dating back to 1956 with a variety of classic cakes, and pastries!
Chocolat Favoris (1010 Government St.) – A chocolate shop originating in Quebec in 1979. Victoria now boasts the only shop outside of Quebec and Ontario. Try a soft serve cone dipped in one of 12 varieties of the tastiest chocolate!
Cold Comfort (1115 N Park St.) – The best source of local hand-made ice cream with options for even those with dietary restrictions (gluten free, diary free, keto, etc.)! Try one of their specialty ice-cream sandwiches.
Empire Donuts (140 – 736 View St.) – If you’re a donut lover, this is your spot. Enjoy a fresh hand-made donut in a variety of flavours.

Where to drink: Cafes

Discovery coffee (664 Discovery St., 1001 Blanshard St., 281 Menzies St.) – With 3 downtown locations to choose from and some of the best coffee in the city, be sure to visit this café during your stay!
Murchie’s Tea & Coffee (1110 Government St.) – A classic stop with over 125 years of history!
Caffe Fantastico (810 Humboldt St.) – Delish coffee and treats!
Habit Coffee (808 Yates St.) – A local café serving up tasty warm beverages with a sustainable and community-based approach!

Where to drink: Cocktails & Social Scene

Irish Times (1200 Government St.) – You can’t come to Victoria and not stop by the Irish Times! It is a classic lively bar in the centre of the city.
Sticky Wicket (919 Douglas St.) – Another Victoria classic that offers something for everyone. The ‘Sticky’ boasts 6 lively venues for socializing any time of the day, including a Rooftop Patio, Games Room, and casual bar.
Bard and Banker (1022 Government St.) – This classic spot is home to quaint décor, live music and a rich history!
Swans Pub (506 Pandora Ave.) – Located down near wharf street, Swans is known for its array of live music and casual atmosphere.
Canoe Club (450 Swift St.) – This is a can’t-miss spot. It is home to Victoria’s best patio, plentiful live music and delicious food and drink.

Where to visit

Butchart Gardens (800 Benvenuto, Brentwood Bay) – As one of Victoria’s most celebrated tourist attractions, it is home to over 55 acres of gardens and 900 plant varieties.
Victoria Chinatown (Fisgard St.) – As the oldest Chinatown in Canada and second oldest in North America (after San Francisco), this is a great place to spend a few hours. Check out Don Mee Restaurant if you are a Dim Sum lover and the Bubble Tea Place for an afternoon drink.
Royal BC Museum & IMAX Victoria (675 Belleville St.) – Visit one of the impressive exhibits or watch an IMAX show on the largest screen in BC!
Beacon Hill Park (100 Cook St.) – Take a beautiful walk through this vast park and stop for a soft-serve cone at the Beacon Hill Drive-In!
British Columbia Parliament Buildings (501 Belleville St.) – Admire parliament from afar in Victorias Inner Harbour, stroll around the grounds or opt for a guided tour – the choice is yours.
Craigdarroch Castle (1050 Joan Cres.) – Visit this beautiful historic Victorian-era castle near the heart of Victoria.
Fisherman’s Warm (1 Dallas Rd.) – Spend the afternoon on the water, admiring the rows of float-homes, sealife and unique food kiosks and shops!
Ogden Point and Dallas Road – Enjoy the beautiful sea-views along Dallas Road and walk the breakwater at Ogden Point, Victoria’s Cruise Ship Terminal. Stop in at the Breakwater Café and Bistro for a quick snack.
Goldstream Provincial Park – Approximately 30 minutes from the downtown core, the diverse park is worth a visit. If you’re up for the challenge, try the Goldstream Trestle Bridge Hike!
Sidney by the Sea – Explore this quaint town just 25 minutes from downtown Victoria. This town is situated nearby Swartz Bay ferry terminal and Victoria International Airport, so plan to stop by while in transit.
Distilleries, Wineries, Breweries and Cideries – No matter your preference, there are an abundance of spots where you can stop for a local beverage and unique atmosphere. A few of our favourites include Philips Brewing & Malting Co., Moon Under Water Pub & Brewery, Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse, Victoria Distillers and Church and State Wines.