Back in January, Matt and I got to take off to somewhere that’s very near and dear to our hearts: beautiful Victoria! As you might already know, we started dating there 9 years ago (more on our story with a special Flytographer shoot that we got to experience while in Vic next Friday!), so needless to say it’s somewhere we really love. Even if I hadn’t gone to university, met my longterm partner and had basically the best uni experience ever there, I would still be head over heels for Victoria though, and I think that’s really evident once you watch the video below – hit play then carry on reading the rest of my guide!

It’s got history and it’s got elegance through and through, but it’s also becoming an increasingly young city, with lots of cool restaurants, bars, pubs, festivals and cafes sitting side-by-side with Victoria institutions. For those of you who don’t know, Victoria is the capital of BC so it’s also home to our provincial government HQ’s, and it’s named after Queen Victoria so like its namesake, it’s got an element of British charm. Whether it’s the famed gardens throughout the whole city to it lovely cobblestoned alleyways, it’s got that Brit vibe while also being home to a thriving multicultural scene (its Chinatown is the first one in all of Canada!).

Needless to say, we had the best time ever visiting our old hometown with Tourism Victoria. It’s all in that video above but wanted to make sure I shared even more tips so that you’re fully prepared for your next trip there! Just a note as well that while Vancouverites have likely headed out to Vic, for those visiting Vancouver or the west coast of Canada for the first time, you must pencil in Victoria as well! And you’ll see in one moment just how easy it is to get there, so without further ado…

How to get there

Harbour Air has to be one of my absolute favourite ways to travel. Not only do you get the most incredible views on your way to your destination (and I mean, you can’t really beat views in the west coast – always takes my breath away) but the whole travel experience is beyond easy, efficient and just downright lovely. Check in right in downtown Vancouver’s Coal Harbour (another major plus, central locations are so key!) and relax in the luxe Harbour Air lounge until you board. Hop on the sea plane (super cozy despite its petite size!) and then make sure you have your camera ready because you’ll want to document the whole trip. From stunning views of Vancouver on take off to beautiful island and coastal views on the 30 minute trip to Victoria, I can promise you’ll be enthralled the whole time. And there’s something about travelling in a sea plane that I find very soothing! Again, all around the trip is 30 minutes which sure beats the hours-long journey on the ferry (I did that journey far too many times as a student) and not only is it more efficient, but incredibly beautiful and comfortable. Can’t recommend Harbour Air enough!

What to see

Victoria is an incredibly walkable city and mercifully minimal on the hill front so while you should have comfy shoes on (especially if you do one of Magnolia Hotel’s city tours on foot or bike [PS they have bikes at your disposal to use for the day]), don’t worry about needing to sort out transportation – your own two feet or bike should be all that you’ll need! Start at the harbour and wander along the parliament building’s front lawn, visit the beautiful harbour and keep your eyes peeled for seals or stop by the museum! Then take in the historic downtown centre, which is so beautiful and really easy to meander around. Take in some serious Victoria institutions dotted along the Bastion Square area or Trounce Alley (Irish Times was a staple when we were younger, as was Pagliacci’s for Italian!) then head towards Chinatown. As I mentioned above, Victoria’s Chinatown is the first in Canada and you can really get a sense of history as you wander its streets, dipping into the famed Fan Tan Alley off of Pandora to check out the eclectic shops there. Continue east to take in some of the newer developments happening in Vic near Rock Bay – so many cool breweries, cafes, etc!

Where to stay

I adore Magnolia Hotel. Located right in the centre of downtown, it’s close to everything but because it’s tucked up just on Courtney Street, you feel like you have a little sanctuary in town. I’ve stayed here twice and I’m always so impressed by their stunning decor, their beautiful views of the harbour and city, their pillow-like beds and serious attention to detail. Take their city guides for instance – I love that they take on the work of planning out themed itineraries for their guests so that they can have the best possible experience in Victoria, from the brewery tour that Matt and I did to Bikes, Beans & Blooms (dying to do this in the summer!) and the Tapa Trail tours! Speaking of tapas, their in-hotel restaurant Catalano Restaurant & Ciccheti Bar provides the perfect first stop for a Mediterranean culinary experience – love all their tapas and their breakfast is incredible too. Really can’t recommend it enough!

Where to eat

There are so many great places to eat in Victoria but I have to say our experience at Nourish Kitchen & Cafe this time around really blew us away. It was literally one of the best meals we’ve ever experienced. In a beautiful James Bay heritage house, you immediately feel as if you’re walking into a good friend’s house (albeit a beyond beautiful house!). From the bone broth bar (which was so perfect as we were freezing) to its selection of local and absolutely delectable appies and entrees (their cashew cheese has forever changed my life), you get to really walk through Victoria plate by plate, getting to try beyond fresh dishes that are all created with local produce and ingredients. Their selection of drinks was also unparalleled and got us so excited to try some local breweries and mead (yes mead!) producers. You must go. Trust me.

As mentioned above, we also got to experience both tapas and breakfast at Catalano and were blown away by both. We also had breakfast at Blue Fox Cafe (a serious Victoria institution) on our last day and absolutely loved it. Discover Coffee was our favourite pick for an afternoon pick-me-up and we really loved Parachute’s eclectic offering of ice creams (and think this would be the perfect spot for a summer treat if you took on biking the city, which you really should!).

Not pictured was our trip to UVic where I got to go back to my favourite desk in the library (such a nerd), walk around the SUB and by all our buildings. I know it’s not for everyone but I’m someone who truly loved being in school. I wish I could go back to university all the time for another degree but since it wouldn’t really apply to my current career, keep putting it off…one of these days though! I’m just a naturally scholastic type and those years where all I really had to do was to learn as much as I could, hang out with my friends, bike to the beach and work a couple shifts a week at Cactus Club were some of the best years of my life. I just get so overwhelmed with emotion whenever I go back and have all those amazing memories come back, and I’ll always love this special town so much. A big, huge thank you to Tourism Victoria for such an amazing experience and again, can’t stress enough how much you’ll fall for this town – you must visit!

Make sure you’re subscribed to my YouTube channel for even more travel diaries, beauty tutorials, style tips and so much more! I have some really special fitness/health content coming your way next week, can’t wait to share it! And with that, happy Friday everyone! Have an amazing weekend!

Published February 17, 2017 by Alexandra Grant on To Vogue or Bust

Vancouver had the worst snowy weather this winter so we just wanted to go somewhere to get some fresh air. Going on the Island is a great choice for us given the distance is short and we haven’t been to Victoria for a very long time. We will soon post our itinerary – 48 hours in Victoria for our recommendations of places to go. Don’t forget to check it out!

For us romantic getaway is a matter of having a comfortable stay and spending quality time together.  The home away home at Magnolia Hotel & Spa is the perfect place for us. We just wanted to relax, unwind and escape from snow, this luxurious boutique hotel checks off all our requirements .

The room we had on the top floor has charming interiors, king sized bed and gorgeous postcard view of Parliament Buildings and Harbour. With a comfortable couch and lounge chair by the fireplace, we could sit there all day to watch the sun goes down and Parliament Buildings light up while sipping our Prosecco.  Small nice touches like warm welcome at reception, having our bed made ready and chocolates on the bed side tables make the entire experience personal and memorable. I really like how the hotel is tastefully decorated and not overly done. The property may not be the most extravagant like the ones you find in Vegas.  But that’s how I like my travel accommodation to be… cozy and elegant.

We spent most of the time cozy up in our room, just didn’t want to rush our vacation. We took the itinerary lightly to visit a few places around Downtown and they are all within 10-15 mins by walk. If we chose not to deal with the miserable weather, there are a handful of good reviewed restaurants like 10 Acres Bistro and specialty cafe Pour Coffee just right around the corner.

Of course the best activity of slow travel is to have a delicious brunch!  Their restaurant and room service menu offer great selection of  hot breakfasts and my favourite is the stuffed waffles with smoked bacon and swiss cheese with maple syrup…..so yummy!!! I wish that’s how I start my day every day.

Will and I got fully recharged after this relaxing weekend, I feel like it’s too short and I haven’t got the time to indulge in their Spa. I wish I can come back in summer time to see more about this beautiful city and look forward to trying their Spa service upon our next visit to Victoria.

by Vivian Low on Wisteria Voyage

British Columbia is the perfect destination for a winter weekend getaway. It’s small enough to manage in a short time period, but offers enough activities and delicacies that you end up having more choices than time. It’s one of those destinations that wins your heart and warrants multiple visits. Here are five things to do on your cozy winter Victoria holiday.

Helijet and the Clipper

Getting there is part of the fun of a Victoria holiday. There are several modes of transport, but two are especially fun and noteworthy, Helijet and the Clipper. Helijet Helicopter Service is quick and easy, taking only 30 minutes from Vancouver. A flight on Helijet offers magnificent arial views of both cities and the San Juan islands below. The advantage of taking Helijet is that they can fly in inclement weather that would otherwise delay or cancel other modes of transport. They can fly in conditions that would be a no-go for airplanes, for instance. Helijet has an excellent safety record, a lovely lounge to enjoy, and friendly service.

The Clipper is a high speed ferry that provides a more leisurely route to and from Victoria. You can play cards, enjoy snacks and beverages, and take in island views from the water. When you first sail into Victoria, it’s a beautiful perspective of the city. From Seattle, the Clipper takes about two hours and forty-five minutes to get to Victoria.

Magnolia Hotel & Spa

The Magnolia Hotel & Spa is a boutique luxury hotel located near the Inner Harbor, within walking distance to many of Victoria’s main attractions. With 64 rooms, it’s the perfect hotel choice for people who want to be near the action, but prefer a low key, intimate setting.

The lobby is welcoming and festive with complimentary hot beverages, cookies, and live piano music. Rooms are cozy with fireplaces, soothing muted colors, and plush furnishings. Some rooms have views of the Inner Harbor, which you definitely want to enjoy.

Afternoon tea at Venus Sophia

Any trip to Victoria should include at least one Afternoon Tea experience. Venus Sophia is a local favorite and also vegetarian, so it offers something a little different. Decor is bohemian-eclectic with bicycles on the walls, exposed piping and bricks, fresh flowers, and quaint surroundings. Afternoon Tea consists of a tiered server filled with miniature sandwiches, scones, homemade jam, and a selection of fine teas. Venus Sofia aims to prepare food with local, organic ingredients.

The Butchart Gardens

The Butchart Gardens offers year round seasonal displays. It’s a magical stroll through colorful gardens that are easily accessible via bus from the Inner Harbor. Several dining options are available from casual to more upscale. Afternoon Tea at Butchart Gardens is excellent, served in a beautiful atrium-like setting. The Butchart Gardens are a Victoria classic and provide a nice way to get outside enjoy a wonderful family friendly activity pleasing to all age groups.

Royal BC Museum

This is one museum that is worth taking time out to gain some local knowledge. The Royal BC Museum is a gorgeous museum that offers thrilling life size exhibits. It’s the perfect thing to do in inclement weather, and you may find it so fascinating you want to linger, so be sure to allow plenty of time. This is a kid friendly museum with interactive displays and spectacular exhibitions including First Nations poles, artwork and utilitarian items.

by Leah DeAngelis in A Luxury Travel Blog

Trick-or-treating may have stopped in childhood but celebrating a haunted Halloween never gets old. VITAdiscovered there’s no better way to get your Halloween thrills and chills than in historic Victoria with a stay at The Magnolia Hotel. Throughout October the Magnolia Hotel is offering guests a Room with a Boo package and so we opted for bikes instead of brooms and headed to Vancouver Island to check out what treats the Magnolia Hotel is handing out this Halloween.

It must be said: biking to Victoria from Vancouver is the perfect start to a Halloween themed getaway. By braving the elements and cycling through hidden neighbourhoods and down old country roads you’re guaranteed to sight a few ‘haunted’ houses and real scarecrows. My boo (see what we did there?) and I highly recommend the Lochside Regional Trail, which will take you straight from the Swartz Bay ferry terminal to downtown Victoria.

The Magnolia Hotel is located steps from Victoria’s Inner Harbour and the best boutique shopping and restaurants. The hotel kindly stored our bikes upon arrival and we were greeted in the lobby with delicious pumpkin spiced tea to warm us up after our very wet, 90 kilometre ride. Our room on the sixth floor had an amazing view of the harbor as well as of historic buildings in downtown Victoria but even better than the view was the in-room fireplace and huge soaker tub.

The concierge handed us a map of The Magnolia Hotel’s curated trails program, which with the use of complimentary hotel bikes, takes you on a lovely tour of Victoria hotspots. Included in the Room With A Boo package is a guided ghostly walk for two with Discover the Past Walking Tours, led by one of Victoria’s foremost storytellers, John Adams. With his tales of ghosts and ghouls haunting Victoria’s historic sites, even if you don’t believe in the unseen, you’ll leave educated about Victoria’s grisly past.

After all that fresh air and exercise we were treated to a dinner at Victoria’s Olo Restaurant. Farm-to-Table can be used to describe plucking a few greens from your backyard but Olo Restaurant takes the concept to a whole new level. The Olo kitchen is filled with quality B.C. ingredients including an emphasis on Island-raised whole animals and sea fare caught in local waters. We sampled a five-course menu which included a succulent octopus plate that even though chef and owner Brad Holmes described the octopus as the “by-catch” of crab traps, we thought this sea critter was a main event on the menu. Each plate was perfectly paired with a unique wine and ended with desert featuring fennel ice cream, which still has us licking our lips.