We love the Okanagan, but it’s time to shine the light on another west coast city. If you’re lucky enough to live in British Columbia then spending some time on the island should be at the top of your bucket list.
In case you haven’t heard, Victoria, B.C. is a very cool destination, and not to mention a travel hotspot. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a foodie or have a love for natural beauty, Victoria offers it all. So if you’re looking for your next weekend getaway, spend it in Victoria, and this guide will help you decide what to do!
Driving can be lengthy, and sometimes it’s hard to justify paying the ferry fee. Another quick and easy option is flying. Booking flights can sometimes be overwhelming - where do you start, who do you book with and what's the best deal?
Pacific Coastal Airlines is a great choice with three flights a day to Victoria, offering the most airline services to the Island from Kelowna. Opting to fly means you can spend more time exploring the city and less time traveling as the flight is only an hour and five minutes! PCA will also price match to guarantee you will always get the best price flying to Victoria.
Flying with Pacific Coastal Airlines is a safe and scenic flight. You can enjoy the stunning coastline with every seat on board, plus there is no door closing off the cockpit, which means you’ll have a birds eye view from take off to landing!
Upon arrival, you will either need to find accommodation or book ahead. We recommend making a reservation so you can spend more time exploring the city. You may be familiar with Hotel Zed, and guess what? They have a location in Victoria!
Once you check in to your hotel and freshen up from your flight, head out on the town for a bite to eat. Olo is located in the heart of Victoria’s Chinatown neighbourhood. They offer eclectic dishes and believe in sustainable farming practices. The Potato Gnocchi and the Turnip & Pear Salad are two entrees worth tasting. But, be sure to make a reservation as this eatery is always packed.
Start the day off with a hearty meal and some sunshine. The Mo:Le on Pandora has it all, vegetarian and vegan options to bowls and bennys, and did we mention they have all-day breakfast and lunch? It’s worth checking out and come hungry because the portions are huge!
Following brunch, head to Beacon Hill Park and take a walk to Dallas Road. It’s a lovely area worth visiting especially if you’re in need of a break from all the hustle and bustle. The park is all natural, laid back and filled with wildlife. It very much represents the spirit of B.C.
After enjoying a sunset stroll along the beach, make your way to the downtown core for a drink (or two) at Little Jumbo. They are known for their fresh flare and modern mixology. We recommend the charcuterie board and tasting your way through the cocktail menu, starting with a Howard Carter’s Canary.
After a full day of exploring the city, it’s time to hit up Sombrio beach for a surf. Along the way, be sure stop at Shirley Delicious for a cup of java and a sweet pastry. The scenic drive is well worth it because they might just have the best coffee on the island!
Sombrio Beach is about an hour and forty-five minutes west of Victoria and is situated along the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. If surfing is out of your element, try exploring the trail and end the day with a picnic on the beach. Remember to leave only footprints and take only photos!
A day of exploring will work up an appetite, that’s why you need to make your way to Tacofino on your trip back to the city. The very popular and tasty taco bar is located at 787 Fort St. and offers just about every type of taco, burrito, gringas and nachos worth trying, and they offer vegetarian options, too!
After filling up on tacos and cervezas, head to Bard & Banker for a fun night out. Bard & Banker is one of the very few venues that offer live music seven nights a week with no cover charge. They feature local talent and are famous for their “unplugged” Sundays, where the music is performed acoustically so guests can interact with the performer as they request songs and sing along with them.
It’s Monday and the trip is coming to an end, but don’t leave on an empty stomach. The Pink Bicycle located at 1008 Blanshard St. has the best gourmet burgers in the city, and everything is handmade and sourced as close to home as seasonally possible. You will be drooling over the menu, and did we mention they offer a Truffle Poutine and Mac N’ Cheese Sticks as a side? Warning: Bibs necessary.
After lunch, it’s time to head back home. Exploring a new city is always exciting, but there is something nice about heading back to the comfort of your home. As you begin your journey home on your PCA flight, you can reminisce with your friends about the great time you had visiting Victoria, B.C.
If you’re looking to explore a new destination in B.C., book with Pacific Coastal Airlines. With 65+ destinations in British Columbia, they offer a regular airline schedule, charter and cargo to 16 airports all over B.C. Booking with PCA is easy, affordable and the friendly staff are dedicated to working hard every day to make your experience the best it can be.
Want to experience what Victoria has to offer and build your own 72 epic hours? Use Promo Code: YLWNOW72 for 10% on all Pacific Coastal flights to Victoria. Book by May 20th, 2018 for travel anytime between June 1st and December 15th, 2018.
A privately owned, British Columbia based regional airline operating from Vancouver International Airport’s South Terminal (YVR), Pacific Coastal is now the sixth-largest airline operating at YVR, based on outbound seats, and third largest in takeoffs and landings. It flies to 16 airports and with its affiliate airline Wilderness Seaplanes located in Port Hardy on north Vancouver Island, connects to more than 50 additional destinations in the province from as far east as Cranbrook in the Rocky Mountains, as far north as Prince George, or Masset on the legendary island of Haida Gwaii and now as far west as Tofino. Its network encompasses major ski destinations, a multitude of fishing lodges, outdoor and wildlife adventure tours, and authentic First Nations experiences.
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