24 Hours in Victoria, British Columbia

Vancouver is usually the city that gets all the glory when thinking about a trip out to British Columbia, but Victoria, the provincial capital, has royal charm that will entice you to come back, again and again. Victoria has many accolades; it’s known as Canada’s Garden City, the city has over 27 billion flowers blooming, and it was named second as “Best Small City in the World” by Condé Nast. Finally, it is named Canada’s most bikeable city. If you only have 24 hours in Victoria, British Columbia, come for a bike ride, smell the fresh flowers, or float on the harbour – Victoria is ready for you.

Discover high tea at The Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden

When in Victoria, teatime is a must. Tea culture in Victoria dates back to the 1840s and is still a traditional activity practiced today. While there are many places you can have high tea, a hidden gem is at The Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden. Walking up to the entrance, many have no idea what lies behind the hedges – a wonderful garden known as “The Garden that Love Built”, founded by Prince and Princess Abkhazi in 1946, overflowing with irises, daylilies, and Japanese maples. Have a seat at the window and overlook this beautiful garden while having a pot of the Royal Abkhazi, a black tea with soft floral notes. Dine on the decadent, three-tiered tray of finger sandwiches, the softest scones you will ever eat, topped with clotted cream, and finish with homemade baked treats. The experience will truly make you feel like royalty in a secret garden.

Explore the history of the Canada’s oldest Chinatown

Follow the Chinese Zodiac animal symbols on Fisgard Street to find the Gate of Harmonious Interest, an ornate arch that welcomes you to British Columbia’s Chinatown, the first Chinatown in Canada, and second oldest in the world. Victoria’s Chinatown has a long, 150-year history of Chinese immigrants who made British Columbia their home during the gold rush and construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Today, explore Chinatown by dining at Don Mee Seafood Restaurant, which has been around for over 80 years. Grab delicious dishes of dim sum while sitting on the second floor of the building, overlooking the neighborhood. Navigate the World’s Narrowest Street, Fan Tan Alley. Named after the Chinese gambling game “Fan-Tan”, this street used to be the location for illegal activities in the early 1900s, and now cozy shops inhabit the small alleyway. For a cup of tea, head over to Silk Road Tea Store to pick up award-winning teas. Founder and “Canada’s Queen of Tea”, Daniela Cubelic, has been known to find innovative ways to use teas, including in body and skin products. Whatever your ‘cup of tea’, Silk Road’s teas are impressive and delicious.

Discover Victoria’s Inner Harbour by water taxi or electric bike

Victoria is famous for its Inner Harbour, and you can choose to explore it by water, wheels, or foot. Victoria’s only water taxi service is the Victoria Harbour Ferry, which has been in business for over 30 years. Come aboard the pickle boat and set sail on the open water. Take a short trip to Fisherman’s Wharf. Set your eyes on floating homes and wild seals and grab a drink or a bite at Coco Grill or one of the other seaside eateries. Enjoy a fresh donut from Sweets or a cone from Jackson’s Ice Cream.

Alternatively, you could go on a bike tour with The Pedaler. Hop on an e-bike with your family and friends, and discover the secrets of Victoria, British Columbia. The Pedaler’s guides share fantastic knowledge and facts about the sights and sounds of Victoria. Choose between the Castles, Hoods and Legends Guided Tour or the Eat, Drink Pedal Guided Tour.

Eat and drink in Downtown Victoria, British Columbia

Strolling downtown Victoria by day or night is always a delight, as there are tons of shops, bars, and restaurants to choose from. Grab a drink at Irish Times Pub. Voted the best pub in North America in 2017, the venue boasts a whiskey list worth bragging about and world-famous Irish Coffee that has a little bit, or a lot, of one of those whiskeys in it. The 1950s recipe includes Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, a sugar cube, hot coffee, and fresh whipped cream. Order an Irish Beer Flight to taste the Irish beers on tap, including Guinness and Smithwick’s, of course.

For dinner, head to the cozy, brick-walled basement of Wind Cries Mary, a restaurant inspired by the famous song by Jimi Hendrix. “He [Jimi] also did a lot with a little,” says owner Jesse Dame in an interview with Break Water Magazine. “He had a guitar that would make a million different sounds—our approach to the menu is the same way.” Working with local suppliers and ingredients is the recipe that makes the simple dishes with complex flavors at Wind Cries Mary, a success. Start with the hand-rolled Ricotta Gnudi with mushroom, squash, and parmesan, and then bite into seared Hokkaido Scallops. If you can’t choose between delicious dishes, choose a tasting of chef’s selections – served family-style.

Stay at Best Western Plus Carlton Plaza Hotel

When staying at the Best Western Plus Carlton Plaza Hotel, staying in a king suite is a must. The room is spacious and resembles an urban apartment, complete with a kitchen, a pullout couch, and views overlooking Downtown Victoria – if you time it just right, you can see the sun setting over the city. The Best Western Plus Carlton Plaza Hotel is in the perfect place for exploring, located in LoJo (also known as Lower Johnson district of Victoria) only mere steps from Chinatown, shops, bars, and restaurants galore. The hotel has a restaurant on site, The Ruby on Johnson, ideal for breakfast, concierge by text, and valet service. Book Best Western Plus Carlton Plaza Hotel, a AAA Three Diamond heritage hotel, today.

From wildlife to city life, there’s plenty of room to roam in Canada. Find more Canadian travel inspiration at Travel Zone | Adventure Across Canada. Explore past the coastline to the turquoise waters of national parks and discover rich, urban centres when you stay with Best Western® Resorts & Hotels Canada.