PERFECT ONE DAY IN AND AROUND VICTORIA, BC

On our 5 days in Vancouver Island, we decided to spend the last day in and around the capital city of Victoria. Honestly I think I am in love with Victoria. The proximity of trails and parks to this city makes me want to live there. I attribute some that credit to the awesome airbnb in Langford which had a full blown backyard of plants and veggies that I totally adored. Here are some of the activities we loved when around the area.

HIKE EAST SOOKE REGIONAL PARK

We started hiking here late Tuesday afternoon. We decided to do the Beechey Head Loop. This hike has good views of the ocean. We were always in lookout for whales at far distance all along the trail. The trail has good proportion of ups and downs. Start from the Aylard Farm Trailhead which has ample of parking spots. Dont forget to climb the Beechey head, the view is definitely rewarding.

EAT AND EXPLORE AT FISHERMAN’S WHARF.

Fisherman’s wharf is really close to downtown and has loads of food trucks and snacking options. The house on the wharf are one of a kind and its pretty cool to view the departing ferries from here.

RELISH BAKED GOODS AT DUTCH BAKERY AND DINER.

Isn’t it a serendipitous moment when you get the best slice of cake after a tired day full of walking? Dutch bakery did provide us exactly that with their black forest cake. Go early as these tend to finish up really fast.

STROLL ON FISGARD STEET IN VICTORIA CHINATOWN

This year I thought I missed the cherry blossoms. But Fisgard street in Victoria Chinatown has the vibe just right. The lane teleports you to a different place and is a perfect spot for those Instagram worthy photos. Sadly we went here on a Monday evening and most of the shops were closed.

WATCH THE SUNSET AT ODGEN POINT SUNDIAL.

This a good walk after a dinner in downtown to burn your calories. The snow capped mountains of Washington look surreal from this spot. Its a bonus if you visit this place at the time of sunset.

ENJOY PEACOCKS AT BEACON HILL PARK.

I think this was my best spot in Victoria. The park has tons of free roaming peacocks which is a rare sight. Its fronted by a beach and also has views of Port Angeles mountains. We ended up spending more than 2 hours easily here.

TAKE A SHORT HIKE INTO ELK REGIONAL PARK.

We had to kill sometime before our flight, so we decided to take a short hike here. I loved the open area here near the amalgam of the two lakes.

ENJOY TREATS AT THE CRUST BAKERY

This was definitely a hidden gem for me. The treats were not at all costly and the flavor was just yum. Do grab some baked goods in if you are in Victoria.

HOG ON FRESH TACOS AT TACO JUSTICE.

What a refreshing taste of tacos here. They add Fiji apple and its game changer. Sometimes its the revelation of little things that makes me travel more.

If you are heading to Tofino, see my hiking guide here.

If you are looking to stay in Sooke, see my top list of things here.