Sun, superb eats and sips, boutique shopping, seaside neighborhoods AND the chance to take time out for fun with the besties in tow? Sign us up! A short and scenic ride from Seattle through the Salish Sea, Victoria checks all the boxes for a weekend filled with quality relaxation and gal pal pampering. Check out these inside tips on summertime fun from several well-connected and fun-loving Victoria women.
Have a Whale of a Time
If you love phenomenal oceanfront views and fresh coastal air, you’ve come to the right place. Getting out on the water for whale watching is a favorite pastime of Astrid Braunschmidt, a reporter for CTV Vancouver Island and radio stations CFAX 1070 and 107.3 KOOL fm. “When the girls from the big cities come into town, a whale watching trip is usually on the list,” says Braunschmidt, a recreational boater.
Looking for more excitement? Braunschmidt suggests an exhilarating morning fishing trip with No Bananas Fishing Charters. Despite a fear of heights, she also loves the rush at AdrenaLine Zipline Adventures. To maximize your girl time, Braunschmidt advises hopping on a wine tour, hiking Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, shopping on Lower Johnson Street or at Bernstein & Gold and dining at Zambri’s.
When she’s done with adventuring for the day, Braunschmidt favors Point No Point Resort, about 15 miles west of Sooke for a relaxing escape. She says, “The drive along the west coast is always beautiful, especially with a stop at China Beach for a hike, fresh air and beach selfies!”
On the Waterfront
Craving relaxation and five-star pampering? The Boathouse Spa at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, is where Kerry Slavens, the editor of Y.A.M., loves to take her female friends. If a full slate of relaxing massages, facials and mani-pedis doesn’t leave you feeling rejuvenated, a soak in the hot, seaside mineral pools should do the trick.
“You can see the mountains off the coast and watch orcas go by. So you are getting Victoria really at its best,” says Slavens. She adds, “It’s a great place to luxuriate even in the winter when the mist rises from the pools.”
On a warm day, Slavens recommends a picnic on the grounds of Government House. Have Cheryl’s Gourmet Pantry whip up (just let her know your order at least 24-hours ahead) a mouth-watering feast brimming with local cheese, produce, seafood and meats, and you’ll be in foodie heaven!
Gulf Island Getaways
For a weekend of adventure, escaping to one of the luxurious resorts outside of Victoria’s downtown core is key. Robin Thomas, the interim executive director of the First Peoples House at the University of Victoria, says when her girlfriends visit, they often rent a cabin on one of the Gulf Islands. A few other of her favorite getaway spots are Kingfisher Ocean Resort & Spa near Courtenay or Tigh Na Mara Seaside Spa Resort in Parksville. “You can rent cabins or rooms and be on the ocean,” says Thomas.
As a member of the Lyackson First Nation, Thomas likes to give her guests a taste of local First Nations culture. She suggests visiting the Songhees Wellness Centre, the Ogden Point Breakwater murals or the Royal BC Museum. When it comes it time to eat, Thomas heads to Pagliacci’s for amazing Italian fare or the dockside eatery Red Fish Blue Fish for fresh-caught fish ‘n’ chips and tacones.
Chinatown Tours
When you have the opportunity to experience Canada’s oldest Chinatown district, be sure to check out every nook and cranny. Filled with hidden courtyards, back alleys and a treasure trove of unique boutiques, exploring this is area is must, says Charlayne Thornton-Joe, a Victoria city councilor of Chinese descent. She goes on, “Be sure to stop at the historic Chinese Cemetery as well as pick up a towering cone of soft ice cream at Beacon Drive In!”
No girls’ getaway is complete without visiting the world-renowned Butchart Gardens, where Thornton-Joe once took actress Nancy Kwan. If you secure a set of wheels for your journey, she also recommends stopping by Sea Cider‘s 10-acre property to sample the Ruby Rose. Semi-sweet and infused with rhubarb, you will be hard-pressed to find a hard beverage that better showcases the tastes of summer.
That’s the Spirits
To get a taste of Vancouver Island, hop on a distillery tour and experience the city’s burgeoning craft whiskey scene with an inside look at the inner workings of small-batch producers. “There’s a real growing interest in whiskey by women,” says Heather Leary, a freelance marketing professional who does public relations for the Victoria Whiskey Festival.
She recommends checking out Victoria Distillers in Sidney; Victoria Caledonian Brewery & Distillery in Saanich and Sheringham Distillery near Sooke. Later, sample your favorite spirits in cocktails form at Clive’s Classic Lounge in Chateau Victoria or the fountain-adorned patio upstairs at Smith’s Pub.
If you are looking for other great finds, Leary notes Oak Bay Village is a gold mine of shopping experiences. Nicholas Randall, Ivy’s Bookshop, Ottavio Italian Bakery & Delicatessen and The Avenue Gallery are a few of her favorite places to stock up on everything from adorable accessories to amazing art.
The Great Outdoors
With no shortage of impressive old-growth forests and accessible trails, Victoria is an incredible place to enjoy the great outdoors. Silvia Mangue Alene, who is president of the B.C. Black History Awareness Society, likes to take her guests on a hike up Mt. Douglas or Mt. Finlayson in Goldstream Provincial Park.
Alene mentions a few other excellent ways to spend time in nature are walking or running along Dallas Road, ambling around Brentwood Bay village or visiting Sidney.
Out on the Town
After a day of exploring with your besties, there’s nothing better than unwinding with a fine cocktail at a local watering hole. Begin your night out at Q Bar in the Fairmont Empress Hotel to sample their innovative range of cocktails. Sip on an herbaceous Gin Honey Lavender Lemonade made with flowers grown on the property’s roof, or opt for any one of the drinks on the menu that feature the hotel’s namesake Empress 1908 gin. Follow up your happy hour with a stroll” through the iconic hotel to check out the Art of Man Gallery and Creations Gallery.
Next, Athey recommends dining at 10 Acres Commons, which has “a lively atmosphere.” For the finale, head to Clarke & Co. It features a 14-seat New York-style bar with an excellent cocktail selection, as well as “the most amazing delicious olive oil-popped popcorn,” Athey states.
Whether you are relaxing and chatting over excellent food and wine or reminiscing about the weekend’s adventures on the cruise back home, Victoria is the perfect spot for some downtime with your girlfriends. Start a new tradition and whisk yourselves away to Victoria for the ultimate way to enjoy bonding with your girls.
Contributing Author: Keith Norbury
Feature Photo: Vadym Graifer