Dora’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Beautiful garden at the University of Victoria. Free and open to the public a short walk away
11 locals recommend
Finnerty Gardens
University DriveBeautiful garden at the University of Victoria. Free and open to the public a short walk away
Great beach to relax, watch the sailboats, and enjoy a coffee from the nearby coffee shops.
89 locals recommend
Cadboro-Gyro Park
Sinclair RoadGreat beach to relax, watch the sailboats, and enjoy a coffee from the nearby coffee shops.
Many trails with varying degrees of difficulty. Also visit the Mount Doug beach.
180 locals recommend
Mount Douglas Park
4500 Cedar Hill RoadMany trails with varying degrees of difficulty. Also visit the Mount Doug beach.
Beautiful gardens open to the public. Lovely trails, not too strenuous.
103 locals recommend
Government House
1401 Rockland AveBeautiful gardens open to the public. Lovely trails, not too strenuous.
Nice walk around the lake where you can spot wildlife such as swans, ducks and geese, turtles, fish, frogs, and check out the nature centre.
29 locals recommend
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary
3873 Swan Lake RdNice walk around the lake where you can spot wildlife such as swans, ducks and geese, turtles, fish, frogs, and check out the nature centre.
Open on Saturdays from 10 to 2 pm during the warmer months. Local Artisans, fresh produce and great food.
68 locals recommend
Moss Street Market
1330 Fairfield RdOpen on Saturdays from 10 to 2 pm during the warmer months. Local Artisans, fresh produce and great food.
Food scene
Pick up a Japanese lunch to go and shop for your favourite Japanese foods.
28 locals recommend
Fujiya Foods - Victoria
3624 Shelbourne StPick up a Japanese lunch to go and shop for your favourite Japanese foods.
Hidden gem restaurant. Asian fusion food. A bit of a diner atmosphere. Great for take out. Vegetarian options.
17 locals recommend
The Tropical Island Restaurant
3690 Shelbourne StHidden gem restaurant. Asian fusion food. A bit of a diner atmosphere. Great for take out. Vegetarian options.
Oregano's Pizza Shelbourne
3615 Shelbourne StLocally owned. Delicious pizza. Great combination of flavours.
Main meals, flatbread, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods. Lovely outdoor eating area. Desserts, cheeses, olives and so on this deli is amazing. Great coffee as well.
20 locals recommend
Fig Mediterranean Deli
1551 Cedar Hill Cross RdMain meals, flatbread, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods. Lovely outdoor eating area. Desserts, cheeses, olives and so on this deli is amazing. Great coffee as well.
Mucho Burrito Fresh Mexican Grill
1638 McKenzie AveIt's good. It's filling. It's close.
Tacos and burritos to die for. Authentic Mexican food you'll want to go back.
28 locals recommend
La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop
766 Fort StTacos and burritos to die for. Authentic Mexican food you'll want to go back.
Neighbourhoods
Fernwood
A bit of a laid back west coast hippy vibe. Restaurants and small shops.
Estevan Village. Upscale, close to the water. Fancy stores and restaurants yet still quaint.
Estevan Avenue
Estevan AvenueEstevan Village. Upscale, close to the water. Fancy stores and restaurants yet still quaint.
Prestigious neighbourhood. Boutique stores, upscale consignment and second hand stores, floral shop, bakery, jewelers, butcher, cafes, restaurants, home decor, fashion.
34 locals recommend
Oak Bay
Prestigious neighbourhood. Boutique stores, upscale consignment and second hand stores, floral shop, bakery, jewelers, butcher, cafes, restaurants, home decor, fashion.
Traveler advice
Getting around
Buses are great within Greater Victoria
If you're travelling within the Greater Victoria area buses are ok (but not Sundays and holidays as they are few and far between). Buy a day pass when you get on the bus for 5 dollars. No change is given. One ride costs 2.50. If you're trying to go further afield, like Sooke, it will take a very long time to travel by bus.
What to pack
Bring a windbreaker raincoat.
It rains a lot in Victoria except for the month of August. Downtown Victoria can get chilly even in the middle of summer due to the wind coming off the ocean. It might be hot during the day, but our evenings cool down quickly as soon as the sun sets. So bring a lightweight coat and sweater.
Customs and culture
Thank the bus driver when you get off the bus.
It's what we do.
What to pack
Mosquitoes, Ticks and Sunshine
Mosquitoes live here. They're busy at dawn and dusk. Ticks carry the bacteria causing Lyme disease. Please protect yourself with bug off lotion and check for ticks if you're going through brush. Wear long pants and sleeves. AND continuing with the Suzie sunshine theme, the sun will burn you here. The cool breeze is deceiving so wear sunscreen.