After three years as a resident, not just a tourist, I discovered Victoria offers far more than cruise ship stops and iconic landmarks.
For three years, Santiago and I called Victoria home while I completed my Master of Arts in Tourism Management at Royal Roads University. What started as an academic pursuit became an immersive journey into one of Canada's most charming coastal destinations. Living here gave me firsthand experience that no guidebook or quick visit could ever replicate.
Before moving to Victoria, I thought of it as a cruise port stop or a gateway to Tofino. I had no idea how much depth this city held for those willing to embrace the difference in cultures and truly get their feet wet before diving into the local scene.
Discovering the Local Rhythms
What surprised me most was how much Victoria rewards those who stay awhile. Santiago and I are passionate pickleball players, and we discovered that Victoria is a haven for the sport. You can play pretty much year-round outside because winter here is incredibly mild. The Victoria Pickleball Center in Langford became one of our favourite spots. It's open 24 hours a day with open play sessions, making it a wonderful way to meet people, especially if you're traveling solo.
We also fell in love with the craft brewery scene. There were so many we tried, and still more we never got to. One of our favourites became Sooke Oceanside Brewery, where we'd go on a monthly basis for local craft beers with stunning ocean views. That ritual, sitting with a perfectly crafted pint while watching the water, is something I'll carry with me always.
Beyond the Tourist Trail
Living as residents rather than tourists meant we could dive deep into hiking trails at our own pace. One of our favourite discoveries was Mystic Beach, less than an hour from Victoria. We only did a fraction of the hiking we wanted to during our time there, but that's part of the magic. Vancouver Island always leaves you wanting more. We also explored Tofino, which was fantastic, but what really surprised me was Ucluelet, a quieter, more local alternative that deserves attention.
The city itself offers so much variety. The Malahat Skywalk provides stunning views, and the nearby town of Sidney has a charming coastal character, especially convenient since it's close to the ferry terminal for getting to Vancouver Island. Royal Roads University sits on the grounds of Hatley Castle, famously featured in Deadpool.
Who Will Thrive Here
Victoria truly has something for everyone. Culture seekers and free spirits who want a laid-back experience will find their rhythm here easily. If you love cycling, the Galloping Goose Trail offers wonderful routes. And if Christmas is your season, The Butchart Gardens hosts an amazing light show in their gardens during winter that's absolutely worth planning around.
One insider tip I confidently share: if you want to avoid the major crowds, visit between November and March when cruise ship season is over. The climate remains mild, there's really not a winter here in the traditional sense, and you'll have more space to explore without the crowds.
That said, Victoria is an island destination. You arrive by boat or by plane, so it's not ideal for those on a tight budget. But for travelers with a more expanded budget who crave an authentic Canadian west coast experience, this place delivers in ways that will keep calling you back.
Now that we're moving east to Kitchener, Ontario, I carry this experience with me. I no longer see Victoria as a cruise port or a checkbox destination. I see it as a place with countless niches waiting to be discovered, from craft breweries to pickleball courts, from Mystic Beach to the quieter shores of Ucluelet. And I can't wait to help my clients experience it the way I did: not as tourists passing through, but as travelers ready to truly embrace everything this island has to offer.
