Take a cooking class at The Local Kitchen and learn to make dishes using local ingredients. The chefs here are passionate about cooking and sharing their knowledge with visitors. The classes include a market tour, cooking lesson, and eating the dishes you've made.
Start your day with a visit to the Victoria Public Market. Here you can find vendors selling fresh produce, meats, seafood, and artisanal products. Afterward, walk over to Fisherman's Wharf and try some fish and chips at Barb's Fish & Chips.
Experience high tea at the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel. The tea comes with a selection of sandwiches, scones, and pastries. Afterward, visit Craigdarroch Castle for a glimpse into the castle life of the late 1800s. The castle has beautiful Victorian-era architecture and home decor.
Explore Victoria's distilleries and sample local gin, vodka, and whiskey. Visit Victoria Distillers and Phillips Distilling & Brewing for their unique offerings. Afterward, head to Spinnakers Brewpub for some locally made beer and pub food. This brewpub has a cozy atmosphere with a view of the water.
Victoria has the oldest Chinatown in Canada, and it's a must-visit destination for foodies. Try some dim sum at Don Mee Seafood Restaurant and explore the markets selling Asian ingredients. Wrap up your trip with a visit to OLO Restaurant, which uses ingredients sourced from local artisan producers and farmers to create seasonal dishes.
Victoria is easy to navigate by walking, and most of the points of interest are within walking distance. Taxis are readily available for longer journeys. The estimated taxi fare from Victoria International Airport to the city center is $60-$65 (25km), and the journey takes around 30 minutes.
If you have more time, visit Butchart Gardens, a stunning display of flowers and plants, and take a winery tour at the Zanatta Winery. For those on a budget, instead of high tea at the Empress Hotel, try the affordable afternoon tea at Murchie's Tea & Coffee. If you're short on time, prioritize visiting Victoria Public Market and Fisherman's Wharf, and explore Chinatown in the evening for an authentic experience.
Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is located 22 km north of Victoria's city center. It's a small airport with domestic and international flights. The airport is well-connected to downtown Victoria by taxis and shuttles, and the journey takes around 30 minutes.