Capital idea: visit Victoria for the holidays
Hop on the ferry and skate, shop or just explore
With stress- free shopping and the best in seasonal scenery — and just a short sail from Vancouver — Victoria really dresses up for Christmas.
You can take a festive break before the big day and squeeze in some holiday shopping, or check into a hotel near the city’s twinkling Inner Harbour to stay a few days and really get into the Christmas spirit.
Most everyone has been to the superb Butchart Gardens in sunnier months, and their Magic of Christmas is also worth visiting. Bring the kids along to ice skate in the main square and sing The Twelve Days of Christmas as you meander through the gardens. Thousands of Christmas lights and miles of evergreen swags and wreaths will put you in the mood before hitting the City of Gardens.
Everything seems to slow down in Victoria, and people have more time to be friendly, including retailers.
Ditch the car and explore downtown’s little pockets — all within walking distance — where shops in colourful heritage buildings add Christmas cheer. Lo Jo, as residents fondly call lower Johnson Street, is home to about 40 independent stores. You won’t get stuck for gift ideas with fun boutiques such as the Smoking Lily, featuring unique housewares and clothing for just about everyone on your Christmas list.
Stroll a few blocks farther to Chinatown and Fan- tan Alley, where Harry Potter meets Shanghai. Here you’ll find tiny, funky shops crammed with Asian wares and eco- friendly clothing. For that special someone needing a metaphysical gift, Triple Spiral — purportedly run by a Wiccan priestess — specializes in the far- out, from tarot cards to crystals. Book a palm or astrology reading and find out what’s in store for 2015.
Shop till you drop — and keep going, after a visit to Silk Road. Along with a complimentary tea-tasting, the downstairs spa offers a half- hour foot massage with a pedicure. The tea selection itself is mind- boggling.
Who isn’t a foodie at Christmas time? You might remember Upper Fort Street as Antique Row, but it’s now revitalized with culinary shops, from bakeries to charcuteries.
Pick up edible stocking- stuffers like artisan candy canes and spicy orange almonds at London Chef. And the Victoria Public Market is a must. Located on the main level of the former Hudson’s Bay Store, now called The Hudson, you’ll find gifts unique to the region, such as Vancouver Island Salt and David Mincey’s bean- to- bar chocolates.
Although shopping counts as an activity, there’s a lot more to do. The venerable Fairmont Empress Hotel has added an ice rink to its front lawn. Rent skates at the hotel and warm up with hot chocolate at the concession stand while the B. C. parliament buildings provide a twinkling backdrop in red, green and white.
On Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays, see the entire city lit from a 20- metre ferris wheel in Centennial Square while vendors and musicians inhabit the plaza below. Have a tea or coffee and enjoy musical performances in Market Square and wrap it up with a holiday harbour stroll.
If you’re looking for a more traditional Victorian vibe, a 45- minute walk uphill from downtown will take you to Craigdarroch Castle. The mansion’s festive rooms are perfect spots to gather for storytelling and Christmas carolling.
Looking to cap the night with a good cocktail? Bartenders at the Hotel Rialto’s Veneto lounge are passionate about their craft, and they know how to make you feel welcome. Rather than order from the menu, opt for Spin the Wheel: Choose your favourite spirit and flavour ( sweet, savoury, tart or bitter) and they will create a cocktail for just 10 bucks.
Envelop yourself with Christmas cheer and dreamy duvets by stepping into the Magnolia Hotel’s lobby. There is a Christmas tree and greenery around the fireplace, hot apple cider is on tap throughout the afternoon along with shortbread and gingerbread, and a pianist plays seasonal tunes. Check out the hotel’s Victoria Christmas package, which includes a Bailey’s hot chocolate turndown.
Along with its spacious rooms and balconies overlooking the Inner Harbour, indoor pool and well- equipped gym, The Inn at Laurel Point is home to the famous gingerbread competition. And kids love the popular Santa Claus Brunch, where they can eat, meet and snap a photo with Saint Nick.
The Fairmont Empress Hotel is a one- stop shop for all things Christmas. Besides the skating rink, the venerable old dame is serving a three- course farm-to-fork Christmas dinner featuring free- range turkey and all the trimmings.
There’s the festive afternoon tea in the lobby and curry buffet — my personal fave — in the classic Bengal Lounge. Here, sitting in overstuffed leather chairs, you’ll likely spy a 20- something couple on their first date, another couple celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary, and ladies who lunch.
From now through early January is a great time to visit Victoria. It’s the perfect place to reconnect with friends and family, to chill out and feel the warmth.
Visit tourismvictoria.com for more information.