Loris’s guidebook
Nearby Restaurants
Good menu and open late. They have a great brunch until 2 on the weekends. Less noisy on the patio.
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Browns Socialhouse Langford
783 Goldstream AveGood menu and open late. They have a great brunch until 2 on the weekends. Less noisy on the patio.
Also open late. If you purchase a beverage after 9 pm, your meal is half price. Big portions, noisy restaurant. Outdoor patio dining.
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Bin 4 Burger Lounge
Also open late. If you purchase a beverage after 9 pm, your meal is half price. Big portions, noisy restaurant. Outdoor patio dining.
A steakhouse with lots of other offerings. A restaurant on one side, a pub on the other.
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MR MIKES SteakhouseCasual
985 Whirlaway CresA steakhouse with lots of other offerings. A restaurant on one side, a pub on the other.
White Spot
941 Langford PkwyClassic Canadian fare. Casual dining.
MO:LÉ Restaurant
2345 Millstream RdGood spot for brunch. Casual dining.
Turmeric Indian Cuisine
777 Goldstream AveSabhai Thai Restaurant
2800 Jacklin RdThis restaurant is a little farther afield but I love this place for an evening out. Their 4 course Tuscan table is delicious and good value.
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Med Grill Royal Oak
4512 W Saanich RdThis restaurant is a little farther afield but I love this place for an evening out. Their 4 course Tuscan table is delicious and good value.
This is nice spot to sit on the patio for drinks and appys on a warm evening. There is also fine dining next door at Bella's Restaurant.
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Masters Lounge
1999 Country Club WayThis is nice spot to sit on the patio for drinks and appys on a warm evening. There is also fine dining next door at Bella's Restaurant.
If you're downtown with kids at dinnertime, this is a good place to go for large servings and endless bread. My kids love it here.
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The Old Spaghetti Factory
703 Douglas StIf you're downtown with kids at dinnertime, this is a good place to go for large servings and endless bread. My kids love it here.
There are a number of sushi restaurants in the Langford area. My favourite for a sit down meal is Akemi Sushi on Goldstream Road.
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Sushi Langford
2455 Millstream RdThere are a number of sushi restaurants in the Langford area. My favourite for a sit down meal is Akemi Sushi on Goldstream Road.
Hugely popular casual restaurant in Metchosin, about 25 minutes drive away. Big portions, tasty food, awesome desserts. There is a pizza restaurant and icecream parlour attached.
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My Chosen Café
4492 Happy Valley RdHugely popular casual restaurant in Metchosin, about 25 minutes drive away. Big portions, tasty food, awesome desserts. There is a pizza restaurant and icecream parlour attached.
Romeo's
1703 Blanshard StThis is my choice for take-out pizza in the area.
Favourite Tourist Spots
They have a big fireworks display on Saturday nights throughout the summer, and the gardens are spectacular.
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Butchart Gardens
800 Benvenuto AveThey have a big fireworks display on Saturday nights throughout the summer, and the gardens are spectacular.
We have a great, interactive museum which I loved as a kid and still do!
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Royal BC Museum
675 Belleville StWe have a great, interactive museum which I loved as a kid and still do!
This is a Victoria landmark. It's fun to just wander through to the Convention Centre and look around. They also have a famous afternoon tea.
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Hotel Fairmont Empress
721 Government StThis is a Victoria landmark. It's fun to just wander through to the Convention Centre and look around. They also have a famous afternoon tea.
A picturesque downtown wharf on the inner harbour with lots of houseboats and a great fish and chips store (Barb's).
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Fisherman's Wharf Park
12 Erie StA picturesque downtown wharf on the inner harbour with lots of houseboats and a great fish and chips store (Barb's).
This is a beautiful park downtown with lovely gardens, duck ponds, playground, a little golf spot and petting zoo. They run the goats twice a day which is fun to see.
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Beacon Hill Park
100 Cook StThis is a beautiful park downtown with lovely gardens, duck ponds, playground, a little golf spot and petting zoo. They run the goats twice a day which is fun to see.
Beacon Hill Children's Farm
815 Circle DrSee above.
Scenic Drive around Victoria
It is a beautiful drive from Fisherman's Wharf along Dallas Road. You can take the coastal road all the way around to Cadboro Bay, past the Oak Bay Beach Hotel and Marina, Cattle Point, Willows Beach, through beautiful estate homes etc., then drive up through the University to get back to Langford.
Beautiful hotel with coffee shop, pub and restaurant. You can buy a day pass to use the spa facilities and soak in the mineral bath and hot tubs overlooking the ocean. Or just indulge and book yourself a spa treatment!
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Oak Bay Beach Hotel
1175 Beach DrBeautiful hotel with coffee shop, pub and restaurant. You can buy a day pass to use the spa facilities and soak in the mineral bath and hot tubs overlooking the ocean. Or just indulge and book yourself a spa treatment!
Fine dining restaurant and coffee shop if you're ready to eat.
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Oak Bay Marina
1327 Beach DrFine dining restaurant and coffee shop if you're ready to eat.
On Beach Drive, just inside the stone gates of the Uplands, the park extends to Cattle Point where you can walk on the rocks and dip your feet in the water.
Cattle Point Urban Star Park
1 Scenic DrOn Beach Drive, just inside the stone gates of the Uplands, the park extends to Cattle Point where you can walk on the rocks and dip your feet in the water.
Very picturesque, popular Beach with a playground and cafe. The sand is a little whiter here :).
Note: If the guidebook shows amusement park rides at Willows, that only happens once a year during the Oak Bay Tea Party!
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Willows Beach
EsplanadeVery picturesque, popular Beach with a playground and cafe. The sand is a little whiter here :).
Note: If the guidebook shows amusement park rides at Willows, that only happens once a year during the Oak Bay Tea Party!
I haven't been in a while but they used to have these great structures for kids to play on.
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Cadboro-Gyro Park
Sinclair RoadI haven't been in a while but they used to have these great structures for kids to play on.
University of Victoria
3800 Finnerty RoadThings to Do
A great little town to hang out for an afternoon. It's on the water with pretty walkways, piers, impressive yachts etc. There is also an aquarium and lots of little shops. They have a big street market on Thursday evenings.
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Sidney B.C. station
A great little town to hang out for an afternoon. It's on the water with pretty walkways, piers, impressive yachts etc. There is also an aquarium and lots of little shops. They have a big street market on Thursday evenings.
A good spot if you are wanting to go to a beach close by. There is a beach on one side of the spit and a nature sanctuary on the other. Very pretty. Fort Rod Hill is on the way and I'm pretty sure there is still public access if you are interested in seeing the old artillery bunkers and climbing inside the cute little lighthouse you can see from Esquimalt Lagoon.
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Esquimalt Lagoon
A good spot if you are wanting to go to a beach close by. There is a beach on one side of the spit and a nature sanctuary on the other. Very pretty. Fort Rod Hill is on the way and I'm pretty sure there is still public access if you are interested in seeing the old artillery bunkers and climbing inside the cute little lighthouse you can see from Esquimalt Lagoon.
Just across the lake...pool with slide, gym, sauna, yoga classes etc.
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YMCA-YWCA Westhills
1319 Westhills DrJust across the lake...pool with slide, gym, sauna, yoga classes etc.
This place is right across the lake near Westhills. Playzone, minigolf, dry floor arena, ice skating, bowling and more.
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City Centre Park
1089 Langford PkwyThis place is right across the lake near Westhills. Playzone, minigolf, dry floor arena, ice skating, bowling and more.
Bear Mountain has a few things to offer. Of course there is golf, but my favourite is the Westin's Sante Spa which has a mineral pool, sauna and steam room and a big lounge to relax in. The next hotel over has a beautiful, outdoor, rooftop, salt water pool that is open for public drop in. The North Langford Recreation website will have the pool times listed. There are also lots of dining options on Bear Mountain - sushi, pub, lounge, fine dining, cafe, poolside fare...
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Bear Mountain Resort
1999 Country Club WayBear Mountain has a few things to offer. Of course there is golf, but my favourite is the Westin's Sante Spa which has a mineral pool, sauna and steam room and a big lounge to relax in. The next hotel over has a beautiful, outdoor, rooftop, salt water pool that is open for public drop in. The North Langford Recreation website will have the pool times listed. There are also lots of dining options on Bear Mountain - sushi, pub, lounge, fine dining, cafe, poolside fare...
Just down the road from us, Goldstream Park is known for the annual fall salmon runs in the Goldstream River, and the large numbers of bald eagles that congregate to feed at that time. It is also a nice spot to visit in the summer, with outdoor fire pits and a nature house.
Goldstream
Just down the road from us, Goldstream Park is known for the annual fall salmon runs in the Goldstream River, and the large numbers of bald eagles that congregate to feed at that time. It is also a nice spot to visit in the summer, with outdoor fire pits and a nature house.
Metchosin is a quaint little municipality with lots of picturesque farmland and roadside stands for jam, etc. I've heard the lavender farm is a good spot to stop, although I haven't been yet. MyChosen Cafe is a great place to eat for hearty portions of classic Canadian fare.
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Metchosin
Metchosin is a quaint little municipality with lots of picturesque farmland and roadside stands for jam, etc. I've heard the lavender farm is a good spot to stop, although I haven't been yet. MyChosen Cafe is a great place to eat for hearty portions of classic Canadian fare.
My kids and I had lots of fun one day following the signs out of Metchosin to this development of high end condos and townhouses that are built right on the ocean. The views are spectacular! Hopefully the show room will be open for some time to come.
SookePoint Ocean Cottage Resort
1000 Sooke Point PlMy kids and I had lots of fun one day following the signs out of Metchosin to this development of high end condos and townhouses that are built right on the ocean. The views are spectacular! Hopefully the show room will be open for some time to come.
There is a lovely trail that winds around half the lake. Just head down to the end of Lake Vista, turn left and cross the second board walk after the fairy garden. We often walk our dog here off-leash. Or head down to the dock and watch for wildlife. We have resident eagles, turtles, frogs, otter (who sometimes sunbathe on the dock), minks, ducks, heron and all manner of other creatures.
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Langford Lake
There is a lovely trail that winds around half the lake. Just head down to the end of Lake Vista, turn left and cross the second board walk after the fairy garden. We often walk our dog here off-leash. Or head down to the dock and watch for wildlife. We have resident eagles, turtles, frogs, otter (who sometimes sunbathe on the dock), minks, ducks, heron and all manner of other creatures.
Hiking Trails
I'm not a hiker so I do not have any personal recommendations for this section. Here is what I found on the site "10 of the Best Hikes near Victoria".
Trail Length: 1.2 km round-trip
Elevation Gain: 45 m
Mount Tolmie is a beautiful hike offering one of the best views of Victoria from the summit. There is a road that winds up the mountain leading almost all the way to the top and stopping at many different parking lots. Hikers can choose to climb the mountain starting from the very bottom or from various trailheads located by the parking lots at intervals up the mountain.
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Mount Tolmie
Trail Length: 1.2 km round-trip
Elevation Gain: 45 m
Mount Tolmie is a beautiful hike offering one of the best views of Victoria from the summit. There is a road that winds up the mountain leading almost all the way to the top and stopping at many different parking lots. Hikers can choose to climb the mountain starting from the very bottom or from various trailheads located by the parking lots at intervals up the mountain.
Trail Length: 5 km round-trip
Elevation Gain: 30 m
Loop around two lakes along wide, flat trails, shaded by evergreen trees. Visitors can spend the day hiking and then cool off with a refreshing swim. Bring a picnic or a canoe to make it a full-day adventure.
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Thetis Lake
Trail Length: 5 km round-trip
Elevation Gain: 30 m
Loop around two lakes along wide, flat trails, shaded by evergreen trees. Visitors can spend the day hiking and then cool off with a refreshing swim. Bring a picnic or a canoe to make it a full-day adventure.
Trail Length: 1.3 km round-trip
Elevation Gain: 25 m
Goldstream Provincial Park has something for everyone to enjoy. The main attraction of this park is BC’s very own Niagara Falls! This smaller version of the historic Niagara Falls in Ontario is an impressive 47.5 meters tall (but much less wide than its namesake). Further down the trail, hikers will reach Goldstream Trestle. It’s advised not to cross this trestle as there are no railings but it is still a beautiful sight that stretches right across Niagara Canyon.
Niagara Falls
Gold Mine TrailTrail Length: 1.3 km round-trip
Elevation Gain: 25 m
Goldstream Provincial Park has something for everyone to enjoy. The main attraction of this park is BC’s very own Niagara Falls! This smaller version of the historic Niagara Falls in Ontario is an impressive 47.5 meters tall (but much less wide than its namesake). Further down the trail, hikers will reach Goldstream Trestle. It’s advised not to cross this trestle as there are no railings but it is still a beautiful sight that stretches right across Niagara Canyon.
This hike is very popular and just a few minutes down the road. My daughter, who does hike, tells me this trail is challenging. There are two routes up - one is easier than the other but still challenging! I personally would not take children up as accidents do occur.
Trail Length: 4 km round-trip
Elevation Gain: 410 m
Mount Finlayson is a popular hike for those wishing to get a serious workout. On the way up, sweaty hikers will be shadowed by a large and lush forest canopy. It’s a steep mountain but the beautiful views of the surrounding Langford area make it all very worthwhile.
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Mt Finlayson summit
This hike is very popular and just a few minutes down the road. My daughter, who does hike, tells me this trail is challenging. There are two routes up - one is easier than the other but still challenging! I personally would not take children up as accidents do occur.
Trail Length: 4 km round-trip
Elevation Gain: 410 m
Mount Finlayson is a popular hike for those wishing to get a serious workout. On the way up, sweaty hikers will be shadowed by a large and lush forest canopy. It’s a steep mountain but the beautiful views of the surrounding Langford area make it all very worthwhile.
Trail Length: 1.7 km loop
Elevation Gain: 18 m
Durrance Lake is a popular and easy hiking area very close to Victoria. Durrance is the most accessible of three lakes in Mount Work Park and offers visitors an enchanting forest trail along with its refreshing waters. This lake is a popular swimming hole and fishing area.
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Durrance Lake
Trail Length: 1.7 km loop
Elevation Gain: 18 m
Durrance Lake is a popular and easy hiking area very close to Victoria. Durrance is the most accessible of three lakes in Mount Work Park and offers visitors an enchanting forest trail along with its refreshing waters. This lake is a popular swimming hole and fishing area.
Our Favourite Daytrips - Victoria to Cowichan Valley
This is a beautiful drive. The view from the lookout on the Malahat is breathtaking and lots of the backroads in Cowichan Valley are picturesque. If you like wine, there are many vineyards. Averill Creek Vineyard has a pretty patio where you can eat a picnic lunch you have brought (I am fairly certain it is child friendly but you may wish to check first!). My favourite coffee shop is The Garage in Duncan (330 Duncan Street) and Bridgeman's Bistro (740 Hardy Street) is a great place to eat dinner overlooking the water. There is also a picturesque row of quaint stores, including a candy and icecream shop, at 1765 Cowichan Bay Road.
Malahat Lookout
812 Island HwyAverill Creek Vineyard
6552 N RdBridgemans Bistro
740 Handy RdUdder Guys Ice Cream and Candy
1765 Cowichan Bay RdOur Favourite Daytrips - Victoria to Port Renfrew
There is beautiful rugged West Coast scenery along this route and lots of places to stop along the way. There is a great swimming hole called Sooke Pot Holes and we love stopping in at Tugwell Honey Farm just past Sooke. There are great beaches along the drive. French Beach is good for me because the access is right off the road, but I know many people who don't mind walking a ways go to Mystic Beach and China Beach. I also remember going to Botanical Beach as a child and loving it. There are many little tide pools full of sea life to investigate but you have to make sure you are going at low tide. Apparently Sheringham Point Lighthouse is a good stop too although I have never been.
This picture does not do it justice - I wish I knew how to upload one of mine! The place is stunning - lots of swimming holes with crystal clear mountain water to plunge into.
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Sooke Potholes Provincial Park
Sooke River RoadThis picture does not do it justice - I wish I knew how to upload one of mine! The place is stunning - lots of swimming holes with crystal clear mountain water to plunge into.
Tugwell Creek Honey Farm and Meadery
8750 W Coast RdFransk Beach Provincial Park
Mystic Beach
The Juan de Fuca Marine trail connects the beaches along this route so I am sure there are lots of trails to explore:
Trail Length: 47 km one-way
Elevation Gain: 948 m (total combined)
The Juan de Fuca Marine Trail traces the Pacific Ocean at the western edge of Vancouver Island. There are different trailheads, but hiking from China Beach to Botanical Beach makes for an epic multi-day trek. Just make sure to stay up to date on tidal information as there are times of day when high tide can be dangerous for adventurers.
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China Beach Trailhead
47 Juan De Fuca HwyThe Juan de Fuca Marine trail connects the beaches along this route so I am sure there are lots of trails to explore:
Trail Length: 47 km one-way
Elevation Gain: 948 m (total combined)
The Juan de Fuca Marine Trail traces the Pacific Ocean at the western edge of Vancouver Island. There are different trailheads, but hiking from China Beach to Botanical Beach makes for an epic multi-day trek. Just make sure to stay up to date on tidal information as there are times of day when high tide can be dangerous for adventurers.
Botanical Beach
There is a little restaurant here with a great view if you need to stop for a bite. Again, the picture is not a good representation of the place - think cliffs and ocean.
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Point No Point Resort
10829 W Coast RdThere is a little restaurant here with a great view if you need to stop for a bite. Again, the picture is not a good representation of the place - think cliffs and ocean.
Sheringham Point Lighthouse
1 Sheringham Point RdPort Renfrew
6638 Deering Rd