Victoria in 48 hours: the perfect spring reset.
Earlier this spring, I visited Victoria for the first time – and I’m still dreaming about it. The city has a charming, old-world feel, with historic buildings and beautiful Victorian-era architecture. It felt like time moved slower here. The weather couldn’t have been better, and we enjoyed two days of sunny skies, light breezes, and cherry blossoms in bloom.
We spent most of our time doing two things: walking and eating. It was honestly the perfect way to take in this coastal gem. After arriving – by ferry from Vancouver – we wandered down Government Street, browsing local boutiques and vintage shops before ending our 1st night enjoying live music at an Irish pub.
The next day, we rented bikes to cover more ground. We started at Fisherman’s Wharf, grabbed coffee from a small cafe, and admired the colorful floating homes. Then we made our way to Beacon Hill Park, where we spotted turtles, geese, and more of those gorgeous cherry blossoms. We ended in Chinatown at Fan Tan Alley, where we had to lose the bikes to explore the narrow, historic lane on foot.
Back at the harbour, we had the best fish and chips at Red Fish Blue Fish, a waterfront spot serving fresh fish out of a repurposed shipping container. We also ordered their tempura cod taco – and it was a perfect 10 out of 10. We ate by the dock, watched seaplanes come and go, and caught the sunset before heading back to our hotel.
Speaking of the hotel, we stayed at the iconic Fairmont Empress. This landmark is as beautiful inside as it is out, but my favourite part was the garden entrance – lined with bright tulips and even home to a honeybee farm. The hotel’s prime location made it easy to explore the city, and the grand lobby was a lovely space to unwind after the day.
The next morning, before taking the ferry back to Vancouver, we stopped at a highly recommended brunch spot: The Blue Fox Diner. The line outside confirmed we were in the right place, and after a 30-minute wait, we were rewarded with warm service and a delicious meal, it was well-worth the wait.
I always knew I’d love Victoria, but it truly lives up to its reputation as a walkable, picturesque destination with something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re visiting for the food, the views, or the history, it’s a place that stays with you long after returning home. I will certainly be back to Victoria when I am in need of another weekend escape by the ocean!
Written for Paull Travel by Shaila Sedani, May 2025
