Shopping

With all the mainstream shopping opportunities throughout the Victoria area, you may feel surrounded by the ordinary. However, there are plenty of unique shops all around the city for a better shopping experience. Whether you're looking for the perfect book store, thrift store or local boutique, you'll find many options.

Best Bookstores in Victoria

If you're searching for a great new book, Monro's Books is the best place to go. You can also try Bolen Books and Chapters, as both provide a great selection and a unique atmosphere. Those looking for a great bargain and willing to hunt for a specific book will enjoy three used bookstores in the area: Smart Book Shop, Russell Books and Chronicles of Crime.

Best Thrift and Consignment Stores in…

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Oak Bay

Finding the best neighbourhood when you move is important. Oak Bay Village is one of the better neighbourhoods in the Victoria area and provides a close location to downtown. This is a very English-style area known as a genteel enclave. The charming streets and high-end shops make it a popular place for all residents, but living here is quite authentic, especially if you came from across the pond.

You will find plenty of great restaurants, pubs, cafes and places for afternoon tea in the Oak Bay Village area. It's also full of parks, gardens and beaches perfect for a scenic walk or a picnic. The Seaside Touring Route provides a great bike ride and the Chinese Cemetery is full of great history. Overall, this is an excellent area with many attractive…

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Couple on a beach

Love is in the air, and Victoria has some amazing places for you to embrace your love with a kiss. Romance is never far away, but check out these places when in Victoria. You are sure to make a memory that will last a lifetime.

Niagara Creek Trestle

Gaze upon Victoria’s portion of Niagara Falls when in Goldstream Park. You will be surrounded by the sounds of rushing water, while you are visually in awe of the beauty. A kiss from your lover's lips will seal the deal, and romance will take over.

Fan Tan Alley

Fan Tan Alley happens to be an excellent spot to steal an intimate moment with that someone special. Streets are crowded, and there is a ton of hussel and bussel going on. However, it serves as the perfect time to drown out all your…

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Love Hearts - Image Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/73230975@N03/6874324473

Victoria is full of romance. It is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway, anniversary or honeymoon. The landscape is breathtaking, and the atmosphere will present the opportunity for you and your love to embrace romantic memories that will last a lifetime. Here are the reasons why you should whisk your love away to enjoy the romance in Victoria.

Atmosphere

Victoria is visually stunning. The landscape is breathtaking, as you will be presented with waterways, mountains and the beautiful greenery that goes on for miles. Victoria is naturally awe striking, but then you have romantic architecture, intimate pubs and idealistic serene settings. You will truly get a taste of what it's like to be romantically inspired by your surroundings. Creating…

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Shopping

Regular shopping options are always found throughout every city, but most areas have plenty of unique choices, as well. There are a number of unique shopping opportunities in Victoria. Here are some of the top choices in the city.

Best Places to Buy Books

If you love to read, finding the best bookstores is a very important part of transitioning to a new area. Top bookstores include:

  • Munro's Books - 1108 Government Street
  • Chapters - 1212 Douglas Street
  • Bolen Books - Suite 111-1644 Hillside Avenue

Used Books

  • Russell Books - 734 Fort Street
  • Smart Books - 4430 West Saanich Road
  • Chronicles of Crime - 1048 Fort Street

Whether you want to find new books or used books, you will find them at these awesome bookstores.

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Culinary - Image Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/sakeeb/5566833230

Off the Eaten Track is a culinary touring company in Victoria that explores unique areas of town. Owners Bonnie and Alexis together come from a background of tourism and the hospitality industry. A culinary tour was the combined idea to get folks traveling with them, exploring hidden areas and learning where the locals eat.

Off the Eaten Track hits areas of town that most other tour companies don’t go to get guests off the beaten path try some of the most delicious hidden gems in town. Here is a look at what you’ll enjoy with the culinary tour.

About Off the Eaten Track

When you take a culinary tour with Off the Eaten Track, you’ll see that all the stops on the tours are small, local businesses. They are Victoria-based companies that serve…

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Hearts

There are plenty of great things to do in Victoria for February 14th. As one of the most romantic days of the year, this is the time for a man and woman to enjoy their time together and celebrate their love. Here are some of the things going on in Victoria for Valentine's Day.

Victorian Valentine Tea - 2pm

This event will feature plenty of romance with harp music and High Tea. It will be quite elegant and will be held at the Cordova Bay United Church Hall at 813 Claremont Avenue. Along with High Tea, this event will include an elegant fashion show with dress from the 1780s to the 1920s.

This event is limited and tickets can be purchased at Calico Cupboard, Janet's Special Teas and Just for You Fashions for $25 per person.

Valentine's Day…

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Home

There are many things you can do to increase the value of your home if you plan to sell it in the near future. It won't take a full renovation to make your home worth more on an appraisal. Here are some of the best ways you can easily increase your home value.

New Paint

A coat of paint may not do much on an appraisal, but to the buyer, it can make a difference. This is a hectic thing for a new owner to deal with. Sometimes, it's as simple as taking your personalized colours and changing them to something more neutral before you sell the home.

Carpeting

New carpet may actually help increase the value of your home. It will certainly help with the appeal and is another hassle for new buyers to replace.

Redo the Kitchen

The kitchen can…

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Breakfast - Image Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/igboo/4317886620

Whether you're the one visiting Victoria or you have family coming into town, staying in a bed and breakfast is a great way to enjoy the city. Even residents take stay-cations at some of the top bed and breakfasts, just for a different look at the area. Here are some of the top choices throughout the area.

Abinger House Bed & Breakfast

A beautiful choice and one of the finer Bed & Breakfasts in the city, the Abinger House is the perfect place for visitors. You can stay in The Westcott or The Ranmore, while enjoying the library found within the building. Rates range from $129 to $185 per night and the Abinger House is found at 1541 Despard Avenue.

Fisher House Bed & Breakfast

A bit less expensive than some of the others in the city, but…

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Beer

If you love beer, you will want to visit the breweries found throughout the Victoria area. Craft brews have become very popular and the true beer enthusiast loves to try something new and local. Here's a look at two of the best breweries in Victoria for beer lovers to enjoy.

Driftwood Brewery

This brewery became a part of the BC craft beer world in 2008. They have since become one of the top choices as they push the envelope with very unique styles and different ingredients. In just a few short years, Driftwood Brewery has become one of the finest breweries in the entire country.

Two former brewers from Lighthouse Brewing Company started Driftwood Brewery: Jason Meyer and Kevin Hearsum. They both became sick of brewing the same thing over and…

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