1. Stay at the Fairmont Empress

This 464-room hotel underwent
 a massive renovation in 2017 that pays homage to the property’s past while nodding to the present-day aesthetic of Victoria—modern conveniences abound, but are beautifully blended with original design features such as the incredible domed, stained-glass ceiling in the Palm Court and original chandeliers and light fixtures throughout.

fairmont.com

2. Eat at 10 Acres Kitchen

Photo courtesy of 10 Acres Kitchen

10 Acres Farm, located on the Saanich Peninsula, supplies a large portion of the produce and some of the meat for the restaurant. There’s also an impressive selection of sustainable seafood on the menu, such as Salt Spring Island mussels and Pacific octopus. Neighbouring sister properties are casual 10 Acres Bistro and lively 10 Acres Commons.

10acreskitchen.ca

3. Drink local beer on a bike tour with The Pedaler

Victoria is known for being big on bikes, so a trip to the city wouldn’t be complete without a cruise on two wheels. Beer fans won’t want to miss The Pedaler’s three-hour Hoppy Hour Ride that takes guests to three locations in the city for tastings and snacks.

thepedaler.ca

4. Go sightseeing from a seaplane with Harbour Air

Photo courtesy of Harbour Air

To experience the city in its full glory, book the Victoria Classic Panorama sightseeing tour with Harbour Air. This 20-minute tour takes guests in a 14-passenger aircraft to get a bird’s eye view of the city and its iconic buildings, as well as over the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

harbourair.com

[This story appears in the September 2018 issue of WestJet Magazine]

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