Come celebrate my birthday with me at all my favourite places in Victoria B.C. to indulge and be spoiled!
first things first… coffee anyone?
I can certainly get up and function without coffee, but it’s more fun with a cup. One of my favourite places to get a 4-shot Americano is Bear and Joey’s on Cook Street. The most insta-worthy cafe on the island, Peter opened this Australian-inspired shop only a few years ago. The area is super cute to walk around too- hit up the fun shops on Fort Street or head down Cook Street towards Dallas Road and take in the gorg ocean views, up to you.
I’m not much of a breakie girl, but after a morning walk, I like to get a little snack… so follow me to Crust (on Fort Street, just a few blocks from Bear and Joey’s) for an incredible treat to keep us from getting grumpy before lunch. Tarts, Cronuts (crossiant♥donut), Muffins, Red Velvet cookie sandwiches or a decadent pastry from their ever-changing menu, they don’t make anything less than an 11 out of 10. There is always a lineup, but it’s worth the wait trust me.
With that still warm treat in your hand let’s cross the street and spend some time at both Browns Flowers (woman-owned and run since 1912) and Russell Books (a third-generation, family-owned company founded in 1961). Both are reasonable addictions in my mind, I usually pick up a beautiful bouquet- because flowers are always the best idea and a new recipe book to inspire!
From there we’re heading to Canada’s oldest Chinatown, and more specifically, FanTan Alley. This cute little alley is world famous and totally Insta-worthy so take a few pics or photobomb someone else’s. Make a stop at SaltSpring Soap Works where their products have been handmade on Salt Spring Island since 1979, (I’m addicted to their Rose Salt Scrub). And just around the corner from that is a favourite of mine, the Fantan home store. I can (and have) spent hours just looking around. From kitchen items to hand-poured candles to my fav local rings by Little Gold, you’ll find something fancy for yourself!
Staying in this area you’ll find more treasures all along Johnson and Government Street. Wander around and support all the local businesses until you get hungry, then we’ll head back to Fort Street for lunch.
Tacos, Burgers (beef or veggie), Poke bowls, incredible Thai, or fresh as fuk fish n’ Chips… name it and we’ve got it. I’ve been obsessed with Island Poke poke bowls and Red Fish Blue Fish tacones lately, but let’s head into La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop, their nachos and margaritas are an epic combo and totally authentic.
After all the hustle and bustle of walking around (in the cutest downtown ever), let’s head over to Dallas Road, more specifically the breakwater, and to get in those last few steps we’ll head through Beacon Hill! The towering trees and lake full of birds and turtles is the perfect way to decompress. As we get closer to the ocean, the air gets crisper and a little more salty. Keep going, there are benches with great views and if we’re lucky enough, we’ll catch a glimpse of some giant cruise ships and a sunset that can’t be beat.
thanks for spending my birthday with me ♥