Hello friends - non-golf related, but next week is spring break for the kids so we’re going to spend the week checking out Vancouver Island. We’ll be staying in Victoria for the week but we’re open to day trips and things of that nature so I’m wondering if anyone’s got any recommendations for must see places. We’re open to suggestions for any restaurants (not fancy since we’re with the kids) and places to grab a cold beer too.
We plan on Butchart Gardens for sure but we’re otherwise flexible. The kids are almost 3 and 6 and love the outdoors so hikes for us are more like strolls at their age and stamina.
Lunch at Red Fish Blue Fish. Fresh seafood served out of repurposed shipping containers on the harbour in Victoria. Unlicensed and seating is all outdoors on stools or nearby picnic tables so do this on a nice day. Can be lined up if you go at noon on a sunny day when cruise ships are in.
Beer and eats at the Drake Eatery. Excellent selection of craft beers and good snacking foods. No TVs and service is British pub style (you go to the bar to order).
Neapolitan-style pizza at Pizzeria Prima Strada. The Cook Street location is close to Beacon Hill Park.
Feel free to send me a note if you have any specific questions. One thing I will say is that sometimes BC’s liquor licensing can be a little odd and every once in awhile you’ll find out a perfectly normal place doesn’t allow minors. I think everywhere I’ve mentioned does (not sure about Sea Cider) but if you’re in doubt, best to call ahead and check.
This is perfect, thank you! Liquor laws are strange all around but I get it. Children can be menaces. I love a good aquarium, possibly more than the kids, so the Shaw Centre is an instant add to the list.
Hey guis, I was in Vancouver this week for work and got a couple rounds in your fair city. I played Stanley Park PnP and Kings Links and it was a very enjoyable experience. Got paired up with a couple guys who are members at Beach Grove in Tsawwassen and after 18 holes ended up doing dinner with them. Unreal hospitality.
We’ve returned from Victoria and just wanted to pop in and thank everyone for the suggestions, many of which were acted upon! Couldn’t have had better weather last week either. What a special city Victoria is.
Lunch at Red Fish Blue Fish was amazing. We’re used to good seafood living in the Seattle area, but wow, just so good. Beacon Hill Park was beautiful and the children’s farm was great. We ended up going back to the park two other times to picnic and let the kids run around. Pizzeria Prima Strada was excellent and just what we needed on our last day in town. Didn’t have time for Port Renfrew but did manage to hit the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea in Sidney and also the Royal BC Museum in Victoria (I’m a sucker for natural history exhibits).
We’re excited to make this a regular trip for the family. Hope to add some golf to the agenda next time.
Edit - can’t believe I forgot Floyd’s Diner! A highlight for sure!
I did not! I did not have the requisite appetite for the Mahoney. Ended up being a bit of a last minute stop because the kids were hangry and we were between meals. Next time, I will plan a bit more carefully.
Yo west coasters! Former backshop mule at Victoria Golf Club here.
I’ve been back in Ontario since 2005 but I made a goal to play in all the provincial Mid Amateurs when I turned 40 and I’m coming out in two weeks to play the BC Mid Am at Sandpiper.
Hey BC Island golfers. Rolling in to Victoria for work on Sunday May 28 through to Wednesday May 31 in the afternoon. Have a couple rounds of golf lined up already. Looking to add a third round.
Looking to play Highland Pacific on Wednesday morning (as close to 7am as possible - flight leaves at 2:30pm). Anyone interested in joining?
Anyone free on Wednesday morning on the Island? Booked in at Highland Pacific at 7am - just by myself which is fine but wouldn’t mind a playing partner if anyone is free
