Hey guys! Back in April, I visited my friend in Vancouver again! This was my third time going and so we decided to add a stop in Victoria this time around, as I’d never been to Vancouver Island. If you’re looking to visit Vancouver, I highly recommend reading my first and second trip posts for more ideas. Let’s get into it!
Day One
My first day was a travel day. We were taking the ferry from the mainland to the island and since the airport is in between Vancouver and the ferry terminal, it made the most sense to go when I first arrived. The public transportation system from the airport, to the ferry and then to Victoria is great – it just takes a while. So what you save in money you waste in time instead of driving or taking an Uber/taxi.
We arrived in Victoria pretty late so we wanted something quick and easy for dinner so we went to Burger Crush. The burgers are elevated from your average fast food place but still reasonably priced. I would recommend this place
Day Two
This was our only full day in Victoria, so we tried to make the most of it. We started off with breakfast at Jam Cafe. There are multiple locations in Vancouver and they’re always super busy but we were able to get a table in Victoria. After eating there I understand the hype. The service was excellent and very fast. And the food was delicious. There are so much yummy looking options on the menu, I would go back there!
Jam Cafe was right beside Victoria’s Chinatown, which is the biggest Chinatown in Canada and second only to San Fransico in North America. We walked down Fan Tan Alley, which is the narrowest street in Canada. We also stopped by the Canadian Chinese Museum which is free to visit. A great affordable activity to do in Victoria.
Then we went over to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. The outside of the building was under construction but it’s still open to visitors. It’s free to walk around and they also have free guided tours twice a day. The building is gorgeous, with some photogenic corners. The actual Assembly was closed the day we visited due to a conference but normally the galleries are open to the public. This is another great free activity, perfect if it’s rainy or cold outside.
We then walked right down the street to the Fairmont Empress. The building and gardens are absolutely gorgeous. They are known for their high tea but it was a little out of our price range. Instead, after walking around we went to the Starbucks across the street and sat by the wharf, watching the seaplanes enter and exit the harbour.
We then took the bus over to Fisherman’s Wharf. Pro tip: you can get a ‘day ticket’ for the bus for $5. This was amazing because Victoria’s bus system is great so we just took the bus everywhere. Fisherman’s Wharf is a collection of colourful houseboats and restaurants. Everyone online mentioned getting fish and chips at Barb’s Fish and Chips. It was delicious and fresh!
After walking around for a while we decided to head to dinner at E:ne Raw Food Sake Bar. The food was delicious and I tried sake for the first time! The Ika Skewer (baby squid) was the best! A great place if you’re looking for elevated sushi in Victoria.
Day Three
Before we headed back to the mainland we had breakfast at Shine Cafe. The food was good but we both agreed that we preferred the food at Jam Cafe.
After breakfast, we started the trek back. We got a ride to and from the ferry from friends so it was a lot easier of a travel day back!
Day Four
After a busy few days, we decided to take our fourth day, which was a Sunday, much easier. We had a slow morning and in the afternoon we went to the movies! We saw Air, which I highly recommend if you haven’t checked it out.
Day Five
We started the day by doing a little shopping at Park Royal, a shopping mall in West Vancouver. It was a beautiful, sunny day so after we did some shopping we walked over to Ambleside Dog Beach. If you like dogs you have to go! The views are gorgeous, you can see the Lions Gate Bridge and Stanley Park. There are tons of benches and dogs! It’s an off-leash park so the dogs often would just wander over and say hello to my friend and me while we were just sitting. If you go to Park Royal I highly recommend going to the dog beach after.
After the shopping and the park, my friend and I did some grocery shopping and had dinner at home.
Day Six
My friend was working this day so I was by myself. Since I have a Goodlife membership, I just went to the closest one to my friend’s apartment.
Then in the afternoon, I went to the Museum of Vancouver. I loved it there! The feature exhibition was all about women’s fashion throughout history. I love fashion and history so I was thoroughly entertained. They also have a few other feature exhibitions and a permanent exhibition on the history of Vancouver. I could have stayed longer but I had to get back because we were going out to dinner with some of my friend’s friends.
For dinner, we went out to Harambe Ethiopian Restaurant. I never had Ethiopian food before so this was a cool experience. The food was delicious but they only have one person working in the kitchen so it took us an hour to get our food. So I’m warning you now, if you go expect to wait.
Then after dinner, we went to Dolce Amore for gelato. It was so good! They allow you to sample before you pick and I could have easily had ten different gelatos. I highly recommend checking them out if you like gelato!
Day Seven
I spent the morning at the gym again. Then in the afternoon my friend and I went to Breka Bakery & Cafe. They have a bunch of locations across Vancouver. My friend did some work while I read my book. Both the food and coffees were delicious. The only thing to be mindful of is they only allow laptops in certain areas of the cafe.
Then in the evening, I received the news that my flight the next day was cancelled! This was stressful but thankful I was able to reschedule it, and since I was staying with my friend I didn’t have to worry about accommodations.
Day Eight
My extra day! We went to another coffee shop, this time Tru Cafe. While it was cute looking, the chai tea lattes didn’t taste good. 😦
It was a gorgeous day so we spent the afternoon after work at Kitsilano Beach. Then after dinner we Rain or Shine for ice cream. It’s become a tradition since we got ice cream there last time I was there! They have some unique and yummy ice cream flavours and they’re all homemade.
Day Nine
My final day! I had breakfast and then headed to the airport! And just like that, another Vancouver trip is in the books.
If you have any questions about my trip, let me know in the comments! I’ve been three times now so I have a good idea of what to do and skip in the city!
xoxo
Lea
Leave it to Lea 