The very best 12 nightlife spots in Victoria, Canada
Welcome to Victoria, the enchanting city where the sun may go to bed early, but its nightlife awakens with a mischievous twinkle in its eye. As the night owl in you starts to stretch its wings, fear not, for we have scoured the streets to unveil the 12 most bewitching haunts to light up your nocturnal escapades. From hopping breweries teeming with amber nectar enthusiasts to secret speakeasies hidden behind bookshelves, be prepared for a whirlwind of libations, laughter, and guaranteed shenanigans. So, whether you seek the pulsating beats of a dance floor or the sultriness of a jazz club, Victoria's vibrant nightlife scene has got your back, and your dancing shoes too - let the good times roll!
Save destination1. The Sticky Wicket Pub & Restaurant
919 Douglas St, Victoria, BC V8W 2C2, Canada
Nestled in the heart of Victoria, The Sticky Wicket Pub & Restaurant is a delightful gem that tantalizes both taste buds and funny bones. Boasting a menu as diverse as its patrons, this establishment offers delectable treats that will leave you pining for more, even if your waistline disagrees. Don't be surprised if you find yourself belting out a spontaneous chorus of a forgotten 80s hit while dining, for The Sticky Wicket Pub & Restaurant promises an atmosphere where laughter and good times flourish like a well-watered garden.
Learn more2. Bard and Banker
1022 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1X7, Canada
Tiptoeing into the land of merry mirth, you stumble upon the fantastical realm of Bard and Banker in Victoria. Eagerly waiting to whisk you away into its lively embrace, this charming British pub transports you to an era of jolly banter and hearty laughter. Stepping inside, you'll find yourself surrounded by the echoes of toasts, the clinking of glasses, and the occasional, yet surprisingly nimble, dance moves of its spirited patrons.
Learn more3. Swans Brewpub
1601 Store St, Victoria, BC V8W 1N6, Canada
Nestled in the heart of Victoria, Swans Brewpub awaits you with its quirky charm and tantalizing brews. This gem of a watering hole promises to leave you swan-ing with delight. From their hoppy ales to their delicious grub, Swans Brewpub is the perfect spot to quench your thirst and fill your belly, all while enjoying the spirited company of locals who know how to have a flocking good time.
Learn more4. The Guild Freehouse
1250 Wharf St, Victoria, BC V8W 1T9, Canada
Nestled in the heart of Victoria, The Guild Freehouse is a delightful oasis for quenching your thirst and satisfying your taste buds. This charming establishment invites you to step into a world where libations flow like rivers and culinary delights abound like unicorns in a fairytale. With its cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and a menu that can make even the most committed food critic weak in the knees, The Guild Freehouse is a must-visit destination for any wanderer seeking pure gastronomic bliss.
Learn more5. The Fernwood Inn
1302 Gladstone Ave, Victoria, BC V8R 1S1, Canada
Nestled in the heart of Victoria, The Fernwood Inn is a cozy haven that offers a pint of laughter with every sip. Step inside this quirky establishment and be prepared to embrace the eccentricity of its wooden furnishings, reminiscent of a time when trees still had dreams of becoming furniture. As you indulge in their mouthwatering locally sourced fare, don't be surprised if the friendly staff greets you with a joke or a pun, because here, laughter is always on the menu!
Learn more6. The Churchill
1140 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1Y2, Canada
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Victoria, lies The Churchill, like a cheeky chameleon ready to charm weary travelers with its quirky personality. This hotel, with its unique blend of British sophistication and delightful eccentricity, promises an unforgettable stay. Each room is a tiny slice of well-concocted chaos, where the lavish furnishings mingle with audacious patterns, and strangely captivating artworks hang—sure to make even the most miserable globetrotter crack a smile.
Learn more7. Northern Quarter
1724 Douglas St, Victoria, BC V8W 2G7, Canada
Welcome to Northern Quarter in Victoria, where hipsters and vintage enthusiasts unite in a harmonious blend of facial hair and retro flannel. This offbeat neighborhood is a haven for coffee addicts, boasting more independent cafes per square inch than there are conspiracy theories about cats secretly ruling the world. Take a leisurely stroll through its narrow streets to discover hidden gems like quirky record stores, artisanal doughnut shops, and the occasional reindeer-shaped yoga studio.
Learn more8. Smiths Pub
777 Courtney St, Victoria, BC V8W 3E6, Canada
Welcome to Smiths Pub, a quaint little watering hole nestled in the heart of Victoria, Canada. This beloved establishment is a haven for those seeking respite from the drudgery of everyday life. With its cozy atmosphere and impressive selection of drinks, Smiths Pub promises to be your go-to spot for good times and forgettable decisions. Just remember, what happens at Smiths Pub, stays at Smiths Pub, unless it makes for an excellent dinner party story.
Learn more9. Finn's Seafood, Chops & Cocktails
1208 Wharf St, Victoria, BC V8W 3B9, Canada
Welcome to Finn's Seafood, Chops & Cocktails - where the ocean’s bounty meets the tender touch of the grill, all under one fishy roof! Nestled in the heart of Victoria, this delightful restaurant promises to whisk you away on a culinary adventure fit for a sea-loving connoisseur. From the moment you step inside, prepare for a nautical-themed décor that'll have you feeling like a sailor ready to set sail (minus the seasickness, of course!). Get ready to dive into a menu filled with succulent seafood, juicy chops, and creatively crafted cocktails that’ll leave your taste buds doing a happy little dance!
Learn more10. Garrick's Head Pub
1140 Government St, 69 Bastion Square, Victoria, BC V8W 1Y2, Canada
Tucked away in the charming streets of Victoria, lies the legendary Garrick's Head Pub, a haven for those seeking a pint of laughter and a bellyful of joy. With its cozy interiors, adorned with humorous memorabilia from wall to wall, one may feel inclined to burst into an impromptu comedy routine – just don't let the locals steal your thunder. Prepare to be entertained by their eclectic array of craft beers, which will have you exclaiming, "I'll drink to that!" So whether you're a connoisseur of humor or simply in dire need of a good chuckle, Garrick's Head Pub is the quintessential destination for those who like their pints with a side of laughter.
Learn more11. Canoe Brewpub
450 Swift St, Victoria, BC V8W 1S3, Canada
Nestled in the heart of beautiful Victoria, Canoe Brewpub offers more than just a scenic waterfront view – it also serves up a generous helping of fantastic beer and lip-smackingly tasty food. A visit to this brewpub is like embarking on an adventurous canoe ride, except instead of paddling, you'll be sipping on pints of their handcrafted beers. Be sure to try their inventive brews, like the Paddle Parser Pale Ale or the Hoppy Paddler IPA, and if you're feeling especially adventurous, pair them with the famous Oar-Some Onion Rings – they're worth every paddle stroke!
Learn more12. The Drake Eatery
517 Pandora Ave, Victoria, BC V8W 3J6, Canada
Nestled in the vibrant city of Victoria lies The Drake Eatery, a haven for food enthusiasts and light-hearted souls. With its quirky decor and unique blend of flavors, this eatery is a quintessential spot to satisfy your culinary cravings. From the moment you step foot into this whimsical haven, be prepared to embark on a gastronomic adventure like no other, where taste buds awaken and laughter fills the air.
Learn moreHow to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Victoria by plane is to fly into Victoria International Airport (YYJ) from major airports in Canada or the United States. Direct flights are available from cities such as Vancouver, Calgary, Seattle, and San Francisco.
Car
If you prefer to drive, you can take the ferry to Vancouver Island, then drive to Victoria. The ferry ride is about 1.5 hours from Vancouver to Swartz Bay, and then it takes about 30 minutes to drive from Swartz Bay to downtown Victoria. Alternatively, you can also drive from Seattle to Victoria, which takes about 3-4 hours.
Train
There is no direct train to Victoria, but you can take a train from Vancouver to Swartz Bay, which is a ferry terminal that connects to Victoria. The train ride from Vancouver to Swartz Bay takes about 3 hours, and then you can take a 35-minute ferry ride to Victoria.
Boat
One of the most scenic ways to get to Victoria is by taking a boat from Seattle or Vancouver. You can take the Victoria Clipper from Seattle to Victoria, which is a high-speed catamaran that takes about 2.5 hours. You can also take the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria, which is a scenic 1.5-hour ride through the Strait of Georgia.
Bus
Taking a bus to Victoria is convenient and affordable. The best option is to take a coach bus from Vancouver or Seattle to Victoria. The bus ride from Vancouver to Victoria takes about 4-5 hours, while Seattle to Victoria takes longer at around 6-7 hours. You can take the bus from Pacific Central Station in Vancouver, or from downtown Seattle.