8 things that are worth it and 6 things tourists can skip in my Canadian town where hundreds of Hallmark movies are filmed

Simone PagetJan 21, 2024, 20:54 IST

Victoria, British Columbia, is the backdrop to hundreds of Hallmark movies. Simone Paget

I live in Victoria, British Columbia, a small Canadian town where Hallmark movies are filmed.
Beacon Hill Park, ferry rides, and craft breweries are all at the top of my list of things to do.

My hometown — Victoria, British Columbia — is a popular tourist destination known for its whimsical architecture, beautiful gardens, and horse-drawn carriages.

With its storybook-like setting and cozy spaces, it makes sense that hundreds of Hallmark movies have been filmed here.

If you're visiting Victoria, here are some spots I think everyone should check out and a few you can probably skip.

Walk around Fernwood Square.

Fernwood Square is a very Hallmark-y part of town. Simone Paget

Visit Beacon Hill Park and go to the Beacon Drive-In for ice cream.

The weather is usually pretty temperate, so ice cream is a great treat. Simone Paget

Explore downtown and Inner Harbour by ferry.

Ferries are a convenient way to get around Victoria. Simone Paget

Grab a drink at Q Bar in the Fairmont Empress.

The Fairmont Empress is a nice hotel in Victoria. Simone Paget

Eat breakfast at John’s Place or Shanzee’s.

There are some great brunch spots in Victoria. Simone Paget

Drink like a local at The Drake or one of Victoria’s many craft breweries.

Beer is easy to come by in my hometown. Simone Paget

Explore the craft cocktail scene.

I love the piña colada at Citrus & Cane.Simone Paget

Go for dinner at 10 Acres or Little Jumbo.

10 Acres is a nice farm-to-table restaurant. Simone Paget

On the other hand, I don't think Butchart Gardens is worth it.

Butchart Gardens has a fun holiday lights display, but it's pretty expensive. Simone Paget

Whale watching isn't for everyone.

I don't think you need to go whale watching for the full Victoria experience. Birdiegal/Shutterstock

High tea at the Fairmont Empress is pricey.

The Fairmont Empress is lovely, but I pick and choose where I eat and drink there. Simone Paget

Brunch at Blue Fox is great, but I'd go somewhere else if there's a long wait.

I usually have to wait in line at Blue Fox. Simone Paget

I think the (faux) English pubs along Government Street are a bit overrated.

The highly decorated pubs are too touristy, in my opinion.Francisco Blanco/Shutterstock

It can be hard to enjoy a meal at the restaurants along the harbor.

Tourists flock to the waterside eateries.1Roman Makedonsky/Shutterstock

I stayed in a 3-bedroom suite at Trump's Ireland hotel that costs over $1,300 a night. It felt straight out of a fairytale.

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