A day in the life of someone who lives in a Canadian town where hundreds of Hallmark movies are filmed

Simone PagetJan 16, 2024, 12:13 IST

There are some beautiful views in Victoria, Canada. Simone Paget

I live in Victoria, British Columbia, in Canada, an idyllic town featured in many Hallmark movies.
A typical day in my life includes plenty of coffee, lots of movement, and time with friends.

If you've ever watched a Hallmark movie, you may have seen my hometown, Victoria, British Columbia. With its charming, storybook-like setting, it's become a filming hotspot.

But I like to think of my hometown as a place where "Hallmark meets hipster."

In addition to quaint architecture and cozy local inns, Victoria is a health-conscious, outdoorsy city that's home to trendy independent boutiques and a thriving local food and drink scene.

Here's how I spend a typical Saturday in Victoria, BC, as a local.

I start the day with some strong coffee and a smoothie.

I work from home during the week, so I prioritize cozy weekend mornings. Simone Paget

But first, I take a quick trip to the general store for smoothie ingredients.

I had to pick up some bananas for my smoothie. Simone Paget

Yoga and fitness are a big deal here, and I love to take classes whenever I can.

I like to do yoga on the weekends. Simone Paget

On the walk downtown, I spot signs of filming.

Some of the filming signs are quite comical. Simone Paget

Additional coffee is required before meeting up with friends.

I love visiting Victoria's local coffee shops. Simone Paget

Brunch is a popular social activity on the weekends.

I like meeting my friends for brunch to catch up on the weekends. Simone Paget

After brunch, my friend and I wander through Market Square.

Market Square is part of my town's historic district.Simone Paget

We get our steps in while wandering around Old Town.

There are cute little independent shops in Old Town. Simone Paget

The stores sell more than just plaid shirts.

The men in Hallmark movies seem to have a certain "uniform" of flannels and work boots. Simone Paget

When I notice I’ve already walked 10,000 steps, it’s time for dessert.

Chocolat Favoris is popular with locals and tourists alike. Simone Paget

A stop at a storybook-like bookstore is a must.

Munro's Books is one of my favorite bookshops.Simone Paget

Supporting our local record store is another favorite activity.

Ditch Records has a nice mix of vintage and current albums. Simone Paget

I meet up with my cousin for happy hour.

My cousin lives in Seattle but visits me in Victoria. Simone Paget

You can't beat watching the sunset from the deck of a boat.

You can't beat a good sunset over the water. Simone Paget

It’s still early, so I decide to pick up some essentials and walk home.

London Drugs has pretty much anything you could think of. Simone Paget

Exhausted and grateful, I tuck myself into bed with some Netflix.

I like to have cozy evenings after a full day out in town. Simone Paget

A couple quit their jobs and used their savings to transform a firetruck into a luxury RV for a yearslong Pan-American Highway adventure with their kids. Take a look inside.

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