An international adventure
My days in Victoria, British Columbia, were a walk on the adventurous side of the border. Coming from the West Coast, it was an easy flight to Canada, and once I arrived, everything was walkable from the stately Fairmont Empress. We strolled to Fisherman’s Wharf for lunch and spotted a pod of orcas on the hunt. We even ambled over to Victoria Harbour for a panoramic—and carbon neutral—sea plane tour of the city, the Salish Sea and the rainforests.
Looking back on the excursion, it was the friendly people who made it so special. Contrary to the headlines, they still love and warmly host visitors from south of the Canadian border. In fact, they welcome people from all over the world and make it easy to get in and out. The exchange rate and quick hop from Seattle or Vancouver make it accessible, safe and budget-friendly.
Western Canada: Your Best Adventure Yet
Upgrade the Stay
The host property, Victoria’s Castle on the Coast, embodies luxury gathering, but a smart tip is to ask about the Fairmont Gold Experience.
A 2024 renovation unveiled 22 new upgraded guest rooms and the Fairmont Gold Lounge, supported by a warm fireplace, original exposed brick archways and steel beams dating back to 1908. Library nooks, hidden alcoves and an outdoor terrace with stunning views add to the exclusive ambiance.
Global Flavor
Since I was born in France and still speak the Romance language, I was delighted to find myself in a sea of accents as visitors come from far and wide to experience the natural and historic beauty of Vancouver Island. The international population and group attendee origins are evident in the diverse dining options throughout the city.
Read More: How Canada Is Shaking Up F&B Offerings
That recognition of the people and cultures that make Victoria special harkens to the origins of human gathering on the island, going back thousands of years to the Lekwungen-speaking peoples of the Songhees Nation, Xwsepsum Nation and W̱SÁNEĆ indigenous peoples. British and Asian influences date to the 1800s, and immigration from all over the world has made the city a rich arts and dining destination.
We tasted some of the creative flavors built around local seasonal ingredients at Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse and Wind Cries Mary, where a communal nose-to-tail butchery philosophy based on telling the stories of the people behind the ingredients felt like breaking bread with the fishmongers who caught the ling cod on our plates.
The nearby Okanagan wine country boasts fruit-forward vintages and scenic lake and vineyard views. Iconic Wineries of British Columbia, including the flagship Mission Hill Family Estate, offer immersive experiences such as Meritage blending of pairs of Bordeaux grapes. This hands-on approach offers deep empathy for the challenging conditions overcome to reach our collective glasses.
This article appears in the March 2026 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
