Fri. Dec 13th, 2024

I live in a Canadian town where hundreds of Hallmark movies are filmed. From roaming peacocks to fake snow, here’s what it’s like.<!-- wp:html --><p>Victoria is a quaint town on the West Coast of Canada. </p> <p class="copyright">Simone Paget</p> <p>I live in picturesque <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/victoria-canada-what-it-is-like-during-summer-months-2022-9" rel="noopener">Victoria, British Columbia</a>, on the West Coast of Canada.My hometown serves as the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/star-wars-filming-locations-you-can-visit-2019-5" rel="noopener">filming location</a> for hundreds of Hallmark movies and TV shows.There are so many quaint <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/things-you-should-never-do-in-a-coffee-shop#:~:text=In%20any%20establishment%2C%20including%20a,or%20snacks%20throughout%20the%20day." rel="noopener">coffee shops</a>, restaurants, and beaches that make my hometown special.</p> <p>My hometown of Victoria, British Columbia, is known for many things — quaint architecture, temperate climate, stunning gardens, and being the backdrop for hundreds of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/new-hallmark-christmas-movies-schedule-full-list-2023" rel="noopener">Hallmark holiday movies</a>.</p> <p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/why-i-moved-back-to-florida-after-year-away-2022-6" rel="noopener">When I moved back</a> after years of "big city life" in Toronto, it felt like I was literally living out the plot of a Hallmark movie.</p> <p>Although Victoria is charming and picturesque, there's so much more to the city than what's captured on the small screen.</p> <div> <div class="slide"> <div class="slide-title">Fernwood Square is a popular hangout spot.</div> <div class="slide-image">A lot of scenes with holiday markets are filmed in Fernwood Square. <p class="copyright">Simone Paget</p> </div> <div class="slide-content"> <p>Fernwood Square is an off-the-beaten-path, cobblestone-lined town square that's become a favorite filming location for holiday-market scenes.</p> <p>When the cameras aren't rolling, locals grab coffee at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.littlejune.ca/" rel="noopener">Little June</a>, enjoy a romantic night under the twinkle lights at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.stagewinebar.com/" rel="noopener">Stage Wine Bar</a>, or shop for dreamy vintage finds at <a target="_blank" href="https://creamlifeandstyle.ca/" rel="noopener">Cream</a>.</p> </div> </div> <div class="slide"> <div class="slide-title">The charming Fernwood Inn is a popular neighborhood pub. </div> <div class="slide-image">The Fernwood Inn is a local staple in Victoria. <p class="copyright">Simone Paget</p> </div> <div class="slide-content"> <p>At the heart of Fernwood Square is the Fernwood Inn. The charming <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/dining-indoors-nyc-carlyle-hotel-newly-reopened-bemelmans-bar-2021-6" rel="noopener">neighborhood pub</a> serves local brews in an inviting, festive atmosphere reminiscent of a small-town inn.</p> <p><span>Unfortunately, the kind-eyed innkeeper with a heart of gold from half the Hallmark movie plots is not included — the pub </span><em>looks</em><span> like an inn but doesn't actually have rooms for rent.</span></p> </div> </div> <div class="slide"> <div class="slide-title">Oak Bay Village is the perfect place to live out your Hallmark fantasies. </div> <div class="slide-image">There are lots of cute shops in Oak Bay Village. <p class="copyright">Simone Paget</p> </div> <div class="slide-content"> <p>Oak Bay Village is set up to feel like a quaint small town, featuring artisanal shops, independent eateries, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/christmas-holiday-decor-shopping-review-dollar-tree-vs-party-city-2023-11" rel="noopener">seasonal decorations </a>galore.</p> </div> </div> <div class="slide"> <div class="slide-title">The Oak Bay Beach Hotel combines Hallmark-worthy coziness with jaw-dropping views.</div> <div class="slide-image">The Oak Bay Beach Hotel has lovely mineral pools. <p class="copyright">Simone Paget</p> </div> <div class="slide-content"> <p>The luxurious spa at the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.oakbaybeachhotel.com/" rel="noopener">Oak Bay Beach Hotel</a> features stunning, heated mineral pools that are accessible year-round, making it the perfect escape from the stress of the holidays.</p> <p>Pro tip: Locals love this place, so make sure to book treatments in advance.</p> </div> </div> <div class="slide"> <div class="slide-title">Our annual Christmas-tree festival is not to be missed.</div> <div class="slide-image">The Festival of Trees is an annual tradition in Victoria. <p class="copyright">Simone Paget</p> </div> <div class="slide-content"> <p>Our local mall never looks better than when it hosts the Festival of Trees, an annual event that features 70 one-of-a-kind <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/guides/home/best-artificial-christmas-tree" rel="noopener">Christmas trees</a>.</p> </div> </div> <div class="slide"> <div class="slide-title">You can make gourmet s’mores at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. </div> <div class="slide-image">The Empress also hosts a wonderful afternoon tea. <p class="copyright">Simone Paget</p> </div> <div class="slide-content"> <p>The iconic, fairy-tale-like hotel is a holiday favorite for tourists and locals alike.</p> <p>The Empress is mainly known for its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.teaattheempress.com/" rel="noopener">afternoon tea</a>, but in the evenings, you can head to the Veranda bar to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/making-smores-different-methods-fire-air-fryer-microwave-oven-best-one" rel="noopener">roast s'mores</a> over an open fire and sip on hot buttered rum.</p> </div> </div> <div class="slide"> <div class="slide-title">My town's light displays are delightfully over the top. </div> <div class="slide-image">Butchart Gardens goes all out with its holiday lights. <p class="copyright">Simone Paget</p> </div> <div class="slide-content"> <p>What we lack in (real) snow we make up for in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/stunning-holiday-light-displays-from-around-the-world" rel="noopener">holiday lights</a>.</p> <p>Every year, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.butchartgardens.com/" rel="noopener">Butchart Gardens</a> transforms its 55-acre display garden into a holiday wonderland full of colorful string lights.</p> </div> </div> <div class="slide"> <div class="slide-title">We love whimsical small businesses and a good pun. </div> <div class="slide-image">Shirley Delicious is a lovely cafe in Victoria. <p class="copyright">Simone Paget</p> </div> <div class="slide-content"> <p>Tucked away in the woods is the award-winning <a target="_blank" href="https://www.shirleydelicious.ca/" rel="noopener">Shirley Delicious</a>, a popular cafe and brunch spot.</p> <p>But if you're in the mood for seafood, head to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/shucktaylors/" rel="noopener">Shuck Taylor's</a>, another whimsically named eatery known for its fresh oysters and on-tap cocktails.</p> </div> </div> <div class="slide"> <div class="slide-title">There's stunning Victorian architecture everywhere.</div> <div class="slide-image">The town is full of lovely porches and detailed roofs. <p class="copyright">Simone Paget</p> </div> <div class="slide-content"> <p>My hometown lives up to its namesake (Queen Victoria). You'll find plenty of beautifully preserved Victorian homes and businesses all over the city.</p> </div> </div> <div class="slide"> <div class="slide-title">You can also visit two castles in one day. </div> <div class="slide-image">Hatley Castle is a popular filming location. <p class="copyright">Simone Paget</p> </div> <div class="slide-content"> <p>Step back in time at <a target="_blank" href="https://thecastle.ca/" rel="noopener">Craigdarroch Castle</a> before heading over to <a target="_blank" href="https://visitorinvictoria.ca/hatley-castle-victoria-bc-royal-roads/" rel="noopener">Hatley Castle</a> — another popular filming location featured in the "X-Men" film series.</p> </div> </div> <div class="slide"> <div class="slide-title">Victoria is home to North America’s second-oldest Chinatown.</div> <div class="slide-image">Victoria's Chinatown has been around since the mid-1800s. <p class="copyright">Simone Paget</p> </div> <div class="slide-content"> <p>Named a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/dfhd/page_nhs_eng.aspx?id=852" rel="noopener">National Historic Site</a> in 1995, Victoria's Chinatown is now home to a diverse collection of restaurants, artist lofts, and even the design studio of RuPaul's Drag Race alum Jimbo.</p> <p>Behind <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/activities-and-things-to-do-in-san-francisco-2021-10" rel="noopener">San Francisco</a>, it's the second-oldest Chinatown in North America.</p> </div> </div> <div class="slide"> <div class="slide-title">It's also home to North America’s narrowest commercial street, Fan Tan Alley.</div> <div class="slide-image">Fan Tan Alley is a popular destination in Victoria's Chinatown. <p class="copyright">Simone Paget</p> </div> <div class="slide-content"> <p>Named after the Chinese gambling game Fan-Tan, the alley was once notorious for its opium factories.</p> <p>Now it's home to boutiques, cafés, and record shops.</p> </div> </div> <div class="slide"> <div class="slide-title">There’s a bustling food scene with diverse dining options. </div> <div class="slide-image">I'm a fan of the award-winning cocktail bars in Victoria. <p class="copyright">Simone Paget</p> </div> <div class="slide-content"> <p>Victoria, BC, has more restaurants per capita than any other Canadian city.</p> <p>Whether you're craving <a target="_blank" href="https://ba-le-deli-victoria.business.site/" rel="noopener">Vietnamese subs</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://sabormixlatinobc.com/" rel="noopener">El Salvadoran street food</a>, or <a target="_blank" href="https://www.redfish-bluefish.com/" rel="noopener">ethically sourced seafood</a> sold out of a shipping container, you'll find it all within a five-minute walk of the city center.</p> <p>In addition to being a foodie's paradise, Victoria has several award-winning <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/best-and-worst-cocktails-to-order-at-bar-2021-8" rel="noopener">cocktail bars</a> and craft breweries.</p> </div> </div> <div class="slide"> <div class="slide-title">Tucked-away cafes are our specialty. </div> <div class="slide-image">Hide + Seek Coffee is one of my favorite shops. <p class="copyright">Simone Paget</p> </div> <div class="slide-content"> <p>Independent-coffee-shop culture is big here, and residents love a good tucked-away café that most <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/national-parks-biggest-mistakes-people-make-on-first-visit-guide" rel="noopener">tourists can't find</a>.</p> <p>A favorite, aptly named <a target="_blank" href="https://hideandseekcoffee.ca/" rel="noopener">Hide + Seek Coffee</a>, is located in the "backyard" of a pharmacy.</p> </div> </div> <div class="slide"> <div class="slide-title">We’re known for our incredible beaches and mountain views.</div> <div class="slide-image">The landscape in Victoria has something for everyone. <p class="copyright">Simone Paget</p> </div> <div class="slide-content"> <p>Hallmark movies are usually set in winter, but my hometown thrives in the summer.</p> <p>No matter where you are, you're always within an eight- to 10-minute drive of a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/what-best-beach-in-america-is-like-hapuna-beach-hawaii-photos-2022" rel="noopener">fantastic beach</a> and an incredible view.</p> </div> </div> <div class="slide"> <div class="slide-title">You may run into a film crew or two.</div> <div class="slide-image">Filming notices are often hung up around popular spots. <p class="copyright">Simone Paget</p> </div> <div class="slide-content"> <p>It's not unusual to stumble across <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/what-actors-took-from-movie-sets-2019-5" rel="noopener">a movie set</a> while going about daily errands.</p> <p>Summer is peak filming season, so don't be surprised if you arrive for a beach day and see a film crew setting up a Christmas-tree display or come across a city street flooded with fake snow.</p> <p>It's moments like these that make me smile and remind me how unique it is to live here.</p> </div> </div> <div class="slide"> <div class="slide-title">Believe it or not, there are palm trees in Victoria. </div> <div class="slide-image">Victoria is one of the warmest areas in Canada. <p class="copyright">Simone Paget</p> </div> <div class="slide-content"> <p>Palm trees aren't indigenous to the area, but Victoria is one of the warmest cities in Canada and one of the only spots in the country where they can grow.</p> </div> </div> <div class="slide"> <div class="slide-title">Peacocks roam freely about the town. </div> <div class="slide-image">It's not uncommon to see a peacock or two. <p class="copyright">Simone Paget</p> </div> <div class="slide-content"> <p>Depending on the neighborhood, it's not unusual to see a peacock walking down the street or enjoying some birdseed outside a local convenience store.</p> </div> </div> <div class="slide"> <div class="slide-title">There’s something for everyone. </div> <div class="slide-image">I love that Victoria is somewhere in between a city and a small town. <p class="copyright">Simone Paget</p> </div> <div class="slide-content"> <p>In <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/hallmark-holiday-movies-hanukkah-round-and-round-2023-12" rel="noopener">Hallmark movies</a>, there's always a juxtaposition between "big city" and "small town" life.</p> <p>After moving back here, I have a deep appreciation for what makes Victoria unique. It's not a small town or <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/americans-regretting-moves-from-city-to-suburbs-housing-crisis-millennials-2023-11" rel="noopener">a big city</a> — it's something in between.</p> <p>Whether you're looking to experience the charm of your favorite holiday movies, get a taste of the city's foodie culture, or enjoy a beach getaway, you can find it here. You just might need to step over some fake snow now and then.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="read-original">Read the original article on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/living-in-small-town-from-hallmark-christmas-movies-canada-2023-12">Business Insider</a></div><!-- /wp:html -->

Victoria is a quaint town on the West Coast of Canada.

I live in picturesque Victoria, British Columbia, on the West Coast of Canada.My hometown serves as the filming location for hundreds of Hallmark movies and TV shows.There are so many quaint coffee shops, restaurants, and beaches that make my hometown special.

My hometown of Victoria, British Columbia, is known for many things — quaint architecture, temperate climate, stunning gardens, and being the backdrop for hundreds of Hallmark holiday movies.

When I moved back after years of “big city life” in Toronto, it felt like I was literally living out the plot of a Hallmark movie.

Although Victoria is charming and picturesque, there’s so much more to the city than what’s captured on the small screen.

Fernwood Square is a popular hangout spot.
A lot of scenes with holiday markets are filmed in Fernwood Square.

Fernwood Square is an off-the-beaten-path, cobblestone-lined town square that’s become a favorite filming location for holiday-market scenes.

When the cameras aren’t rolling, locals grab coffee at Little June, enjoy a romantic night under the twinkle lights at Stage Wine Bar, or shop for dreamy vintage finds at Cream.

The charming Fernwood Inn is a popular neighborhood pub.
The Fernwood Inn is a local staple in Victoria.

At the heart of Fernwood Square is the Fernwood Inn. The charming neighborhood pub serves local brews in an inviting, festive atmosphere reminiscent of a small-town inn.

Unfortunately, the kind-eyed innkeeper with a heart of gold from half the Hallmark movie plots is not included — the pub looks like an inn but doesn’t actually have rooms for rent.

Oak Bay Village is the perfect place to live out your Hallmark fantasies.
There are lots of cute shops in Oak Bay Village.

Oak Bay Village is set up to feel like a quaint small town, featuring artisanal shops, independent eateries, and seasonal decorations galore.

The Oak Bay Beach Hotel combines Hallmark-worthy coziness with jaw-dropping views.
The Oak Bay Beach Hotel has lovely mineral pools.

The luxurious spa at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel features stunning, heated mineral pools that are accessible year-round, making it the perfect escape from the stress of the holidays.

Pro tip: Locals love this place, so make sure to book treatments in advance.

Our annual Christmas-tree festival is not to be missed.
The Festival of Trees is an annual tradition in Victoria.

Our local mall never looks better than when it hosts the Festival of Trees, an annual event that features 70 one-of-a-kind Christmas trees.

You can make gourmet s’mores at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.
The Empress also hosts a wonderful afternoon tea.

The iconic, fairy-tale-like hotel is a holiday favorite for tourists and locals alike.

The Empress is mainly known for its afternoon tea, but in the evenings, you can head to the Veranda bar to roast s’mores over an open fire and sip on hot buttered rum.

My town’s light displays are delightfully over the top.
Butchart Gardens goes all out with its holiday lights.

What we lack in (real) snow we make up for in holiday lights.

Every year, Butchart Gardens transforms its 55-acre display garden into a holiday wonderland full of colorful string lights.

We love whimsical small businesses and a good pun.
Shirley Delicious is a lovely cafe in Victoria.

Tucked away in the woods is the award-winning Shirley Delicious, a popular cafe and brunch spot.

But if you’re in the mood for seafood, head to Shuck Taylor’s, another whimsically named eatery known for its fresh oysters and on-tap cocktails.

There’s stunning Victorian architecture everywhere.
The town is full of lovely porches and detailed roofs.

My hometown lives up to its namesake (Queen Victoria). You’ll find plenty of beautifully preserved Victorian homes and businesses all over the city.

You can also visit two castles in one day.
Hatley Castle is a popular filming location.

Step back in time at Craigdarroch Castle before heading over to Hatley Castle — another popular filming location featured in the “X-Men” film series.

Victoria is home to North America’s second-oldest Chinatown.
Victoria’s Chinatown has been around since the mid-1800s.

Named a National Historic Site in 1995, Victoria’s Chinatown is now home to a diverse collection of restaurants, artist lofts, and even the design studio of RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Jimbo.

Behind San Francisco, it’s the second-oldest Chinatown in North America.

It’s also home to North America’s narrowest commercial street, Fan Tan Alley.
Fan Tan Alley is a popular destination in Victoria’s Chinatown.

Named after the Chinese gambling game Fan-Tan, the alley was once notorious for its opium factories.

Now it’s home to boutiques, cafés, and record shops.

There’s a bustling food scene with diverse dining options.
I’m a fan of the award-winning cocktail bars in Victoria.

Victoria, BC, has more restaurants per capita than any other Canadian city.

Whether you’re craving Vietnamese subs, El Salvadoran street food, or ethically sourced seafood sold out of a shipping container, you’ll find it all within a five-minute walk of the city center.

In addition to being a foodie’s paradise, Victoria has several award-winning cocktail bars and craft breweries.

Tucked-away cafes are our specialty.
Hide + Seek Coffee is one of my favorite shops.

Independent-coffee-shop culture is big here, and residents love a good tucked-away café that most tourists can’t find.

A favorite, aptly named Hide + Seek Coffee, is located in the “backyard” of a pharmacy.

We’re known for our incredible beaches and mountain views.
The landscape in Victoria has something for everyone.

Hallmark movies are usually set in winter, but my hometown thrives in the summer.

No matter where you are, you’re always within an eight- to 10-minute drive of a fantastic beach and an incredible view.

You may run into a film crew or two.
Filming notices are often hung up around popular spots.

It’s not unusual to stumble across a movie set while going about daily errands.

Summer is peak filming season, so don’t be surprised if you arrive for a beach day and see a film crew setting up a Christmas-tree display or come across a city street flooded with fake snow.

It’s moments like these that make me smile and remind me how unique it is to live here.

Believe it or not, there are palm trees in Victoria.
Victoria is one of the warmest areas in Canada.

Palm trees aren’t indigenous to the area, but Victoria is one of the warmest cities in Canada and one of the only spots in the country where they can grow.

Peacocks roam freely about the town.
It’s not uncommon to see a peacock or two.

Depending on the neighborhood, it’s not unusual to see a peacock walking down the street or enjoying some birdseed outside a local convenience store.

There’s something for everyone.
I love that Victoria is somewhere in between a city and a small town.

In Hallmark movies, there’s always a juxtaposition between “big city” and “small town” life.

After moving back here, I have a deep appreciation for what makes Victoria unique. It’s not a small town or a big city — it’s something in between.

Whether you’re looking to experience the charm of your favorite holiday movies, get a taste of the city’s foodie culture, or enjoy a beach getaway, you can find it here. You just might need to step over some fake snow now and then.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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