Victoria is a quaint town on the West Coast of Canada.
Simone Paget
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.
Simone Paget
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.
Simone Paget
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.
Simone Paget
Oak Bay Village is set up to feel like a quaint small town, featuring artisanal shops, independent eateries, and seasonal decorations galore.
Simone Paget
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.
Simone Paget
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.
Simone Paget
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.
Simone Paget
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.
Simone Paget
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.
Simone Paget
My hometown lives up to its namesake (Queen Victoria). You’ll find plenty of beautifully preserved Victorian homes and businesses all over the city.
Simone Paget
Step back in time at Craigdarroch Castle before heading over to Hatley Castle — another popular filming location featured in the “X-Men” film series.
Simone Paget
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.
Simone Paget
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.
Simone Paget
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.
Simone Paget
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.
Simone Paget
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.
Simone Paget
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.
Simone Paget
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.
Simone Paget
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.
Simone Paget
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.