Around Bear Mountain and Victoria
Lakes and trails on the doorstep, Bear Mountain’s golf two minutes up the road, and Victoria twenty minutes away. These are the places we send friends: a few close to the house, and the best of the region when you’re ready to go further.
- 19 places to eat and drink
- 17 sights in and around Victoria
- 30 hikes, runs and rides
- 5 golf courses
- 6 lakes and beaches
- 41 events through the year
Right now
What’s on, in season or at its best this month.
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Our favourites
If you only have a few days, start with these.
- Eat & drink · 10 min drive
House of Boateng
West African-inspired brunch. Order the banana bread French toast or the jollof rice bowl.
- Eat & drink · 25 min drive
Il Terrazzo
Northern Italian in a candlelit courtyard off Johnson Street. Ask for the heated patio, and order the cioppino or a wood-oven pizza.
- Eat & drink · 25 min drive
Tea at the Empress
Traditional afternoon tea in the Fairmont Empress Lobby Lounge, overlooking the harbour. There’s a children’s tea for younger guests, and neat casual dress is fine.
- Sights · 27 min drive
Dallas Road waterfront
The clifftop path past Mile Zero and Clover Point, with views across the strait to the Olympic Mountains. Best at the end of the day.
- Sights · 30 min drive
Butchart Gardens
Fifty-five acres of display gardens in a former quarry. From December 1 to January 6 they open from 3 to 9 p.m. for the Christmas lights.
- Hikes, runs & rides · 10 min drive
Niagara Falls, Goldstream
A short forest walk to a 47-metre waterfall dropping into a canyon pool. It’s at its fullest from late fall through spring.
- Hikes, runs & rides · 15 min drive
Jocelyn Hill via Caleb Pike
A rolling ridge walk to the open rocky bluffs of Jocelyn Hill, high above Finlayson Arm. Our pick for a long morning out.
- Golf · 2 min drive
Bear Mountain Golf
Thirty-six holes of Nicklaus Design golf with public tee times: the rugged, dramatic Mountain Course and the calmer Valley Course.
- Lakes & beaches · 5 min walk
Florence Lake
A small, quiet neighbourhood lake with a dock and a trail around the shore, boardwalks and all. Lovely for a morning swim in summer.
- Lakes & beaches · 20 min drive
Esquimalt Lagoon
A long driftwood beach on a spit between the open strait and a calm lagoon that’s a migratory bird sanctuary. Sunset here, looking at the Olympics, is hard to beat.
Essentials nearby
Groceries, a pharmacy, a liquor store and medical care, all within a few minutes.
- Essentials · 3 min drive
Costco
Groceries, a pharmacy and gas. Membership required.
- Essentials · 8 min drive
Real Canadian Superstore
Groceries and a pharmacy open into the evening.
- Essentials · 10 min drive
Westshore Urgent and Primary Care Centre
Same-day appointments by phone at 1-833-688-8722. No walk-ins.
Browse the guide
Checked October 2026. Drive times are off-peak estimates from the house; weekday rush hour on Highway 1 can add 10 to 20 minutes. Hours and seasons change, so check before you go.