Rest and Rejuvenation in Victoria

by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 11:10 AM ET, Tue July 1, 2025

A comfortable temperate climate, the feeling of history and hospitality, flowers and gardens that you could easily fill your camera roll with...there's a lot to recommend at visit to Victoria. Selling the city as a wellness destination is a great angle, as there is a lot to see and do, with options for people who want to be outdoorsy and adventurous, or those who would rather have their rejuvenation with a little luxury.

When Michelin awarded keys to hotels last year, only two were bestowed on Victoria hotels. One was to the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel, as seen on countless postcards of the Inner Harbour, and the other to the Magnolia Hotel and Spa. The Magnolia also has the distinction of being the only Vancouver Island hotel named to the Travel + Leisure 500 list for two consecutive years (2023, 2024). To top off the accolades, the four-star hotel was named as the #2 “Best of the Best” hotel byTripAdvisor in the spring.

The hotel will be undergoing a refresh of their guest rooms over the coming year, which will keep things fresh and current, although the rooms as-is are serene and beautiful. The bathtubs in the spa-inspired washrooms are a constant temptation to stay in and soak. But I digress…

I was the guest of the hotel and Greater Victoria last month on a trip that featured West Coast Wellness. If you are interested in putting together an itinerary with a similar theme, here are a few “can’t miss” things to include.

Note: Visit the Destination Greater Victoria website when putting together a trip. It has extensive travel trade resources, including itineraries and information about sales support. It also has information about its attractions pass program for qualified travel trade. You can apply for the pass on their website, which gives you and a guest access to a variety of tours and attractions in the region.

Spa Sensations

“Wellness” means different things to different people, but for me, the first thing that springs to mind is spa treatments. The Spa Magnolia is a handy spot for guests of the hotel to pad through the lobby in their robes, but it's also open to the public. Massages, facials, scrubs and wraps with high-quality products and skilled, friendly staff round out the experience.

For something a little out-of-the-ordinary, Havn Saunas is a Nordic spa built on a repurposed WWII-era barge that sits in the harbour. There are hot tubs, cold plunges and showers, a salt scrub room, a variety of saunas and quiet spots to rest and relax on the deck of the ship. There is also a cozy reading room where guests can grab a snack and get out of the West Coast rain, should it make an appearance. Reservations are required, as entry times are staggered and limited as a way to avoid congestion in the change rooms.

Whale Watching with Eagle Wing Tours in the Pacific

Outdoor Living

There are a few choices for whale watching included on the attractions pass. If you have the time, taking more than one is a great idea so you can give the inside scoop to your clients. The small differences in organization, ticketing processes, and the onboard commentary are what set each apart. I only had time for one and selected Eagle Wing Tours, (based on the fact that they had a tour departing at the time I had space in my itinerary) which was a great choice. The provided waterproof suits were a godsend even on a warm sunny day, as the wind really whips you around when the boat is at speed. I also appreciated the staff, whose excitement and enthusiasm for their work was contagious.

Back on dry land, we took advantage of the e-bikes available at the Magnolia. Victoria is a bike-friendly city — in the heavily trafficked tourist zones we safely zipped through faster than we would have in a car. The Magnolia has developed several themed “trails” mapping out local businesses and attractions. Postcard-sized maps with a quick write-up of each stop are available from the front desk, with themes such as “Beautiful Boutiques,” “Downtown Flavours” and “Iconic Victoria” to help acquaint visitors to the city. The “Bikes, Blooms & Brews” trail is designed to take guests on a self-guided cycling tour of some of the lush gardens that make the city famous, with necessary stops for tea and beer. Ask at the front desk for more information and for a copy of the maps.

Only on the West Coast

It wouldn’t be a trip without spending some time doing things you can’t do anywhere else. To fulfill this requirement, why not suggest an afternoon beside the ocean, taking part in a seaweed workshop? Local marine biologist Amanda Swinimer runs Dakini Tidal Wilds, where she offers 90-minute interactive seawood tours on the beach. Participants learn all about seaweed: different kinds, how it's harvested, health benefits and even cooking tips. It’s a cool, very West Coast experience that’s also offered as an in-depth day-long workshop.

Other only-in-Victoria ideas include a visit to Puzzle Lab, a high-end puzzle boutique (if you consider quiet afternoons with a puzzle a wellness activity, which I definitely do) and learning everything about the staggering variety of teas at Silk Road Tea from their knowledgeable staff.

All about the Food

And of course, you can’t talk about wellness without talking about sustenance. Victoria has a happening food scene, with lots of restaurants that are committed to serving locally grown and sourced ingredients. Visits to newly opened Rabbit Rabbit Wine Bar and funky End Dive, (both close to Chinatown) are a great way to introduce travellers to creative Victorian tastes. The patio at Cafe Malabar is a beautiful space to tuck into a Southern Indian feast, or head over to Finest at Sea, overlooking Fisherman’s Wharf, to delight in its fresh, local seafood. A walking food tour with Hidden Victoria Tours offers guests the chance to learn about the city's history while savouring nibbles and treats.

Particularly if your clients are including some romance with their West Coast Wellness or celebrating a special occasion, they may want to book a reservation at The Courtney Room, located in the Magnolia. The Chef’s Seasonal Tasting Menu with wine pairings is one of the top dining experiences in the city, showcasing regional flavours in thoughtful, delicious dishes.

For more information about selling Victoria or visiting the city yourself, please visit www.destinationgreatervictoria.com