Exploring the Hidden Layers of Victoria’s Economy
Victoria in British Columbia is best known for its almost unbelievable natural beauty and cultural heritage. It's a place people visit and put down roots to spend time in the great, unspoiled outdoors and to get a taste of the heritage created and perpetuated here by the Lekwungen (Songhees and Esquimalt Nations) and the W̱SÁNEĆ (Saanich) peoples. British Columbia, certainly, is a place of surprising beauty, but what's a person to do if the weather doesn't allow for excursions like hiking, kayaking, and the like? A little retail therapy, of course! Don’t spend your visit cooped up in your room: take a spin around the town and visit some of the exciting local stores that keep the city’s economy turning. If the weather does keep you confined to your hotel, online shopping is the next best thing. Whether you’re a local or a visitor looking for a place to call home for a while, Victoria and its widely varied collection of stores will give you somewhere to go and something to do.
Who Visits Victoria
Victoria is a haven for digital nomads looking for a high quality of life. It's also frequented by tourists who like to do nature-based activities. It is even a stop-off point for some planning to venture further across Vancouver Island or head off toward the colder regions nearer to the Arctic for an extreme vacation. Life in Victoria is calm and serene for the most part- a relaxed pace perfect for those looking to embrace the slow life. Victoria's economy does rely a fair bit on tourist income, so don't be shy when you're in town.
Online Only
Interested in what’s happening in Victoria but have no inclination to leave the couch? The growth of online entertainment and shopping has made things easier.
Casino Gaming
Spin the reels and take a chance at an online casino like BetMGM Casino Canada. The games are, of course, only for those over 21. If you meet the age requirements, get ready to have a blast! Live dealer games, classic slots, blackjack…you name it, and they've got it.
Wujli Home Canada
If you don’t have the time to shop for souvenirs in person. You could pick up a few from Wujli Home Canada online. Visitors get access to beautifully hand-made trinkets that range from home ware to kids' stuff and even kitchen bits and bobs.
Clothing
Looking for a gorgeous new outfit to wear to a special dinner or a gift for a friend? I’ve got you covered.
Vintage After Death
If you love vintage clothing as much as I do, this place will seem like heaven. Vintage After Death showcases a flawlessly curated selection of old bric-a-brac, clothing, and accessories. The store location is small, so I advise going outside peak hours to browse uninterrupted. The store is especially well-known for its collection of slightly odd but very adorable vintage pullovers and sweaters.
Public Mercantile
Though their primary focus is a collection of clothing crafted by designers from all over Canada, Public Mercantile also has a strong collection of accessories, beauty and wellness items, a small selection of books and homewares, and a few delectable coffee and tea options. The store itself has a slightly cutesy but still chic vibe and is a welcoming place to browse the racks and try a few things on. The online store offers most items in the physical location and invites visitors into the magazine section: a blog about styling outfits, gift guides, and even information about local Victoria experiences and sights.
Restaurants and Bars
Dutch Bakery and Diner
Since 1956, the Dutch Bakery and Diner has been creating Dutch specialties in the heart of Victoria. When Kee Schaddelee, senior, and his beloved wife Mable arrived in town with their four sons in tow, they could have had no idea that the children would found an eatery that would last for decades. Indulge in all-day breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and a selection of cakes, cookies, pastries, meat pies, and more for takeout. The online store also offers delivery and pre-orders if you have a special occasion coming up.
End Dive
Farm-to-table eating is a big part of Canadian culture. Thanks to the wealth of fresh ingredients, particularly seafood, fruits, and vegetables, it's not hard to support this economy and indulge in delicious eats at the same time. At End Dive, everything is made in-house. The restaurant's direct connections to local growers, pickers, and fisher friends mean that they've got a menu stacked with sometimes unusual and sometimes comfort food dishes. Cured and smoked fish, natural wines and ciders, freshly made pasta, and home-fermented bites: you can't lose.
Bits and Pieces
Russell Books
With retail giants like Amazon taking over the book space, it's even more important to support local and independent spots like Russell Books. The character of the space is the first thing you notice when you walk in: the scent of (in some cases) old paper, the almost reverent hush of a library smashed up against the murmur of people wondering out loud if they’ll enjoy the book in their hand. This very special store was first opened in Montreal back in 1962, but the BC branch came to life in 1991 when the founder of the business helped his beloved daughter and her husband open another location.
Roger’s Chocolates
All day, every day is a good time for chocolate! Sure, you could grab a bar from the market, but why not make it a special experience instead? Roger's Chocolates has been in Victoria since 1885, making it the oldest business on this list. Producing the finest chocolates is a way of life for these folks, not just a way to get a buck. They're expertly crafted and perfectly tempered for that shiny surface and delicious crackle. Whether the chocolates are for you to wolf down in one sitting (no judgment here) or to take home after your travels and share with friends, Roger's Chocolates is a place you'll want to come back to as soon as possible.
Vibrant Victoria
For long-time locals or tourists just breezing through town for a short visit, Victoria is a special destination. These locally owned and operated stores (for the most part) are a vital part of the economy and give the town the character it's so well known for.