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An Epic Guys Getaway to Victoria, B.C.
Posted on November 5, 2021
A city of frontiersmen, lumberjacks, and gold prospectors, Greater Victoria offers something for every strapping lad. Our epic scenery plays host to a world of activities as unique as the landscape they cling to. Sit back, strap in, and prepare for the ride of your life.
PAR FOR THE COURSE
As many of Canada’s golf courses wind down for the year, Victoria’s prepare for their second season. A diverse array of courses from sea to the sky welcome passionate golfers from across Canada and the world. With many of the country’s top golf courses dotting the emerald landscape it will leave you asking, “where should we play the next round?”.
Tired of playing the same old course? Cordova Bay Golf Course is a course committed to continuous improvement. From cultural practices, bunker redesign, tree removal, and new teeing grounds, Cordova Bay is always improving the experience for their many scratch and beginner golfers. This immaculate course offers both an 18-hole Bay Course, as well as a 9-hole par 3 Ridge Course for working on that short game. Stunning views across the Salish Sea toward the looming Mount Baker reward every golfer. Spoil yourself, with a good walk.
The impressive stay and play experience at The Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa will leave you breathless. Epic views, the full 18-hole mountain and valley courses, and a secluded luxury resort nestled in the mountains, minutes from downtown Victoria, welcome golfers from around the world. Submerged in nature, Bear Mountain is home to some of Victoria’s best hiking trails, clay tennis courts, recreation facilities, and a rugged mountain bike park. Bear Mountain is truly a world of its own.
Image: Golf Course at Bear Mountain Resort in Langford – Westin Bear Mountain
BRAVE THE ELEMENTS
Nestled between the Strait of Georgia, the Salish Sea, and the endless Pacific Ocean, Greater Victoria is connected to its environment in a way unlike any other city. Our rugged coastline and towering forests captivate every soul brave enough to step foot on our rock. Greater Victoria offers many attractions that capture that extraordinary sense of adventure.
Time to hit the seas you Salty Dawgs. Home to an abundant array of marine life, the Salish Sea finds itself rested between the epic Greater Victoria coastline and the Cascade Mountains in the distance. Explore this majestic sea aboard one of Greater Victoria’s many top-rated Whale Watching Charter Services. Witness Orcas, the Killer Whales of the Pacific Coast, on the hunt, massive Humpback Whales lumbering through the kelp beds, as well as Dolphins, Porpoises, Otters, Sealions and more. For further information on our great charter services visit Whale Watching Deals | Tourism Victoria.
Looking for a kick axe experience? Channel your inner lumberjack at Axe and Grind. Hone the craft of axe throwing on one of their many safe axe throwing ranges. The quintessential Canadian backyard sport is easily accessible to all at their convenient downtown location. The experienced staff will teach you everything you need to know about this BC pastime.
START YOUR ENGINES
Alright petrolheads this one’s for you.
Coined by Autoweek as the “the most beautiful circuit”, Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit is the place to be for any automotive enthusiast. Featuring 19 corners, Canada’s only year-round motorsport facility is sure to get your blood pumping, fast! With such a wide array of driving experiences available, there are so many ways to have fun on this great track.
You’ve felt the pavement, now get a feel for the road. Cycle BC.ca Rentals' Motorcycle rentals offer the ultimate opportunity to be truly one with our winding roads. Whether rolling through the Pacific Marine Circle Route, or navigating the tight corridors of historic Victoria, there’s a ride for every biker.
CHEERS TO BEERS
Greater Victoria has no shortage of craft breweries in which to wet you whistle, many of which are conveniently in walking distance of one another. Try everything from old world ales to the cutting edge of modern sours and West Coast IPAs. In Greater Victoria, you’re never far from a brewery, tasting room, or brew pub, with locations in Victoria Proper, Saanich, Sydney, Sooke, Langford, and beyond!
Kick things off at Vancouver Island Brewing, their locally sourced ingredients, and filtered water from Vancouver Island glaciers to create refreshingly crisp beers good for any occasion. A pioneer in the field, VIB has spent year’s crafting beers perfect for any adventure.
Only a few blocks away is the iconic Phillip’s Brewing and Malting Company's tasting room, where self-proclaimed beer nerds have created one of Canada’s best beer line-ups. Quirky names and standout packaging highlight the unique flavours of their great beers. Make sure to grab a pint of Electric Unicorn, this White IPA is as original as the brewery itself.
Carrying on into downtown, in the heart of Market Square, lies Whistle Buoy Brewing Their fantastic open-air patio is a must stop for beer lovers and thrives off the energy of the bustling Market Square. Brewed in 800 Litre batches, in a production space that’s less than 600 sf., the brewery is designed to allow for creativity and flexibility. The head brewer, Matt, is always on the lookout for new ingredients and techniques to make awesome new beers.
Insider Tip: We all know you can’t separate a man and his dog, that’s why Whistle Buoy’s Patio welcomes our four-legged bros.
THE PUCK STOPS HERE
Greater Victoria has a storied sporting tradition. Keeping that tradition alive are the Victoria Royals, the Canadian major junior ice hockey team representing Victoria in the Western Hockey League. Take in the raucous atmosphere at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre as you hear the roar of the crowds and the eruption of the goal horn as the Royals score another electrifying goal. This speedy, high scoring team is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Don’t forget to say hi to Marty the Marmot, the beloved mascot of the Royals.
WHISKY BARONS
We may be known for our craft brewery scene, but the hidden gem is our array of small batch distilleries. Single malts, blended, ryes, cask strength, and Scottish style drams, Greater Victorian distilleries offer a myriad of options for every kind of whisky lover. Whether you’re new to whisky or a seasoned Whisky Baron, Victoria’s distilleries are sure to make an impression.
The closest thing you can come to Scotch outside of Scotland, Macaloney’s Caledonian Distillery adds Celtic flair to Canadian Whisky. Delivering arguably the finest single malt in North America, whisky maker Graeme Macalony’s love for the water of life is on display at his gorgeous distillery. Take a tour and see the traditional hand hammered Forsyth’s copper pot stills in action.
Looking for the local whisky experience? Head over to Moon Under Water Distillery and Lounge. Featuring a beautiful tasting room and dog-friendly patio, Moon’s Distillery sets the mood for their wonderful and unique whiskies and spirits. Offering more than just whisky, including gins, vodka, and award-winning beers, there’s something for every palate at Moon. These whiskies are produced in small batches, so make sure to get your favourite while you can!
WOLFING DOWN AND PIGGING OUT
It’s time to get stuffed! And Greater Victoria has no shortage of restaurants to send you and the boys into a feeding frenzy! Whether looking for breakfast or dinner, pub food or farm to table, Greater Victoria’s restaurants are serving something up for everyone.
Floyd’s Diner is a Victoria landmark, with three locations across the city, it’s easy to find one of their standout pink locations. Don’t let the colours fool you, big portions, creative offerings, and a fun atmosphere make Floyd’s a local breakfast favourite with all the lads. Feeling adventurous? Order a Mahoney, and let Floyd’s cook up something just for you.
Insider Tip: Feeling Lucky? Ask to double or nothing on your Mahoney, if you win it’s on the house, but lose and you pay double.
A burger a day keeps the doctor away… I’m sure that’s how the saying goes. Looking for fast food without the guilt trip? Using local, sustainable, and environmentally friendly sources, Big Wheel Burger provides some of the best quality burgers and shakes in our fine city. Killer shakes and poutines complement the great burgers at Big Wheel. Craving something a little different? Bin 4 Burger Lounge asks you to rethink your burger, because they’ve upgraded from just the beef-and-bun. Offering a range of delicious burger options, house made aiolis, and standout sides like their legendary onion rings, Bin 4 has become a late-night staple for Greater Victorians.
Want to eat like a local? Then there’s no better place than Finn’s Harbour-Front Restaurant & Oyster Bar. Bringing together fresh local seafood, as well as, AAA house cut steaks, and other classics for you land lovers, there’s no better place to try West Coast dining. Finn’s gorgeous harbour-view patio is the perfect place to catch some sun while you enjoy their unique blend of or artisanal and casual dining. Make sure you try the Dungeness Crab for the true Victoria experience.
YOU BETTER BE GAME
Victoria is a city that is playful and full of life. We take chances and seek rewards. Need to know who’s top dog? Challenge yourself at one of our many great entertainment venues. Featuring everything from boardgames, pinball, billiards, and blackjack, Greater Victoria has something for you. Feeling lucky?
Are your board? Board with Friends Café is here to help. Home to hundreds of unique and challenging board games, Board with Friends is a great place to chill out and enjoy food and drinks while you try your luck at your next favourite game. A local bargain, you can stay and play for as long as you want for only $5 per person.
Insider Tip: You’ve got to try out the milkshakes at Board with Friends Café. We recommend the Caramel Pretzel.
Whether its Wayback Wednesday, Throwback Thursday, or any other day of the week, Quazar’s Arcade will bring out the kid in you. A massive selection of retro and current video games and pinball machines welcome every wide-eyed man-child that walks through the doors. Located in the heart of downtown, it’s easy to incorporate Quazar’s into any schedule.
Raise the stakes! Elements Casino Victoria is Las Vegas North. If you need to impress the guys, this is your ace in the hole. This beautiful facility features fantastic dining, a wide array of slots, including favourites like Stinkin’ Rich and Wicked Winnings, and all your favourite table games. Need a night out? You’ve hit the jackpot with Elements Casino.
With so much to see and do in Greater Victoria, if you’re looking for a good time, you know where to find us.