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LGBTQ2+ TRAVEL IN VICTORIA, BC
Posted on July 12, 2021
Love is welcome here! Victoria welcomes all travellers and we take great pride in a diverse population that embraces the LGBTQ2+ community, welcomes new friends and celebrates our shared humanity.
Our LGBTQ2+ community lives, works and plays throughout the city. In this guide, we’ve included Travel Alternatives Group (TAG) approved hotels and inclusive spaces. Prepare to be treated like royalty!
We’ve also included some essential Victoria experiences, from gardens to whale watching to high tea – because you’re welcome everywhere, and we want to make sure you don’t miss anything fabulous.
Please note that businesses are operating with enhanced safety measures in place; including limiting group sizes, increased cleaning regimens and more. Please check directly with the business for their COVID-19 safety protocols.
RELAX, YOU’RE AMONG FRIENDS!
There's no place like Friends of Dorothy, a delicious and delightful lounge where you can find signature cocktails, upscale dishes and fabulous entertainment. Feel at home in a place that straddles a classy VIP experience and a zany, “be yourself” atmosphere. Louis the XIV meets punk chic at their downtown Victoria lounge.
Insider tip: Friends of Dorothy hosts drag brunch events that are not to be missed. Contact them to book!
TAG-APPROVED ACCOMMODATIONS
FAIRMONT EMPRESS. Welcome to Canada’s Castle on the Coast, where modern elegance meets an iconic luxury hotel. The Edwardian-era chateau ranks as one of the 21 Most Iconic Hotels in the World. Many of the rooms offer magnificent views of the harbour, city and gardens. With a wide selection of unique guestrooms featuring classic details and modern touches, the Empress is sure to make your stay in Victoria unforgettable.
THE PARKSIDE HOTEL & SPA. Located just two blocks from the Inner Harbour, The Parkside Hotel & Spa features some of the largest, most comfortable guest rooms in Victoria. This carbon-neutral hotel features electric vehicle charging stations, complimentary bikes, electric scooter rentals, rooftop gardens and a swimming pool, in addition to a full-service spa!
THE BEST WESTERN INNER HARBOUR. A great hotel in the best location – at the famous Inner Harbour. The Best Western Plus Inner Harbour is conveniently located within minutes of Victoria’s main attractions, including the Parliament Buildings, Fisherman’s Wharf, Beacon Hill Park, and the award-winning Royal BC Museum.
THE OSWEGO HOTEL is unique in its design, offering an eclectic blend of chic and contemporary design. Short-stay guests enjoy all the amenities of an elegant boutique hotel and because each spacious suite has a full kitchen,
THE WESTIN BEAR MOUNTAIN GOLF RESORT & SPA. Surrounded by lush golf greens and Vancouver Island's rugged mountains, The Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa offers stunning natural beauty and upscale comforts. Test your skills at the resort's two golf courses or indulge in a beauty or wellness treatment at Amatista Spa. Find your sanctuary at The Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa, Victoria.
MAGNOLIA HOTEL & SPA. Victoria's luxury boutique hotel where attention to detail speaks to the discerning traveler accustomed to superior, personalized service. This elegant hotel is located in the heart of downtown two blocks from the Inner Harbour, Victoria's Conference Centre and popular harbour attractions.
DELTA HOTELS BY MARRIOTT VICTORIA OCEAN POINTE RESORT. Surpass your expectations for luxury and adventure at the Ocean Pointe Resort, a coastal hotel offering comfortable amenities and an exciting location near downtown Victoria. Explore downtown Victoria attractions and return to our hotel for stand-out meals at LURE Restaurant & Bar, offering amazing waterfront views. Maintain your routine in our fully equipped fitness centre, indoor pool and tennis courts.
CHATEAU VICTORIA HOTELS & SUITES. The Chateau Victoria provides spacious and affordable accommodation in the heart of downtown Victoria. They also offer an unparalleled rooftop dining experience that celebrates Vancouver Island's best local food, and a classic cocktail lounge that was named in the "Top 10 World's Best Hotel Bar" by Tales of the Cocktail Magazine. The Chateau Victoria is your authentically local hotel option.
INN AT LAUREL POINT. A property of unparalleled distinction, this waterfront hotel is a welcoming sanctuary just steps from the Inner Harbour. Guest rooms and suites feature water views, private balconies and luxurious Aveda amenities.
HUNTINGDON MANOR HOTEL features 113 non-smoking guest rooms varying in layout and dimensions. Corporate rooms, bi-level gallery suites, pet-friendly rooms, and a wide range of amenities and services are available to help make your stay a memorable one.
ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCES
THE BUTCHART GARDENS. What began in the early 1900s as a limestone quarry became a project born out of passion by Jennie Butchart. Over decades, Jennie transformed the former land of the family’s industrial operation into a 55-acre garden. More than 100 years later, it’s a world-renowned garden with more than a million bedding plants in 900 varieties, seeing over a million visitors annually. The gardens have been designated a National Historic Site of Canada. More garden and park inspiration.
HIGH TEA AT THE EMPRESS. The iconic Empress opened its doors 110 years ago. Today, Fairmont Empress proudly serves freshly prepared scones and tea pastries to over 80,000 guests per year. During the summer months, Fairmont Empress in Victoria, British Columbia, serves Afternoon Tea to more guests than most hotels in London, England. More than 400 people per day come to enjoy a tradition that commenced when the hotel opened on January 20, 1908. More Afternoon & High Tea inspiration.
OFF THE EATEN TRACK TOURS are unique, tasty, and local. Join them to learn about the history and culture of Victoria while sipping and eating your way through some of the best local establishments in the city. From local craft beer to hidden gems tucked away in Fan Tan alley, our tours are a great way to really explore the city and get some great foodie recommendations.
WHALE WATCHING. Majestic mammals and marine wildlife abound in the waters surrounding Victoria, including the orca, or killer whale, and gray, humpback, and minke whales. Other aquatic neighbours include sea lions, seals, porpoise and many marine birds. There are three orca pods totalling more than 80 whales in Victoria’s waters alone. Cruise with local certified naturalists and experts for a guided marine adventure to discover, observe and learn about these enchanting creatures up-close. Most voyages include a trip to Race Rocks Ecological Reserve, the southernmost part of Vancouver Island (and Canada) on the Pacific coast. The reserve is Canada’s first Marine Protected Area and home to an abundance of rare marine life.
ROYAL BC MUSEUM - ORCAS EXHIBIT. Have a whale of a time and visit the Royal BC Museum’s outstanding exhibition Orcas: Our Shared Future. Dive deep into the stories and science that surround the magnificent orca, spirit of BC’s wild coast and apex predator of all oceans.
FISHERMAN'S WHARF VIA VICTORIA HARBOUR FERRY. Renowned for its friendly skippers and water ballet, Victoria Harbour Ferry offers 45-minute Harbour Tours, 75-minute Gorge Tours, and H20 Taxi hops. Escape the bustling downtown core and discover Victoria from the water. One of the many ferry stops is the renowned Fisherman’s Wharf. Here, you’ll find a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. This unique marine destination offers food kiosks, unique shops and many eco-tour adventures ranging from whale watching, kayaking, pirate adventures, sport fishing and harbour ferries in a working harbour setting.
PRIDE!
Victoria turns up the pride every summer during the Victoria Pride Festival. The city is full of life with fun events like the Pride Day Parade and the Big Gay Dog Walk. Join the more than 45,000 people who watch the parade and participate in Pride events. For more information on Victoria's Pride Celebration and other annual gay events visit the Victoria Pride Society website.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Visit our Calendar of Events to browse events by date and category, including LGBTQ2+.