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Things to do in Victoria, BC on the May Long Weekend 2023

Walk Fisherman’s Wharf Park and Stop for a Bite at Barb’s Fish and Chips

An iconic spot in Victoria’s inner harbour! Enjoy delicious local seafood at Barb’s Fish and Chips among the picturesque whimsy of Fisherman’s Wharf.

Barb’s has been a beloved summer highlight for locals and visitors alike since 1984, and for good reason.

Shop at Local Markets in Greater Victoria

James Bay Market is just a 10-minute walk from Fisherman’s Wharf, on from 9am to 3pm every Saturday at 494 Superior Street, Victoria.

Moss Street Market: 10am to 2pm on Saturday at 1330 Fairfield Road, Victoria.

Bastion Square Public Market: 10am to 4pm from Thursday to Sunday at 26 Bastion Square, Victoria.  

This Saturday at Bastion Square Market, join SUPPLY Victoria Creative Reuse Centre at their Imagination Station Launch Party!

Peninsula Country Market: 9am to 1pm on Saturday at 1528 Stelly’s Cross Road, Saanichton.

North Saanich Farm Market: 9:30am to 12pm on Saturday at 10990 W Saanich Road, North Saanich.

Sooke Country Market: 10am to 2pm on Saturday in Memorial Park, Sooke.

Take a Day Trip to Salt Spring Island

Salt Spring is part of the Gulf Islands, located between Vancouver Island and the mainland. A short 35-minute ferry ride from Swartz Bay and you’ll be winding through farmland, wineries, and orchids with roadside stands offering fresh eggs, produce, and flowers, and hand-made signs directing you to local artisans and craftspeople. Ganges is the business district of the island, lined with local businesses and restaurants, and home to the Saturday market.

Just a few of the many incredible spots you may choose to visit in a daytrip:  

Salt Spring Island Ales: You can bring your pup inside while deciding what to get, but you’ll want to enjoy your beverage on the patio if there’s room. They also carry Salt Spring Island Kombucha Co. for anyone looking to enjoy something local and booze free, and their drinkware and apparel make nice gifts!

Salt Spring Island Cheese Company: Handmade with pure milk from happy goats! Whether you crave salty, spicy, or sweet, you’ll find a flavour combination you love. They sample all their cheeses with Salt Spring Kitchen Co. preserves and have other local goodies for pickup. You can stock up on everything you need for an impressive appetizer board or find the perfect gift.

Salt Spring Vineyards: This spot was the first winery I ever visited! We arrived at Salt Spring Vineyards just as it was closing, but the lady working was incredibly sweet and was happy to let us order a bottle to enjoy on the grounds after hours. Fortunately, I have been back in the time since to enjoy a full tasting of their wines! The property is beautiful.

Northend Farm: Open year-round, Northend Farm provides fresh eggs, bread, fruits, veggies, chicken, and baked goods daily. The farm has been in their family since 1961!

There are several provincial parks on the island where you can enjoy Salt Springs nature and coastline views:

Mount Erskine Provincial Park
Mount Maxwell Ecological Reserve and Provincial Park
Burgoyne Bay Provincial Park
Ruckle Provincial Park
Mount Tuam Ecological Reserve

Brunch, Flowers, and Gardening!

Charlotte & the Quail offers a cozy escape with a seasonally inspired menu that feels special. 

The sister restaurant to Nourish—Charlotte & the Quail embodies the same light-hearted energy. Nestled against the Gardens at Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (HCP), customers can enjoy entry to the gardens at a discounted rate ($9 for adults, complimentary entry for children under 16). 

Take home their oatmeal pancake mix, housemade dressings, or latte drink blends to add the same delight to your own kitchen, or gift to people you love!

And, because May Long Weekend is generally a great time to start your tomato garden, the Gardens at HCP is hosting “Tomato Day”, with free admission from 9am to 12pm to stock up on your tomatoes, veggie starts, and herbs for the season!

The Thrifty Foods 123rd Victoria Day Parade presented by CHEK TV on Monday, May 22

This year’s theme, “That 70’s Parade”, will celebrate diverse cultures, local businesses, and non-profit organizations, starting at 9am from Douglas and Finlayson to Douglas and Courtney.

Thank you for being here,

Alex Hughes* and Ricki-Lee Jewell, Victoria, BC Real Estate Agents

*Personal Real Estate Corporation

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