Aerial view of the mouth of the harbour in Victoria BC

Located steps from the David Foster Harbour Pathway, Inn at Laurel Point is a short & scenic walk to Downtown Victoria. Whether you wander the iconic Inner Harbour, explore Canada’s oldest Chinatown, browse unique shops or do it all, Victoria’s Downtown has something for everyone.

Shopping

Looking to do some shopping while you’re here?  Victoria is home to lots of locally owned and unique shops.  We suggest starting on Lower Johnson, where you will find historical buildings home to creative boutique shops.  Be sure to stop by Baggins where you’ll find an extensive collection of Converse sneakers to choose from!  From there, head to Government Street where your going to find some great souvenir and gift shopping.  Need a break?  Stop by Murchie’s Tea & Coffee for sweet treat!

Still have some energy?  Check out Fort Street for some great antique shops and be sure to stop by Russell Books, Canada’s largest independent bookstore.  They recently moved to their new location which features 18,000 square feet of retail space, all of which is fully accessible.

Nostalgic Family Fun

Victoria is home to many comic stores and toy shops which will bring out your inner child!  Take a stroll down Johnson Street and stop in at Curious Comics for the latest comics as well as a great selection of toys and games.  A couple of doors down you will find Legends Comics, home to many vintage comics as well as local authors.  Fun fact, owner of Legends, Gareth Gaudin is also the writer and illustrator of Magic Teeth Dailies which feature Perogy Cat.  All stocked up on reading material?  Head over to Cherry Bomb Toys for a stroll down memory lane at The National Toy Museum of Canada located on the upper level.  Finished shopping and looking for some entertainment?  Why not stop by the Boardgame Café where you can play all sorts of boardgames and grab a snack!  Boardgames not your style?  Check out Quazar’s Arcade located in Trounce Alley.  They have a variety of arcade and pinball machines for you to choose from.

Ship Point & Victoria Bug Zoo

Ship Point is home to the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority’s luxury yacht and large vessel facility and if your lucky you might spot some magnificent ships docked while you are exploring the Inner Harbour.  Ship Point is also home to The Market on Ship Point which runs from late June through August and takes place Friday & Saturday evenings.  The market features local artisans, delicious food trucks and local musicians.

You’ve heard of an ant farm and probably a flea circus, but have you ever been to a bug zoo? Opened in 1997 the Victoria Bug Zoo is home to approximately 50 species, including giant walking sticks, glow-in-the-dark scorpions and hairy tarantulas.  You will have a knowledgeable tour guide to provide you with information about the animals and provide a safe bug handling experience!

Victoria's Iconic Inner Harbour

One of the most beautiful in the world, Victoria’s Inner Harbour is a fully working harbour and you will find everything from recreational vessels to small cruise ships moored here.  You will also be able to get great views of the Harbour Planes taking off and landing.  The lower causeway is filled with buskers and artists and is often the focal point of festivals and shows.  While visiting the Inner Harbour, be sure to try out a Victoria Water Taxi, this unique transportation option is not only a convenient way to get around but provides some great views of Victoria’s waterfront.

Chinatown

Located on the edge of downtown, Victoria’s Chinatown is the oldest in Canada and one of the oldest in North America.  The entrance to Chinatown is marked by the Gate of Harmonious Interest, a must for your photo collection!  While here, be sure to take a stroll down Fan Tan Alley, one of the narrowest streets in Canada and home to some great local shops.  All the walking and shopping making you hungry?  Maybe try Don Mee for Dim Sum or maybe stop by Wah Lai Yuen for some sweet & sour pork or wonton & dumpling soup.  Once you’ve had some lunch, stop by Silk Road for some unique and delicious teas.  Silk Road is also home to a spa, so if you need a break, here is a great spot for a massage!

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