VICT Discover Coffee Itinerary: Victoria Downtown Walking Tour

Victoria's Inner Harbour (Source: TourismVictoria.com)

Ah, beautiful Victoria, BC: the provincial capital of British Columbia and a hot-spot for world-class cafes serving incredible locally roasted coffee. This coffee walking tour is designed for accessibility, so the total trip is a little over four kilometers which translates to just under an hour of walking. Of course, I would encourage you to take more creative routes between stops, especially to explore the many cultural and culinary treasures found in Victoria’s historic downtown.

Special thanks to the spectacular Victoria photographer Setareh Ghirian and the ever-chic model Monique for collaborating with me to bring the walking tour to life! Now, on with the tour...

VICT Downtown Victoria Walking Coffee Tour Map

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Stop #1: Discovery Coffee (Blanshard Location)

Discovery Coffee’s new location, affectionately known as ‘The Corner’, is the launching point for the official Van. Isle Coffee Tour coffee walking tour for downtown Victoria. Start the walking tour off right with a steaming pour-over from Discovery Coffee Roasters served alongside a delicious fresh-baked doughnut from Yonni’s.

Stop #2: Fernwood Coffee at Parsonage Cafe

Fernwood is a delightfully vibrant neighborhood just east of Victoria’s downtown core. At the center of this thriving community of local artisans is Fernwood Coffee Roasters. At Parsonage Cafe, their flagship location, you can pick up a mouthwatering Americano then explore the shops, bakeries, and restaurants nearby. If you need a destination, start at Parsonage Cafe then wander over toward Mount Royal Bagels; I suggest their house made salmon lox cream cheese on a rosemary rock-salt bagel!

Stop #3: Caffe Fantastico (King Street Location)

Caffe Fantastico is a Victoria treasure, roasting delicious coffee and serving it up with style in each of their unique locations which emanate the soul of that neighborhood. The King’s Road location has a spacious interior for brunch with friends and a sunny patio perfect for people watching or reading that book you picked up from Camas Books just down the street. Stop by and enjoy a latte paired with a savory cheddar scone!

Stop #4: Bows & Arrows Coffee at Habit Coffee (Pandora Street Location)

Think “west coast coffee shop” and the image of a bespectacled, bearded hipster arrayed in plaid while toting a laptop and a latte is hard to resist. Habit Coffee is my top pick for those who embrace the west coast ethos of living local, celebrating the arts, and resisting the gravitational pull of mass marketing. Serving up coffee roasted by Bows & Arrows Coffee Roasters, Habit Coffee is a must-stop for cafe lovers and coffee aficionados alike.

Stop #5: Hey Happy

If you are a caffeine fiend and have one last espresso stop in you, then complete your walking coffee tour of Victoria with a trip to Hey Happy. While not technically a local coffee roaster, Hey Happy features a supreme selection of the finest coffees from around the world, top quality brewing gear, and a whimsical aesthetic which emanates a palpable joy.

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Are you ready to set out on this Victoria Downtown Walking Tour?
Tag your coffee discovery posts with the hashtag #VICT to join the conversation with others on the tour!

Check out more from Victoria photographer Setareh Ghirian and model Monique on Instagram.
As always, travel safe and brew on.