Viva Victoria

Our foodie tour of Victoria will make for a well-fed weekend.

stay
If
a weekend in Kyoto is out of the question, get your Zen moment at
Victorias lush Inn
at Laurel Point. Chill out by the waterfall in the hand-tended
Japanese garden by the sea, watch the harbour action from the chaise
lounge in your sleek Arthur Erickson Wing room, and check out the
museum-quality art lining the hallways. Yes, that really is a Henry Hunt
sun mask in the lobby. Spring rates from $130, 680 Montreal St.,
Victoria, 800-663-7667, www.laurelpoint.com

eat
All those micro-produced island wines you havent
yet sampled are at the sleek, waterfront Aura
restaurant. The menu leans local, from sea asparagus garnishes to
the Zanatta Damasco by the glass. Chef Brad Horens surf and turf is a
good reason to hop that ferry. Aura at the Inn at Laurel Point, 680
Montreal St, Victoria, 250-414-6739, www.aurarestaurant.ca

do
Eat. Walk. Eat. On a Travel
With Taste urban culinary walking tour, local foodie Kathy McAree
reveals Victorias food and drink secrets, from the inside scoop on tea
blending to where to find the best banana bread in town. Bonus? You get
to meet the experts behind the citys booming dining scene. Travel with
Taste, 250-385-1527, www.travelwithtaste.com

shop
Fort Streets Antique Row is morphing into Eco
Row, with several great eco-tiques. Two faves: Not
Just Pretty, with its sustainable, sweat-shop free frocks, tees and
and The Good Planet
Company, which stocks practical organic bedding, bio-degradable dog
toys, muffin tins, and compostable dishes made from fallen palm leaves.
Not
Just Pretty, 1036 Fort St., Victoria, 250-414-0414, www.notjustpretty.com
The
Good Planet Co., 764 Fort St., Victoria, 888-590-3505, www.goodplanet.com