Chris’s guidebook

Chris
Chris’s guidebook

Sightseeing

This building was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1992. The history of how it was built and who built it is quite interesting. It was constructed in the late 1800's by a wealthy coal baron, Robert Dunsmuir for himself and his wife Joan. Robert died in 1989, 17 months before it was completed. His sons, Alexander and James took over the role of finishing the home after his death. James went onto build Victoria's second castle, "Hatley Castle" which was used for filming in the X-Men movie served as the backdrop for Professor Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters.
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Craigdarroch Castle
1050 Joan Crescent
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This building was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1992. The history of how it was built and who built it is quite interesting. It was constructed in the late 1800's by a wealthy coal baron, Robert Dunsmuir for himself and his wife Joan. Robert died in 1989, 17 months before it was completed. His sons, Alexander and James took over the role of finishing the home after his death. James went onto build Victoria's second castle, "Hatley Castle" which was used for filming in the X-Men movie served as the backdrop for Professor Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters.
Only a few minutes from our home, Mt. Tolmie is the premier viewing spot in Victoria. Offering spectacular 360 degree views of the city, mountains and oceans, it's a favourite destination for visitors to our city.
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Mount Tolmie
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Only a few minutes from our home, Mt. Tolmie is the premier viewing spot in Victoria. Offering spectacular 360 degree views of the city, mountains and oceans, it's a favourite destination for visitors to our city.
Prince Of Whales Whale Watching is one of the oldest and best equipped Whale Watching company in Victoria. 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 totaling over 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.
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PRINCE OF WHALES Whale & Marine Wildlife Adventures
812 Wharf St
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Prince Of Whales Whale Watching is one of the oldest and best equipped Whale Watching company in Victoria. 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 totaling over 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.
The Spelling of House that came up with this particular sightseeing spot is kind of funny, but I am unable to correct it. The Parliament buildings are located close to the inner harbour and offer some spectacular day and evening shots for your sight seeing adventure. Highly recommended for photos and people watching!
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Parliament House
Government Street
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The Spelling of House that came up with this particular sightseeing spot is kind of funny, but I am unable to correct it. The Parliament buildings are located close to the inner harbour and offer some spectacular day and evening shots for your sight seeing adventure. Highly recommended for photos and people watching!
Have you ever experienced a float home community? They are not that common and this one is a little more unusual than most. Fisherman's wharf is a wonerful place to spend a few hours in between sight seeing adventures. ust around the corner from Victoria’s Inner Harbour, Fisherman’s Wharf is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. This unique marine destination offers food kiosks, unique shops and eco-tour adventures amongst fishing vessels, pleasure boats with live-aboard residents, float homes, and commercial businesses.
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Fisherman's Wharf Park
12 Erie Street
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Have you ever experienced a float home community? They are not that common and this one is a little more unusual than most. Fisherman's wharf is a wonerful place to spend a few hours in between sight seeing adventures. ust around the corner from Victoria’s Inner Harbour, Fisherman’s Wharf is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. This unique marine destination offers food kiosks, unique shops and eco-tour adventures amongst fishing vessels, pleasure boats with live-aboard residents, float homes, and commercial businesses.
These little harbour ferries are a great way to see Victoria from the water and offer some really cool tours. I highly recommend the Gorge Tour and Harbour Tour to get a great feel for all that our waterfront city has to offer. The Ferry Captains are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. For the more adventurous, you can take part in one of the Pickle Pub Crawls.Grab a drink and a complimentary appetizer at four of the participating venues. Catch a ferry to your next stop and make your night out one to remember.
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Victoria Harbor
Wharf Street
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These little harbour ferries are a great way to see Victoria from the water and offer some really cool tours. I highly recommend the Gorge Tour and Harbour Tour to get a great feel for all that our waterfront city has to offer. The Ferry Captains are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. For the more adventurous, you can take part in one of the Pickle Pub Crawls.Grab a drink and a complimentary appetizer at four of the participating venues. Catch a ferry to your next stop and make your night out one to remember.
This is a great way to see the inner harbour from a truly unique perspective. Ocean River offers a number of tour options, both by Cayak and SUP. Highly recommend checking out their website for more information on their tour offerings.
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Ocean River Sports
450 Swift St
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This is a great way to see the inner harbour from a truly unique perspective. Ocean River offers a number of tour options, both by Cayak and SUP. Highly recommend checking out their website for more information on their tour offerings.
The Victoria Butterfly Gardens is an excellent way to spend an afternoon. Conveniently located just five minutes from the world-famous Butchart Gardens, Victoria Butterfly Gardens offers a fun and educational experience for the whole family. With our ever-changing tropical rain forest environment, there is always something new for everyone of all ages to discover.
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Schmetterlingsgärten von Victoria
1461 Benvenuto Ave
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The Victoria Butterfly Gardens is an excellent way to spend an afternoon. Conveniently located just five minutes from the world-famous Butchart Gardens, Victoria Butterfly Gardens offers a fun and educational experience for the whole family. With our ever-changing tropical rain forest environment, there is always something new for everyone of all ages to discover.
This world famous attraction is not to be missed whilst visiting Victoria. There are various activities planned throughout the year to offer visitors an abundant list of things to do and enjoy whilst enjoying the gardens. There is a nice restaurant inside the gardens that offers light meals and refreshments.
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The Butchart Gardens
800 Benvenuto Ave
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This world famous attraction is not to be missed whilst visiting Victoria. There are various activities planned throughout the year to offer visitors an abundant list of things to do and enjoy whilst enjoying the gardens. There is a nice restaurant inside the gardens that offers light meals and refreshments.
Beacon Hill Park is home to what was once the world's tallest totem pole in the world, a 38.9 metre (128 foot) pole raised in 1956. Also home to the Beacon Hill Petting Zoo. This is a gorgeous park which also boarders on Mile Zero to the Trans Canada Highway.
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Beacon Hill Park
100 Cook St
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Beacon Hill Park is home to what was once the world's tallest totem pole in the world, a 38.9 metre (128 foot) pole raised in 1956. Also home to the Beacon Hill Petting Zoo. This is a gorgeous park which also boarders on Mile Zero to the Trans Canada Highway.
Mile 0 of the Trans Canada Highway is located on Douglas Street at the intersection of Dallas Road, near the beautiful Victoria waterfront. The Mile 0 marker is the start of the over 8,000 km Trans-Canada Highway that spans the entire length of Canada. The monument is located on a large grassy field adjacent to the beautiful Beacon Hill Park. Mile 0 is also home to a statue of Terry Fox. Fox lost his right leg to cancer when he was 18 years old. He started a cross-Canada run to raise money for cancer research, beginning in Newfoundland on the East coast of Canada, and was to end at the Mile 0 marker in Victoria. Unfortunately, Fox's journey ended tragically near the halfway mark when he fell ill and passed away from cancer. Since then, hundreds of millions of dollars has been raised in his name for cancer research.
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Mile Zero Monument
18 Douglas St
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Mile 0 of the Trans Canada Highway is located on Douglas Street at the intersection of Dallas Road, near the beautiful Victoria waterfront. The Mile 0 marker is the start of the over 8,000 km Trans-Canada Highway that spans the entire length of Canada. The monument is located on a large grassy field adjacent to the beautiful Beacon Hill Park. Mile 0 is also home to a statue of Terry Fox. Fox lost his right leg to cancer when he was 18 years old. He started a cross-Canada run to raise money for cancer research, beginning in Newfoundland on the East coast of Canada, and was to end at the Mile 0 marker in Victoria. Unfortunately, Fox's journey ended tragically near the halfway mark when he fell ill and passed away from cancer. Since then, hundreds of millions of dollars has been raised in his name for cancer research.
One of the most beautiful pieces of architecture in our city, open for tours and worship. Christ Church Cathedral is also home to the seven circuit labyrinth. The labyrinth is located on the south lawn and is available for everyone to walk. What is a labyrinth? A labyrinth is a symbol found in many cultures from ancient to modern times. If you visit Chartres in Northern France, you will find it on the stone floor of the ancient Cathedral. The feet of the faithful have walked its path in prayerful meditation since the 13th century. It represents a pilgrimage of the soul which follows a long, winding yet purposeful path that finally comes to a centre, then winds its way out again. There are no obstacles, no puzzles; it is not a maze. There is one unbroken path to follow.
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Christ Church Cathedral
930 Burdett Ave
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One of the most beautiful pieces of architecture in our city, open for tours and worship. Christ Church Cathedral is also home to the seven circuit labyrinth. The labyrinth is located on the south lawn and is available for everyone to walk. What is a labyrinth? A labyrinth is a symbol found in many cultures from ancient to modern times. If you visit Chartres in Northern France, you will find it on the stone floor of the ancient Cathedral. The feet of the faithful have walked its path in prayerful meditation since the 13th century. It represents a pilgrimage of the soul which follows a long, winding yet purposeful path that finally comes to a centre, then winds its way out again. There are no obstacles, no puzzles; it is not a maze. There is one unbroken path to follow.
Enjoy the views from this protected natural landscape in the heart of the city. This small park features unparalleled views of Victoria, Juan de Fuca Strait, the Olympic mountains and the Sooke Hills from the highest point of land (66m) on the south coast of Vancouver Island, and rocky knolls from which to appreciate them. It is also habitat for California quail, rare wildflowers and a stand of Garry oak trees. Gonzales Observatory, a weather station for 75 years and now a heritage building perches at the top of the hill.
Gonzales Hill Regional Park
340 Denison Rd
Enjoy the views from this protected natural landscape in the heart of the city. This small park features unparalleled views of Victoria, Juan de Fuca Strait, the Olympic mountains and the Sooke Hills from the highest point of land (66m) on the south coast of Vancouver Island, and rocky knolls from which to appreciate them. It is also habitat for California quail, rare wildflowers and a stand of Garry oak trees. Gonzales Observatory, a weather station for 75 years and now a heritage building perches at the top of the hill.
Comprised of more than a dozen locally owned shops, we offer a diverse and exciting shopping experience. Here you can find organic treats, homemade ice cream, matcha teas and gifts. You’ll discover vintage records, specialty umbrellas and canes, and stylish clothing ranging from yoga wear to comfortable imports. Accessorize with silver and locally made jewellery. Pamper yourself with natural bodycare products and metaphysical gifts, books and classes.
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Fan Tan Alley
549 Fisgard St
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Comprised of more than a dozen locally owned shops, we offer a diverse and exciting shopping experience. Here you can find organic treats, homemade ice cream, matcha teas and gifts. You’ll discover vintage records, specialty umbrellas and canes, and stylish clothing ranging from yoga wear to comfortable imports. Accessorize with silver and locally made jewellery. Pamper yourself with natural bodycare products and metaphysical gifts, books and classes.
St. Ann’s Academy is a testament to the dedication of the Sisters of St. Ann who were integral to the beginnings of education and healthcare in British Columbia. Now a national historic site owned by the Ministry Citizens' Services, St. Ann’s remains one of Victoria’s premier landmarks surrounded by heritage gardens and greenspace to provide an oasis in the centre of the Capital city.
St. Ann's Academy and Auditorium
835 Humboldt St
St. Ann’s Academy is a testament to the dedication of the Sisters of St. Ann who were integral to the beginnings of education and healthcare in British Columbia. Now a national historic site owned by the Ministry Citizens' Services, St. Ann’s remains one of Victoria’s premier landmarks surrounded by heritage gardens and greenspace to provide an oasis in the centre of the Capital city.
The largest IMAX® screen in British Columbia combined with crystal clear images in IMAX 4K Laser and wraparound digital surround sound, offers you an incredible immersive cinematic experience.
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IMAX
675 Belleville St
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The largest IMAX® screen in British Columbia combined with crystal clear images in IMAX 4K Laser and wraparound digital surround sound, offers you an incredible immersive cinematic experience.

Food scene

Tea at the Empress Served daily since its opening in 1908, world famous Tea at the Empress is served in the sophisticated Lobby Lounge. Located on the picturesque West Coast of Canada, Fairmont Empress is the ideal starting point to explore the stunning natural beauty of Vancouver Island. Return of the Queen Fairmont Empress, Victoria B.C.’s most iconic hotel, recently unveiled a $60 million dollar restoration. Learn More. Dining at Fairmont Empress Victoria's top Pacific Northwest cuisine is found right here at Q at the Empress. For more casual dining and the best martini on the Island, experience Q Bar.
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Hotel Fairmont Empress
721 Government St
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Tea at the Empress Served daily since its opening in 1908, world famous Tea at the Empress is served in the sophisticated Lobby Lounge. Located on the picturesque West Coast of Canada, Fairmont Empress is the ideal starting point to explore the stunning natural beauty of Vancouver Island. Return of the Queen Fairmont Empress, Victoria B.C.’s most iconic hotel, recently unveiled a $60 million dollar restoration. Learn More. Dining at Fairmont Empress Victoria's top Pacific Northwest cuisine is found right here at Q at the Empress. For more casual dining and the best martini on the Island, experience Q Bar.
A local favorite since 1997, family owned, Nautical Nellies Steak and Seafood Restaurant 
continues to proudly serve our local and worldly dining guests quality food 
with a memorable dining experience. Voted one of the best restaurants in Victoria.
We guarantee our food and service.
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Nautical Nellies Steak & Seafood House
1001 Wharf St
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A local favorite since 1997, family owned, Nautical Nellies Steak and Seafood Restaurant 
continues to proudly serve our local and worldly dining guests quality food 
with a memorable dining experience. Voted one of the best restaurants in Victoria.
We guarantee our food and service.
Enjoy fine Italian dining in an old town courtyard setting, featuring brick fireplaces and candle lit ambiance. A lively room full of industry professionals are here every night enhancing your dining experience. Our menu is inspired by Northern Italian cuisine with a pacific north west twist. We feature a diverse menu that has something for everyone. Our certified Sommeliers have created an amazing wine program to complement our offerings. Il Terrazzo has been a landmark in the Victoria dining scene for more than 25 years.
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II Terrazzo
555 Johnson St
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Enjoy fine Italian dining in an old town courtyard setting, featuring brick fireplaces and candle lit ambiance. A lively room full of industry professionals are here every night enhancing your dining experience. Our menu is inspired by Northern Italian cuisine with a pacific north west twist. We feature a diverse menu that has something for everyone. Our certified Sommeliers have created an amazing wine program to complement our offerings. Il Terrazzo has been a landmark in the Victoria dining scene for more than 25 years.
We crafted Il Covo to be a place where one can easily unwind, relax, escape the routine of life, and feel as though they are cared for by family. Il Covo is a meeting point with a warm, energetic and convivial atmosphere for those who want to enjoy a thoughtfully prepared dinner, accompanied by a large selection of wines by the glass, craft beers, and playful cocktails. Our culinary brigade operates a gastronomic laboratory built on solid professionalism and thorough knowledge of Italian food and wine. We wanted to create a casual home with an emphasis on simple Italian cuisine that combines traditionalism and modernity, drawing inspiration from every region within the vast country of Italy. Ryan Campbell’s food is created with very bright, crisp and clear flavours, where responsibly sourced ingredients self-evidently speak for themselves. Chef Campbell has a very big appreciation for old school cookery but happily greets the opportunity to use modern techniques to enhance the end result of a dish. Our cantina holds a creative selection of Italian wines from fine vintage labels to organic and biodynamic wines made by emerging producers.
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IL Covo Trattoria
106 Superior St
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We crafted Il Covo to be a place where one can easily unwind, relax, escape the routine of life, and feel as though they are cared for by family. Il Covo is a meeting point with a warm, energetic and convivial atmosphere for those who want to enjoy a thoughtfully prepared dinner, accompanied by a large selection of wines by the glass, craft beers, and playful cocktails. Our culinary brigade operates a gastronomic laboratory built on solid professionalism and thorough knowledge of Italian food and wine. We wanted to create a casual home with an emphasis on simple Italian cuisine that combines traditionalism and modernity, drawing inspiration from every region within the vast country of Italy. Ryan Campbell’s food is created with very bright, crisp and clear flavours, where responsibly sourced ingredients self-evidently speak for themselves. Chef Campbell has a very big appreciation for old school cookery but happily greets the opportunity to use modern techniques to enhance the end result of a dish. Our cantina holds a creative selection of Italian wines from fine vintage labels to organic and biodynamic wines made by emerging producers.
Come experience tapas in a new way. Inspired by Japanese Izakaya dining, and informed by culinary techniques from all over the world, Nubo Japanese Tapas offers a brand new modern dining adventure.
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Nubo Japanese Tapas
739 Pandora Ave
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Come experience tapas in a new way. Inspired by Japanese Izakaya dining, and informed by culinary techniques from all over the world, Nubo Japanese Tapas offers a brand new modern dining adventure.
Located in Victoria’s historic Trounce Alley off Government Street, the Tapa Bar offers a diverse menu of Spanish inspired tapas and other specialties.
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Tapa Bar
620 Trounce Alley
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Located in Victoria’s historic Trounce Alley off Government Street, the Tapa Bar offers a diverse menu of Spanish inspired tapas and other specialties.
WEST COAST CRAFT BEER IS OUR FOCUS WITH LOCAL, FRESH, AND FABULOUS FOOD SERVED IN A CASUAL ATMOSPHERE. Though much of our beer is made right here in Victoria, some just steps away; we also seek out unique and interesting offerings from all over the Pacific North-West, and sometimes even further afield. Our line-up is ever-changing, so come and see what’s on tap today! Our service is British pub-style counter service. Come up to the bar to order and we’ll take care of you. If you’re ordering food, we’ll bring it out to you. Known to most of our customers in Victoria as just “The Drake” we pride ourselves on serving what we feel, is the best of craft beer. For those who are curious, our name is a homage to the original Drake Hotel and Beer Parlour that opened on the corner of Store and Johnson in 1954, the first to open after prohibition was lifted. It closed 20 years later, in 1974.
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The Drake Eatery
517 Pandora Ave
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WEST COAST CRAFT BEER IS OUR FOCUS WITH LOCAL, FRESH, AND FABULOUS FOOD SERVED IN A CASUAL ATMOSPHERE. Though much of our beer is made right here in Victoria, some just steps away; we also seek out unique and interesting offerings from all over the Pacific North-West, and sometimes even further afield. Our line-up is ever-changing, so come and see what’s on tap today! Our service is British pub-style counter service. Come up to the bar to order and we’ll take care of you. If you’re ordering food, we’ll bring it out to you. Known to most of our customers in Victoria as just “The Drake” we pride ourselves on serving what we feel, is the best of craft beer. For those who are curious, our name is a homage to the original Drake Hotel and Beer Parlour that opened on the corner of Store and Johnson in 1954, the first to open after prohibition was lifted. It closed 20 years later, in 1974.
WE ARE A GROUP OF BEER-LOVING ADVENTURERS, DEDICATED TO EXPLORING EVERY CORNER OF THE CRAFT BEER FRONTIER. JOIN US AS WE TRAVEL ALONG THE BEER FLAVOUR ARK! OUR PATH IS GUIDED BY UNBRIDLED CREATIVITY AND UNWAVERING ATTENTION TO QUALITY.
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Phillips Brewing & Malting
2000 Government St
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WE ARE A GROUP OF BEER-LOVING ADVENTURERS, DEDICATED TO EXPLORING EVERY CORNER OF THE CRAFT BEER FRONTIER. JOIN US AS WE TRAVEL ALONG THE BEER FLAVOUR ARK! OUR PATH IS GUIDED BY UNBRIDLED CREATIVITY AND UNWAVERING ATTENTION TO QUALITY.
OMG! The pizza is amazing here as are the wines. At Pizzeria Prima Strada, we are passionate for the fire-roasted pizzas born in Naples, Italy. More than 10 years ago we were inspired to create a neighbourhood pizzeria serving the best pizza, good wine and craft beer – a place to gather for a delicious and casual meal. We’re committed to simple, fresh ingredients on thin crust, wood-fired pizza.
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Pizzeria Prima Strada
230 Cook St
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OMG! The pizza is amazing here as are the wines. At Pizzeria Prima Strada, we are passionate for the fire-roasted pizzas born in Naples, Italy. More than 10 years ago we were inspired to create a neighbourhood pizzeria serving the best pizza, good wine and craft beer – a place to gather for a delicious and casual meal. We’re committed to simple, fresh ingredients on thin crust, wood-fired pizza.
Fantastic Pasta Dishes, vibrant atmosphere and great coctails.
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Zambri's
820 Yates St
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Fantastic Pasta Dishes, vibrant atmosphere and great coctails.
Handmade Pizza's, Shwarma's, excellent selection of cheeses and deli items. Takeout mostly but you can eat in. Great Value!
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Fig Mediterranean Deli
1551 Cedar Hill Cross Rd
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Handmade Pizza's, Shwarma's, excellent selection of cheeses and deli items. Takeout mostly but you can eat in. Great Value!
Fantastic Coffee, nice atmosphere, located in Oak Bay Village Area
Discovery Coffee
Fantastic Coffee, nice atmosphere, located in Oak Bay Village Area