Set amid lush forests and surrounded by the waters of the Salish Sea on Vancouver Island’s southern tip, Victoria is more British than London. The gorgeous capital of the Canadian province of British Columbia is all about the outdoors and old country traditions that are carried on even today. Think shops stocked with Irish linen and tartans, cobblestoned historic downtowns, and cricket and croquet on the lawns. However, the most charming old-world element that still exists and is rather popular is B&Bs sitting in century-old manors and elegant heritage homes. All options for a bed and breakfast in Victoria, BC, are incredible and check all the boxes for a unique, quaint, and unforgettable getaway. Whether it’s one of the world’s most romantic inns or Canada’s oldest brewpub, it’s all right here.
Moreover, these B&Bs also offered us more authentic and immersive experiences, as the home and the neighborhood showcase the city’s persona and character better than anything else. Since Victorians love British-esque B&Bs, we had a choice of cozy establishments that ranged from contemporary California-style hotel B&Bs to classic mansions stuffed with antiques. What’s more, they’re spread all over Greater Victoria, right from Downtown’s Inner Harbor area to amidst the West Coast rainforest.
So, why not take some much-needed time away and say yes to staying authentically in one of the many B&Bs in Victoria, one of Canada’s most visited cities?
Our Favorite Bed & Breakfast in Victoria, British Columbia
- The Pendray Inn & Tea House
- Dashwood Manor Seaside Bed And Breakfast
- Marketa’s Bed And Breakfast
- James Bay Inn Hotel, Suites & Cottages
- Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub & Guesthouses
- Fisher House Victoria Bed And Breakfast
- Abbeymoore Manor
- The Beacon Inn At Sidney
- Amante Luxury Bed And Breakfast
- Abigail’s Hotel
- The Craigmyle
Historic Stays
Since Victoria has a rich heritage and past, there are a plethora of charming bed and breakfasts that have an equally long and illustrious history. Not only do they sit in heritage structures, but also they feature beautiful elements from the past.
The Pendray Inn & Tea House
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Thanks to Victoria’s British influence, the tea culture is still thriving in the city. Nobody does traditional tea time better than The Pendray Inn & Tea House. This B&B sits in a stunningly magnificent Victorian-era manor and is one of the most luxurious boutique B&Bs in the city today. But what makes it all the better is the enviable location. It was a mere five-minute walk from Inner Harbor/Downtown and sits right across the ferry terminal. Why not sign up for this amazing Whale Watching Covered Boat Cruise? It was a lot of fun for us.
Meet The Hosts
Formerly known as the Gatsby Mansion, it was once the stately home of Amelia Jane and William Joseph Pendray. Today, the Pendray family house-turned-B&B continues to be an iconic fixture on Victoria’s Inner Harbour landscape.
Food And Drink
The food and drink scene at the Pendray Inn was sensational. Every morning, the Pendray Tea House served breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. Moreover, it was a fabulous three-tiered breakfast with savory and sweet flavors, with locally sourced ingredients, Oughtred organic coffee, and organic Westholme/Silk Road teas. Moreover, they even took into consideration vegan and other dietary requirements.
But what could possibly be more quintessentially British than afternoon tea? Pendray Tea House offered us a delicious array of differently flavored teas, a la the late 19th century. In addition to the Silk Road/Westholme teas offered at breakfast, they also served vegan afternoon tea. The best bit? The Tea House is open all days of the week, between 11 and 3 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays and 11 am to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
The Rooms
We had the choice of nine rooms, each themed differently and with a distinct charm and personality. Nevertheless, they all boasted crystal chandeliers, stained-glass windows, hand-painted ceilings, and beautiful woodwork, and no two rooms were alike. Our room even had a panoramic view of the Inner Harbor, a four-poster bed, a seating area, and a luxe bathroom with a bathtub.
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Fisher House Victoria Bed and Breakfast
It doesn’t get any more historic than at Fisher House Victoria Bed and Breakfast, which sits in a 1912-built, designated heritage structure. Originally designed by Cornish architect Charles Elwood Watkins, the structure retains old-timey elements like warm fir beams, floors, and stained-glass windows. The best bit? We were within walking distance of Inner Harbor and Fisherman’s Wharf.
- Meet the hosts: Jennifer and Cal have been innkeepers since June 2009. They combined three of their favorite things when they began running the B&B: food, guests, and playing outside. This place has brought them great joy, and it shows in their hospitality. Since Cal is an avid cyclist, he was our go-to for everything outdoors, while Jen would keep us amazing company when we were home.
- Food and drink: Jen and Cal even considered our dietary needs when they planned the gourmet breakfast spreads every day. The meal always included coffee, tea, OJ, baked goodies/homemade hash browns, a main course, fresh fruit parfait, locally made granola, and a large fruit bowl. Check out the entire breakfast menu.
- Room type(s): All three rooms were decked out in pastel hues. While one has an ensuite private bath, the other two also have one private bath each, but they’re down the hall. Nevertheless, all rooms had plush beds, and the suite even had a private patio where we’d love to sip on our morning cups of coffee.
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The Craigmyle
We love and consume history in all forms possible. So, when we heard about a B&B close to an iconic castle, we were thrilled to bits! Behold the Craigmyle in historic Rockland, which sat right up against the magnificent Craigdarroch Castle. This BBKB, as it calls itself—a bed, breakfast, kitchen, and beyond—
- Meet the hosts: As soon as we arrived, Steven Wu, the housekeeper, showed us around. The welcoming staff, as well as the others, were very efficient and friendly.
- Food and drink: The small but lovely breakfast room and the lounge were very well-appointed with lovely accent pieces and antiques. On the day of our arrival, we needed to sign the breakfast form whether we needed it during our stay. It cost USD 10 and was served from 8-10 am in the breakfast room, with splendid views of the castle. Moreover, the basic but delicious breakfast included a croissant with bacon and fried or sunny-side-up egg. Plus, thanks to the fully-equipped guest kitchen, we could prepare snacks or light meals whenever we wanted.
- Room type(s): We had the choice of three rooms, including a single room and five suites, all of which had private bathrooms and were equipped with bath products. Our deluxe suite had a terrace, a kitchen, and a private patio with garden views. The best bit? The entire house has Wi-Fi.
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James Bay Inn Hotel, Suites & Cottages
The cozy, Edwardian-style 1911-opened James Bay Inn Hotel, Suites & Cottages is Victoria’s second-oldest hotel! Except for a brief interlude during the war years, it has continuously operated as an inn since then. Remnants of the past are evident in elements like the balustrades, brick fireplaces, and – the attractive feature – large open balconies on every floor.
- Meet the hosts: While a well-known firm, The Parfitt Brothers, are the builders, it’s been leased to F.C.Smith, who has a wide variety of experience in the hotel business. Currently, an amazing staff runs the inn, with some of the most amazing front desk staff like Hedy and Silvia. They, along with the rest, made our stay absolutely comfortable and memorable here.
- Food and drink: The inn is home to the JBI Restaurant and the JBI Pub. The restaurant serves all meals, including a delicious breakfast from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. It also has all breakfast favorites, from eggs Benedict to waffles, pancakes, oatmeal, and more. The pub, meanwhile, is open for drinks from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays through Thursdays (until midnight on Fridays) and for food every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Room type(s): We had the choice of 8 rooms, including 2 studios and suites each, in a 1908 heritage house. They all had private bathrooms and varied in size, but they all had plush beds, flatscreen TVs, and even mini-fridges.
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Romantic B&Bs
Dashwood Manor Seaside Bed and Breakfast
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Do you want to stay at the inn that topped the list of 10 Most Romantic Inns Worldwide and the 10 Best Bed & Breakfasts in Canada? Welcome to Dashwood Manor Seaside Bed and Breakfast, a beautiful and historic manor house that sits just steps from the Salish Sea coastline. It’s been a B&B since the 1980s, and every one of its 11 rooms offers magnificent ocean views. Not only did it occupy an amazing location next to historic Beacon Hill Park, but it ws also within walking distance of Downtown.
- Meet the hosts: A very efficient and amazing team runs the B&B today, with people like Kayla, Camelia, Ian, and everyone else making our trip all the more enjoyable. Not only were they friendly and enthusiastic, but they also truly seemed to love their jobs.
- Food and drink: Breakfast was served in the gorgeous oceanside breakfast room, starting with a strong and wonderfully brewed fresh cup of coffee. The culinary experience included a fresh fruit starter, a main entree, freshly baked goodies, water, soda, and tea. Not only did the menu change every day, but they even considered our dietary requirements. The best bit? The cookie and beverage bar was open all day.
- Room type(s): Four standard queen rooms, four romantic suites (two with in-room jacuzzi spa tubs), two waterfront balcony suites, a basement suite, and a penthouse suite make for some well-rounded staying choices here. Our abode, the Oxford Grand Waterview Suite, not only had a massive in-room jacuzzi tub but also a queen bed, a coffeemaker, a bar fridge, Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, a fireplace, and bathrobes. Sigh. If you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion, check out their specials, especially their romance package.
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Abbeymoore Manor
The 1912-built Abbeymoore Manor is a stunning bed and breakfast in Victoria, BC, Canada’s Rockland neighborhood. It’s nestled amidst tree-lined streets and gardens and has featured amidst TripAdvisor’s “Top 25 B&Bs in the World.” This is a place for gastronomes and those with a green thumb, as every suite is named for a flower that grows on the grounds.
- Meet the hosts: The innkeepers are the affable Yoko and Jeff, who not only welcomed us but also would always be ready with suggestions of where to eat and what to see. In fact, they even arranged for afternoon tea and in-room spa services. If that wasn’t enough, they were absolutely amazing to talk to.
- Food and drink: The attitude here was welcoming and informal, which is what we loved about our stay. What’s more, Jeff and Yoko were super helpful hosts and would have free snacks and coffee on tap all day. Every day began with a gourmet, two-course breakfast which was served either at the tables or family-style in the sunroom. However, when we’d get lucky, we were even able to enjoy breakfast on the spacious front porch. Besides cookies and tea all day in the great room, it was also followed by chocolate, sherry, and scintillating conversation every evening.
- Room type(s): All five rooms sat on the second floor and featured charming period details like antique-tiled fireplaces, four-poster beds, and claw-foot tubs. Moreover, they also had contemporary features like TVs, kitchens, Wi-Fi, and even iPod docks, and our room even had a garden patio!
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Marketa’s Bed and Breakfast
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We loved the wholesome offerings at Marketa’s Bed and Breakfast, a fixture in the charming James Bay. Our stay at this 1912 Edwardian heritage home-turned-B&B was one of absolute romantic comfort, and we got to experience one of the city’s best-kept secrets firsthand!
- Meet the hosts: The origins of Marketa’s B&B go back to 1996 when Marketa started off this B&B. Today, she runs the B&B along with her son Jacob and a warm and friendly staff. Her love of cooking was obvious as we dug into her absolutely delectable gourmet breakfasts. We’d love to play with Mr. T, the in-house furry companion, and even the past owner, the house ghost. Brrr!
- Food and drink: Breakfast was as colorful an affair as Marketa’s art around the house. Think made-to-order eggs and heaps of fruit, with all-time favorites being Eggs Benedict, Eggs Florentine, Montreal-style Bagels, and Pancakes. It was served from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the main-floor dining room.
- Room type(s): We offer a range of room types, from budget rooms with a queen bed and a shared bath to our Honeymoon suite with a jacuzzi and a private bath. Our honeymoon suite even has a jetted tub for two people right in the room and a private garden patio.
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The Beacon Inn At Sidney
Designed in 2001, The Beacon Inn At Sidney is built in a gorgeous early 1900s Edwardian-era style. We loved the vibe of this mock-heritage property, so we could unwind and relax after a long day of exploring the city’s charming sights.
- Meet the hosts: The inn’s staff is absolutely amazing, led by the equally amazing Denise Peat. They not only took care of all our needs and whims but also ensured that our stay was very comfortable.
- Food and drink: Did you know that we were served a complimentary continental-style breakfast right in the comfort of our room every morning? Yes! What’s more, all rooms even had complimentary tea/coffee and snacks, so we could help ourselves to them any time we wanted. It would include a mini scone or quiche, depending on the day, Babybel cheeses, a fruit bowl, juice, and yogurt. The best bit? There was also cereal and milk in the hallway.
- Room type(s): We had the choice of nine stunning and individually designed rooms, all with TVs, gas fireplaces, and comfy sitting areas. Our favorite was the spa-inspired ensuite bathrooms in all of them, of which the most romantic have two-person jetted/soaker tubs.
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Brewpub Guesthouses
Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub & Guesthouses
How would you like to stay in what is Canada’s oldest existing brewpub/microbrewery? We’re talking about the Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub & Guesthouses, which opened way back in 1984.
- Meet the hosts: Paul Hadfield, an architect by background, owns and manages this amazing brewpub and guesthouses. He runs the B&B with the help of an able team that includes his wife, Mary Jameson, GM Claire Radosevic, and head chef Ali Ryan.
- Food and drink: The restaurant and patio are open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and serve classics like frittatas, Eggs benedicts, and more. Thanks to a wonderful cup of coffee from Fernwood Coffee Company (or Silk Road tea, as you like it), our day would start off with a bang. Breakfast is served every day between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m., and you can check out the detailed breakfast menu.
- Room type(s): There were 5 rooms in the 1884-built Heritage House, along with 4 Garden Suites and an iconic 1940s postwar one-bedroom Bungalow. The Heritage rooms have soaker tubs (except one), queen beds, flatscreen TVs, fireplaces, and private patios. While the Garden Suites had kitchenettes/kitchens, the bungalow was a full-fledged extended living space and even had a private backyard dotted with flowers, charming herb gardens, and heritage fruit trees!
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Modern Stays
Modern stays are the hallmark of a great B&B culture, especially when they mold the old with the new, especially when it comes to mod-cons. And Victoria has no dearth of such stays.
Amante Luxury Bed and Breakfast
Since seclusion and serenity were the top two priorities for our Victoria vacation, Amante Luxury Bed and Breakfast seemed like the absolute right choice for us. These two utterly modern cabins were hidden in prime Canadian woodland just 20 minutes from downtown. There’s so much focus on the outdoors here that deer and other (unharmful) wildlife feel comfortable just walking by the cabins!
“We’ve never had so much fun staying in the middle of nowhere, and that too in a B&B, and with modern comforts!”
WOW Travel
- Meet the hosts: Karl and Mandy are the best innkeepers we could have asked for! Karl not only directed us and gave us a lowdown on the property but also showed us around and shared interesting snippets. Mandy confirmed our dietary preferences and even gave us useful information about which apps and restaurants deliver meals to the property. After a long day on the road, it was certainly an exceptionally welcome perk.
- Food and drink: Breakfast was served in the main house, which overlooked a lovely creek that ran through the property. What’s more, it was sumptuous and delicious. It included fresh fruit, bacon, different types of bread, avocado on toast, made-to-order eggs, coffee, tea, juices, hash browns, sausages, and more.
- Room type(s): Both cabins had flatscreen TVs, full kitchenettes, patios, and even outdoor hot tubs. Moreover, they both also had luxe private bathrooms with bespoke bath products and hairdryers.
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Abigail’s Hotel
Romantic luxury perfectly blends with old-world charm at Abigail’s Hotel, a boutique B&B on the edge of downtown. Tucked in an adults-only, Tudor-style mansion, it’s one of the few B&Bs in the region to even have a spa treatment room! That, along with luxurious and romantic comforts and free parking, made our stay at Abigail’s as memorable as it could get. Check out the amazing special deals available at Abigail’s, including romance packages!
- Meet the hosts: While the former owners were Ellen Cmolik and her family, the hotel changed ownership in 2015 and was sold to a White Rock company. Today, it operates under a very able and amazing team, including front desk staff, a general manager, and the staff who would bring us our breakfasts. They not only took care of our every need but also went out of their way to ensure that we had a comfortable stay.
- Food and drink: Despite not having an onsite restaurant, we were treated to a delectable three-course breakfast every morning, and that too off a menu that changed every day! It started off with freshly baked goodies, followed by fruit salad and entrées. Moreover, they also included a choice of either a savory, sweet, or light option with additional sides like bacon, sausage, and hash browns.
- Room type(s): We loved the large, sun-kissed rooms, which were sumptuous and decked out with rich fabrics, upholstered headboards, and textured wallpaper. Our room even had a wood-burning fireplace and a whirlpool tub large enough for the two of us to soak in and enjoy some romantic moments.
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Where to Stay in Victoria, British Columbia?
Victoria, a.k.a. Garden City, has many B&Bs, but they’re not focused around downtown, which is where you’d find the most bustle. Rather, they’re in quieter but amazing neighborhoods that are either a walk or a short drive from downtown. What’s more, most of the neighborhoods are close to the Salish Sea coastline and sit near some of the city’s most gorgeous, verdant waterfront parks.
We begin with the lovely residential area of Rockland, which is home to bountiful gardens, Arts and Crafts mansions, and the majestic Craigdarroch Castle. It sits on a craggy hilltop between Oak Bay and downtown and is a mere five-minute drive from Downtown. Plus, it’s home to most of the B&Bs on this list. The second largest concentration of bed and breakfasts is in James Bay, which is on the southern fringes of downtown. Not only that, but it’s home to a majority of the top things to do in Victoria, including the cruise ship dock and the ferry terminal. Finally, there’s Fairfield, which sits right next to the lush Beacon Hill Park. The best bit? The B&Bs here are close to the coast, especially the wonderful Spiral Beach.
How many nights should I stay in Victoria, BC?
Spending three days in Victoria is the perfect amount of time to explore the attractions and learn about the local culture.
Why is Victoria, BC, famous?
It’s a dynamic city with a vibrant culture, arts scene, and fantastic outdoors.
Which is the best neighborhood in Victoria, BC, where you can stay in a B&B?
Overall, James Bay, on the southern fringes of downtown, is the best neighborhood. It not only has many B&Bs but is also home to most of the city’s attractions and sights.