Where to Stay in Greater Victoria: Sustainable and Unique Hotels
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Are you curious about the best hotels in Victoria, Canada? If you’re planning a trip to the capital of British Columbia, seeking a blend of history, nature, and a small-town feeling wrapped up in a welcoming city, you’ll want to find a place to stay that is as unique as Victoria itself.
Victoria is one of Canada’s greenest cities, with a strong connection to nature and local communities, so there are many great, locally owned and independent sustainable hotels for conscious travelers!
But knowing which hotels are the best and actually live up to their environmental claims can be tough, especially with so many big-chain hotels and lots of greenwashing. I’ve done all the tough work for you and curated my top picks as an environmental scientist and BC resident!
Situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and surrounded by nature, Victoria is home to a plethora of unique accommodations, with fun local twists. In the true spirit of Vancouver Island, these unique finds are also sustainable and eco-friendly choices. From historic properties boasting castle views to those famous for their Victorian afternoon tea to hotels certified by Biosphere to local independent stays, the city has so many unique hotels and accommodations.
My suggestions focus on the best places to stay in Greater Victoria for novel experiences, sustainable and eco initiatives, and properties that are locally (or nationally) owned and operated, supporting the community. This curated list highlights that the best hotels in Victoria are unique, local, and eco-friendly!
With many big multinational hotel chains excelling at sustainable marketing, it can be tempting to book what you already know. But this is a reminder to find a local stay with charm that also invests in people and the planet.
I’ve been to Victoria more than a dozen times, for big conferences or with friends and family, and have stayed at many of these hotels myself. I love staying in the walkable, cozy downtown that boasts art, culture, and small businesses.
But I also enjoy finding unique accommodations outside of the city, like the Malahat mountains or the quieter Saanich Peninsula. Stays outside downtown Victoria are perfect for a return visit or for locals looking for something different.
Whether you booked a heritage inn by the seaside in Sidney, a sustainable luxury hotel in downtown Victoria, or a quiet retreat in the Malahat Pass, these unique hotels and guesthouses in Greater Victoria are sure to pique your interest.
Unique Sustainable Places to Stay in Victoria, BC
If you’re looking for a stay as unique as the city of Victoria, check out this overview of the best hotels in Victoria.
| Accommodation | Unique Feature | Book Here |
| Fisherman’s Wharf Floating Bed & Breakfast | Floating rooms on the ocean. | Check Prices |
| Oak Bay Beach Hotel | Victoria’s only beachfront spa with sustainable initiatives. | Check Prices |
| Hotel Zed Victoria | Local women-owned, retro-inspired hotel with a burst of color. | Check Prices |
| Villa Eyrie Resort | Local mountaintop hotel with spectacular views and an eco-approach, outside the city. | Check Prices |
| Amethyst Inn | Heritage B&B property with Victorian-era decor. | Check Prices |
| The Craigmyle | Local heritage house B&B with castle views. | Check Prices |
| Fairmont Empress | Famous afternoon tea, incredible location, and eco-friendly property. Canadian-owned. | Check Prices |
| oTENTik at Fort Rodd Hill | Glamping in a former military fort that’s a National Historic Site. | Check Prices |
| Yurts at Merridale Cidery & Distillery | Stay in yurts on a regenerative farm. Glamping + agritourism! | Check Prices |
| Pendray Inn and Teahouse | Stay in a heritage mansion with eco initiatives. | Check Prices |
| Brentwood Bay Resort | Adults-only, eco-conscious resort near Butchart Gardens. | Check Prices |
| The Latch Inn | Local, cozy heritage B&B by the Sidney seaside. | Check Prices |
| Inn at Laurel Point | Stunning ocean views in a local, sustainable property. | Check Prices |
| Magnolia Hotel and Spa | Local boutique hotel and spa. Intimate eco luxury in downtown. | Check Prices |
If you’re still deciding which property is best for your trip to Victoria, let’s explore the best places to stay in Victoria to find you the perfect fit.
Land Acknowledgement
The southern tip of Vancouver Island, home to Greater Victoria, the San Juan, and the Gulf Islands, is the ancestral territory of the Lkwungen (Lekwungen) peoples. Lkwungen, meaning “place to smoke herring,” unifies the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations.
1. Fisherman’s Wharf Floating Bed & Breakfast
The Fisherman’s Wharf Floating Bed & Breakfast might be Victoria’s most unique property. The unusual accommodation is a floating B&B set directly on Victoria Harbor. These iconic harbor houses are a classic type of home in Victoria and even Vancouver.
While staying here, you’ll be able to take in picturesque views of the harbor, spot a seal or two (if you’re lucky), and enjoy the other colorful floating houses. Despite its ocean location, you still have a private balcony and a seating area to soak up the summer sun and enjoy water views.
Between November and February, you can rent the entire house. However, during peak travel seasons (May – October), only private rooms are available, and you’ll be sharing community spaces. All guest rooms come furnished with linens and towels. You also have free Wi-Fi, a KEURIG coffee maker, a kettle, a mini fridge, and more.
The name is a bit misleading as this property doesn’t actually offer breakfast, but you’ll receive a complimentary breakfast voucher for a nearby café. For the rest of the day, the houses are conveniently located close to restaurants, food trucks at Fisherman’s Wharf, and shops.
Ready to explore Victoria? You can certainly walk downtown to the main attractions, but the best way to get around is to hop on a Harbor Ferry taxi that stops right by your doorstep every 10 minutes. One of the stops is ethical whale-watching tours with Eagle Wings. Alternatively, you can rent a bike, and it’ll be delivered to your room. Nearby attractions include the Royal British Columbia Museum and Beacon Hill Park.
This place is ideal for the no-fuss independent traveler who doesn’t need the convenience of a 24-hour front desk or daily room cleaning.
This is a popular location, so book early if you have your heart set on this stay. Otherwise, check out other options on our list of best accommodations in Victoria.
2. Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Oak Bay Beach Hotel sits on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, embodying luxury. You know you’ll have a great time based on the awards and accolades it’s racked up. It is worth every penny.
The luxury hotel’s architecture draws inspiration from the English Manor House style, common in Victoria. The interior design features colorful flora scattered throughout the property.
But it is their on-site spa that sets this property apart. The Boathouse Spa is Victoria’s only oceanfront spa, designed to be the ultimate haven of serenity, unavailable at any other hotel in the Victoria area. The range of oceanfront spa services here includes facials, reflexology, and Swedish full-body massages, amongst others. While receiving a revitalizing treatment, enjoy the sound of water lapping to immerse yourself in the experience.
Upgrade your experience to include a visit to the mineral pools overlooking the Salish Sea—don’t miss the incredible sunset views. You also get access to the sauna and the Boathouse Kitchen & Bar for some light fare.
This Victoria hotel offers guest rooms with views of oak-lined streets or panoramic vistas of the Salish Sea. Each suite has spa-inspired bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, deluxe bathrobes, and a kitchenette.
While here, you can indulge in a culinary tour that stretches from the Pacific Northwest to Italy. Enjoy handcrafted pizza at FARO, a four-course meal with fabulous ocean views at the Dining Room, and classic burgers at the Snug Pub.
Oak Bay is a Biosphere Certified property and continues its work to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. One notable highlight is that they partner with local Veritree to plant native kelp beds with every stay. EV charging is available on site.
You are more removed from attractions and amenities, so choose this spot for secluded relaxation.
3. Hotel Zed Victoria
When it comes to an extraordinary experience, Hotel Zed Victoria is the perfect choice. The hotel offers an eclectic and vibrant atmosphere full of playfulness, modern comfort, and Vancouver Island vibes. Hotel Zed is locally owned and operated by BC-based Mandy Farmer, who wanted a fun approach to Vancouver Island hospitality. Keep an eye on other Hotel Zeds if you are heading to Tofino or beyond.
As soon as you walk in, you won’t be able to miss the kaleidoscope of colors that add to the funky, fun property. Hotel Zed has a retro feel, so you’ll find typewriters, original rotary phones, and vinyl record players in its lobby.
Every room is artfully designed with cozy furnishings, views, and plenty of amenities. Guest accommodation includes a flat-screen cable TV and free Wi-Fi, and a common terrace is also available. Take in the surrounding views while enjoying a complimentary morning coffee with a free newspaper or comic book.
Hotel Zed is great for the whole family and lets you take a step back in time. Adding to the fun is a ping-pong table and retro games that will excite kids of all ages. Other amenities include a hot tub and an indoor heated pool with a colorful pink waterslide splashing straight into it.
You also get shuttled around in a colorful, retro VW bus, including a transfer to the hotel from the Victoria Clipper ferry arriving from Washington State in the US.
Hotel Zed was the first Canadian hotel brand to be Rainbow Registered, meaning it is a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for the 2SLQGTQIA+ community. They are also working through Biosphere Certification to address the Sustainable Development Goals across their properties, and they are an Indigenous Tribal Park Ally. EV charging is available on site.
This is the perfect property for the young at heart and for those seeking energy and local hospitality. Hotel Zed is about a 30-minute walk to Chinatown, or you can catch their shuttle. But it is right on the Galloping Goose trail, perfect for cycling into town!
4. Villa Eyrie Resort
The Villa Eyrie Resort is one of the top luxury getaways near Victoria. It is a fantastic boutique hotel located in the Malahat Mountains, away from the city. The resort offers unique vistas that can’t be found elsewhere. This includes views of the Saanich Inlet, the Olympic Mountains, lush greenery, and on a clear day, even Mount Baker.
Taking inspiration from Lake Como, you’ll find Italian-inspired architecture, including elegant rooms with modern interiors. They come complete with features like flat-screen HDTVs, free Wi-Fi, and a walk-in closet. The luxury hotel offers a bespoke experience at the Tuscan Spa, which has three different treatment rooms. Choose from a range of treatments while you relax and enjoy the panoramic view.
While the amenities play a great role, the true star of the show is the panoramic vista of the river, the forests, and the mountains. You also get these views when you visit the Alpina Restaurant, where you can enjoy food from the Alpine regions of France, Italy, Germany, and Switzerland.
What else makes Villa Eyrie Resort unique? It’s one of a few luxury hotels that allow you to bring your furry friends with you. They extend the animal-loving concept to their products as well, offering vegan and cruelty-free bath and body products after moving away from single-use, generic minis. You can even request vegan down-free bedding and rest easy with their energy and water-saving measures.
This is another tucked-away escape ideal for those seeking solace in nature, wandering the gardens, and relaxing.
5. Amethyst Inn
If you’ve ever wanted to stay in a traditional Victorian-era mansion, Amethyst Inn is perfect for you. It’s unique in that coming here feels like taking a step back in time.
Built in the 19th century and lovingly maintained and restored, the property has retained its charm thanks to the Victorian-era decor in each room. Its loyalty to the time is perhaps best seen in its exquisite staircase, with green carpeting and antique furniture.
Choose from a variety of rooms, including heritage rooms and garden suites. Depending on the room you choose, you can enjoy garden views, an antique fireplace, and an oversized king bed. The rooms do have some modern amenities, such as Wi-Fi and TVs for entertainment. In the evening, soak in the jacuzzi tub for a rejuvenating experience.
To start your day off right, indulge in a gourmet home-cooked breakfast. You’ll have the choice between a full English, Irish, or American breakfast.
Located in a residential neighborhood, you’re not far from the Victoria Art Gallery and Craigdarroch Castle. After breakfast, spend the day exploring the rest of Victoria’s heritage, visiting Craigdarroch and Hatley Castles.
The property doesn’t boast a long list of sustainable measures, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t embracing common-sense practices as a small business. As with any heritage homestay, it is a great mindful choice that helps local community members keep heritage properties maintained and functional, rather than falling into disarray.
This stay is perfect for the heritage and history-loving couple looking to step back in time in a quiet neighborhood.
6. The Craigmyle
The Craigmyle is another heritage house, but this one faces the magnificent Craigdarroch Castle, an iconic mansion in Greater Victoria. At this B&B, you get unique castle views right from the comfort of your room, not found anywhere else in Victoria.
The owners have kept all of the house’s heritage features intact, including the gorgeous stained-glass windows and the original staircase. However, when compared to the Amethyst Inn, the rooms and space are much more modern and bright, with hints of that heritage feel sprinkled throughout.
The spacious rooms feature scent-free linen and private en suite bathrooms. Not every room comes with a TV, which adds to the nice heritage vibes for a screen-free stay. There is even a single room for solo travelers looking to save on space.
Start your day off right with a continental breakfast, including gluten-free options. After breakfast, you can prepare your own snacks and meals in the well-equipped communal kitchen.
Thanks to its great location, you are only a few minutes from downtown Victoria and steps from Craigdarroch Castle, if you want to take a tour. I highly recommend the tour for Victorian-era buffs! You’ll be close to many other excellent tourist destinations, including the Royal BC Museum, the Inner Harbor, and the Government House.
They are an eco-friendly inn, and they have moved away from daily housekeeping to reduce water and energy consumption. Just beware, there are a lot of steps at this unique accommodation, and it is not accessibility-friendly.
Located in the same neighborhood as Amethyst Inn, but as you are closer to the popular castle as a tourist destination, there will be a bit more traffic.
7. Fairmont Empress
The Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia, is a stunningly beautiful property located along Victoria’s famous Inner Harbour. It is one of those places everyone asks about, wondering if it is worth staying in such a luxurious property. The answer is yes, the Fairmont Empress is worth the money.
Guests of the Fairmont Empress are in for a luxury stay. Expect quaint guest rooms with elegant furnishings and views of the harbor, the gardens, or downtown Victoria.
To enhance your stay, you can use babysitting services and bring your pets along. Relax and treat yourself at their full-service spa, then enjoy fine dining experiences at one of the many onsite restaurants and cafes. You must order an Empress Gin Cocktail at the bar, with royal purple gin created for this incredible hotel!
What sets this property apart from others is its afternoon tea. Guests descend here by the dozens to try the Fairmont’s famous afternoon tea. This is a century-old tradition of loose-leaf teas served in royal china crockery, which was a gift from the late Queen Elizabeth II. So, don’t miss out on your chance to be treated like royalty.
Beyond the tea, the Fairmont brand is a Canadian hotel leading by example in its sustainable initiatives. They are a single-use-plastic-free property, and even have wooden keycards! They offer local products and amenities from the bathroom to the dining room, and have extensive sustainability initiatives, earning them the Biosphere Certification AND 4 Green Keys. EV charging is available on site.
They host net-zero conference events and make substantial contributions to community-led initiatives and partnerships.
I’ve stayed at the Empress for a regenerative tourism conference and experienced their net-zero hospitality and event hosting. I also stayed another time with my in-laws, and it was a crowd favorite, from the service, rooms, dining, and local details.
This place is perfect for those looking to indulge in downtown luxury, with full-service dining, shopping, concierge services, and a novel experience. It is a big-brand hotel experience without being Marriott or Hilton.
8. oTENTik at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse
One of Canada’s National Historic Sites in Victoria is Fort Rodd Hill, which showcases military fortifications. History buffs will love the 19th-century structures and the fort’s role in protecting the entrance to Esquimalt Harbour. The fortifications include the Fisgard Lighthouse, Canada’s first West Coast lighthouse, which has withstood several disasters.
While seeing these grounds during the day is great, how about staying a night or two for a truly unique experience? Thanks to oTENTik, an innovative Canadian company, you can spend your evenings in a former military site for a fun glamping experience. This company has made it even easier to explore these iconic sites with its unique hospitality solution.
The place is dotted with oTENTik tents, which blend traditional camping with modern amenities for homey comfort with an outdoor appeal. Each A-frame tent includes comfortable bedding, a canopy-covered private patio, cooking and serving equipment, and more. Outside your tent, you can cook up a delicious BBQ before playing some complimentary board games.
During your stay, you’ll be free to explore everything at Fort Rodd Hill with no limitations. This unique stay in Greater Victoria is perfect for families or anyone with an affinity for history.
Booking a stay here helps bring history and heritage to life, while also protecting and funding Canada’s National Parks and Historic sites for years to come.
This is ideal for family groups on a tighter budget, or those just looking for a more rustic experience. Fort Rod Hill brings history to life with a fun, educational experience for the whole family.
9. Yurts at Merridale Cidery & Distillery
If you’re looking for a unique glamping experience, Merridale Cidery & Distillery is the perfect destination. Here you can enjoy agritourism that highlights the agricultural treats of Greater Victoria.
With its tranquil rolling hills, heritage orchards, and pastoral surroundings, the family-owned Merridale Estate offers a rustic escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Book a yurt on their farm for a comfortable and unique experience. They come complete with hardwood floors and amenities like plush furniture, a gas fireplace, and full bathrooms. They also have a cute patio to step out onto as you gaze at the night sky. The yurts are only available between April and November.
The Merridale also has a farmhouse eatery serving farm-to-table cuisine made with the freshest ingredients. You can enjoy the delicacies on offer while overlooking the orchard meadow. They have both vegetarian and gluten-free food. Being a cidery and distillery, you can also enjoy each meal with a cider or spirit of your choice.
From time to time, live music is performed on the main patio stage for local entertainment. Otherwise, you can go on alcohol-tasting tours that include ciders and spirits. Don’t miss a day trip out to the Kinsol Trestle bridge!
The farm operates as a Biosphere-Certified business and doesn’t use harsh chemicals, while also leveraging regenerative farming practices. They operate on a quadruple bottom line, balancing profit with giving back to local social enterprises and investing in cutting-edge eco packaging. This extends to their approach in hospitality as well.
This sustainable stay in Greater Victoria is ideal for those looking for a fun glamping experience outside the city. If you love cider and connecting with rural communities, this is the perfect stay for you or a family group.
I’ve been here for their cider, and can’t wait to come back to stay in a yurt!
10. Pendray Inn and Teahouse
The Pendray Inn and Teahouse (formerly the Gatsby Mansion) is in another heritage mansion. Once a family home of the Pendrays, it was also a boarding school for women and has since been lovingly restored as boutique accommodation.
This is the stunning white castle-like house just a stone’s throw from the harbor. It is the place everyone dreams of staying at one day, as they walk by. Well, today should be your day!
The lower rooms have a lavish heritage feel with traditional 4-poster beds or antique furniture. On the top floor, there is also a selection of rooms with a slightly more modern feel. But no matter what is available, you can’t go wrong.
While the rooms retain the heritage of the Victorian period, they are all equipped with modern conveniences, including Wi-Fi and en-suite bathrooms.
With every stay, a complimentary tiered breakfast with locally sourced ingredients is served in the teahouse. Daily afternoon tea is also served, but requires advance reservations and an additional fee.
Enjoy a welcome drink and macaroon, explore the beautiful gardens, and charge up your EV. But if you leave the grounds, you are within walking distance of the downtown harbor and have access to a bike trail. With discounts on bikes, the whole family can head out on the galloping goose trail!
I met the owner at a regenerative tourism conference, and we chatted about Pendray’s commitment to sustainability, and I was so impressed! They are Green Key and Biosphere Certified. With every booked stay, they donate $2.50 to local environmental conservation programs.
Most notably, they are making headlines with their food waste initiative and have been leading by example, sourcing food locally and using real-time data to minimize food waste and methane emissions!
I could go on and on, but they offer transparent reporting on their website if you want the statistics and details.
This is the perfect stay for couples or a girls’ trip, offering heritage and advanced sustainability commitments. It is a treat to have that kind of eco-commitment from a heritage stay right in the heart of downtown Vancouver.
If Pendray is booked, you need more space for a family, or something more modern, check out their sister property, Huntingdon Hotel and Suites, for the same eco-initiatives and perks like high tea!
11. Brentwood Bay Resort
If you are looking for a true escape from the noise of the city… and all those kids… then the Brentwood Bay Resort is unique in offering an adults-only stay! This is perfect for couples—hetero or queer, all are welcome and safe in this intimate space.
In the charming town of Brentwood Bay, this quiet, sleepy area offers a rejuvenating, relaxing experience. Operating under the FIRO value system, the Brentwood Bay team knows that to provide you, the guest, with the best experience, they need to be a safe and inclusive employer, encouraging staff to also be authentic to themselves.
These open, welcoming principles extend to the natural environment and to a nature-positive eco-stay.
There are several rooms to choose from, all modern and comfortable. Whether you go for the classic stay with a balcony, or indulge in a suite with a fireplace and private hot tub, or splurge on the villa, you are sure to find something that is right for you.
Whenever you are feeling hungry, there are a few options, including the Arbutus Room and Bar, which serves local, sustainable food and celebrates the best of Vancouver Island. Keep it more casual at the pub, order room service, or enjoy a full breakfast to start your day.
To fully embrace the relaxation, book a treatment ranging from RMT to couples massages and manicures at their in-house spa.
Brentwood Bay might seem like there’s not a lot to do in the area, but with a resort this good, you might not ever want to leave! But if you do, you’re close to Butchart Gardens, or you can head out on a kayak or paddle in the harbor.
This is perfect for an intimate experience for a couple (or throuple) seeking a romantic getaway in a safe, inclusive space.
12. The Latch Inn
When looking for a unique stay outside of downtown Victoria, my friend and I decided to check out Sidney by the Sea. Sidney is a charming coastal town with a community feel, small pubs, coastal walking trails, and cute cafés.
There are six different guest suites at The Latch Inn, all opened by a vintage latch iron key (hence the name). Each room has its own quirky and unique personality and charm, from the library suite to the lavish Miraloma suite.
Enjoy a home-cooked breakfast daily in the Victorian-era dining room. Every evening for happy hour, you can relax in the communal lounge by the fire and order a sparkling beverage and snack. Another highlight is the gorgeous patio, with whimsical wisteria and summer sun; it is perfect for sundowners or your evening happy hour.
While this Heritage Bed and Breakfast is over 100 years old, its new owners brought it into the modern era. This family-owned property is a beautiful blend of Victorian-era classics and modern Canadian elements.
Enjoy downtown Sidney with a walk along the water, looking for seaglass, visiting the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, or exploring the incredible Gulf Islands National Park by small local ferry.
This is perfect for a couple’s getaway. Most of the others staying here were couples, young and old. My friend and I chose it for a girls’ getaway, and it worked, but it definitely had a more couples vibe, haha!
13. Inn at Laurel Point
The Inn at Laurel Point arguably has the best views of any hotel in the downtown Victoria area! With a terraced design, ALL of the rooms have ocean or harbor views and a private balcony.
There are two different wings, the Laurel Wing, with a slightly more modern design (think light airy blues and warm woods), and the Erickson Wing, with a mid-century vintage feel (think warm accents, dark wood, and leather chairs). Both wings feature classic rooms or suites with more space, as well as large executive suites for family groups. Some are pet-friendly too!
Dine at the Aura Waterfront Restaurant and Patio for regional and international fare, local wines, and craft beer. For something simpler, hit up the café for a quick bite or a cup of coffee.
The Inn at Laurel Point was founded by Artie and Paul Arsens, a couple integral to the modern development of downtown Victoria. From the 1930s, Paul was involved in Victoria’s hospitality sector, eventually laying the foundation for the Inn at Laurel Point in the 1970s. The couple remained deeply connected to the hotel until their deaths in 1997 and 2008.
Their legacy lives on with independent owners who have added modern upgrades to the hotel while always keeping that family spirit alive.
The team at Laurel Point is as committed to sustainability as they are to service. The Inn is a regenerative stay, carbon neutral since 2009, and donates to an Indigenous tourism fund with every stay. They have adopted strategies to reduce waste, food, and energy. They even have honey bees on site! They are well on their way to meet their 2030 targets in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. There is EV charging on site.
Step out on the lovely coastal walking trail right outside, or hop on the ferry taxi to downtown to enjoy local boutique shopping or ecotourism experiences with Eagle Wings.
This is the perfect stay for everyone! Whether you are traveling solo, traveling with a pet, a family group, a friend group, or your partner, there is a type of room for you!
14. Magnolia Hotel and Spa
Last, but certainly not least, on our list of local, unique, and eco hotels in Victoria, is the Magnolia Hotel and Spa. The Magnolia offers boutique luxury with a quieter, more intimate approach than other downtown luxury hotels.
Founded by a local Victorian in 1998, the hotel remains a family-owned, independent hotel, committed to service and hospitality. The hotel has been recognized by the MICHELIN Guide as one of Canada’s top hotels.
The variety of rooms to choose from offers timeless, classic, elegant design and comfortable amenities. Some rooms even have a gas fireplace.
Make a reservation at one of Victoria’s MICHELIN-star restaurants for local and sustainable Pacific Northwest fare. Enjoy the selection of partnerships with local farms and supplies for a meal you’ll never forget
Work off your meal by exploring Victoria with local recommendations in personally curated trail guides. Or head to the fitness area, or book a relaxing spa package.
Take advantage of their complimentary happy-hour beverage in the lobby.
The Magnolia is another one of Victoria’s prized Biosphere Certified and Green Key Certified hotels, leading the charge with sustainable initiatives. These initiatives include local social and cultural commitments, waste- and energy-reduction measures, and efforts to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.
I stayed here again for my annual regenerative tourism conference and, as a solo traveler, had a great stay. This is perfect for bespoke luxury without the grandeur of the Empress. Whether you are a couple, small family, or solo traveller, they will welcome you!
Didn’t Find Your Ideal Hotel in Victoria?
Thankfully, there are a lot more options; you are sure to find something you love with availability.
Quick Victoria Tips to Maximize Your Unique Stay
Victoria is a popular tourist destination for its mild climate, scenic views, and outdoor activities. When planning a trip to Victoria, there are a few things to consider.
- The best time to visit Victoria is in spring or late summer. This is when the weather is mild, and there are fewer tourists in the city.
- Transportation should be considered for travelling around Victoria. There are several options available for getting to the city, including buses, taxis, ferries, and car rentals. We typically catch the ferry from Vancouver, and car reservations are recommended. You can also reach Victoria from Washington State ferries that arrive directly into the downtown harbor for a car-free trip! When in the city, you can get by walking or taking the water taxi to different sightseeing attractions.
- Accommodations should be booked in advance. Compared to many other Canadian cities, hotels in Victoria’s downtown can get very expensive during the peak summer months and can also sell out months in advance.
Comment and Share Unique Eco Accommodations and Hotels in Victoria, BC
I hope this guide has convinced you just how many excellent, unique, and eco-friendly accommodation options there are for a stay in Victoria!
There are truly so many great places to choose from, and if you do book a stay at one of these hotels, you can feel good about knowing that your money is going towards local, sustainable hospitality businesses, ensuring that Victoria remains one of the greenest cities in the country.
Which one of these hotels are you most interested in staying at on your next trip to Victoria? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to save these to your Victoria travel planning Pinterest boards – or send this article to someone you know who might be visiting Victoria soon!
Curiosity Saves Travel Recommends
Accommodation: Booking.com to find accommodation with a Genius Discount and clear third-party sustainable certifications like Green Key. Look for local hotels.
Tours and Excursions: GetYourGuide and Viator for tours, excursions, and tickets. Never book wildlife experiences through these vendors.
Travel: Omio for booking buses and trains in English across Europe. After reducing the number of flights I take annually, I use Google Flights’ carbon comparison tool.
Car Rental: Rentalcars for the best rates in English globally. It is easy to find hybrids and EVs, and there are resources for finding chargers.
Packing Essentials: REI or your local Co-op has great essentials like reusable water bottles and cutlery sets. Patagonia for regenerative clothing. Farm to Feet for socks made with regenerative practices! Pistil Designs for cold-weather essentials. Osprey for bags that last 10+ years, like the day bag for hiking or my favorite carry-on.
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Such great and unique suggestions! I’m trying to be better at finding accommodations that are sustainable (or locally owned) and these are some great suggestions. I particularly like the yurt stay at merridale – and I love cider so sounds perfect for me ;) thanks for sharing!
It can be tough to find sustainable accommodation. I always start at a company’s about page and look for transparent reporting on the environmental and social impact. I also look to see who owns them, often searching the name of the company to see if they have a conglomerate parent company. I always opt for smaller companies and those with transparent reporting.