Victoria BC Fall Escape to Inn at Laurel Point
Thanks to its natural beauty and cultural charm, Victoria, BC is one of those exquisite destinations that just gets better with every changing season. A fall escape to the Inn at Laurel Point is no exception. Nestled on a small peninsula in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, this waterfront retreat offers a peaceful destination within the city’s core.
Easily accessible with a scenic 45-minute flight from Seattle’s Lake Washington and Lake Union, this getaway provides a plethora of tasty bites, beautiful sights, and toast-worthy drinks.
Friday in Victoria this Fall
3:45 PM Arrive in Victoria’s Inner Harbour
Arriving in Victoria’s Inner Harbour by seaplane is breathtaking. Most flights land from the west, giving you an iconic view of the city’s Parliament Buildings and charming waterfront. Looking south (the plane’s starboard side) you’ll pass the colorful Fisherman’s Wharf and the glassy Inn at Laurel Point (your future home away from home).
4:30 PM — Check in at the Inn at Laurel Point
After passing through the intimate Customs office at the Victoria Harbor Airport, head to the Inn at Laurel Point and settle into your luxurious accommodations. Floor-to-ceiling windows, sleek decor, and private balconies — along with stunning waterfront views — make this a Victoria hotel tranquil respite.
Be sure not to miss a stroll through the hotel’s serene garden. They feature a waterfall and reflecting pool. Honey bees call the garden home and a nearly acre stretch of land makes up the kitchen’s garden where a plethora of Aura’s produce and herbs are grown.
6:00 PM Sunset Dinner at Aura
Head to dinner at one of Victoria’s top waterfront restaurants without even leaving your hotel. Aura Waterfront Restaurant + Patio was named among the city’s Best Restaurant Awards in 2023 and 2024 by YAM Magazine. The menu is a playful combination of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and global inspiration.
How locally sourced? More than 750 pounds of the restaurant’s herbs and vegetables come from the hotel’s own garden! Menu favorites include the Seared Hokkaido Scallops with oyster mushrooms, stir fried greens XO, chicharrónes and the braised pork belly garnished with a date puree and grilley chicory.
8:30 PM Relaxing Nightcap at FATHOM
Despite being a relative newbie to the Victoria restaurant and cocktail scene, FATHOM’s ocean-inspired approach to a bite and a dram have garnered them a worthy following. In keeping with the restaurant’s namesake (a fathom is a unit of measurement for how deep of an ocean dive you’re making), the decor and offerings range from bright and light to dark and moody.
The elaborate decorated drink menu showcases the ocean descent with whales all the way down to shipwrecks. Not sure how to navigate the libation-filled waters? The staff can guide you. What’s more, The Lounge at FATHOM frequently has live music. Check their website for upcoming performances!
Saturday in Victoria this Fall
8:00 AM — Breakfast at The Courtney Room
An often overlooked breakfast destination, The Courtney Room is one of those upscale ‘egg-lovers’ gems that offers both modern elegance and a succulent menu. The swanky, two-story eatery offers an elevated twist on classic morning fare.
Think hash made with duck fat rösti, ham and prosciutto benedict on a butter croissant, and french toast loaded with macadamia nut peanut butter, banana, berry compote, chantilly cream. Even the oatmeal is extra — thanks to apple butter, almonds, hemp hearts and pumpkin seeds. And don’t get us started on the shakshuka, a warm skillet of confit tomatoes, chickpea fritters, and avocado topped with poached eggs and served with Working Culture sourdough toast.
10 AM — Wander The Butchart Gardens
Head to The Butchart Gardens, the world-renowned 55 acre estate. Tour busses, such as the ones provided by Sightseeing Victoria Gray Line, depart from just outside the Fairmont Empress.
In the fall, The Gardens are less crowded, giving you more space to linger and enjoy the brilliant displays of color. This time of year, the Japanese Garden especially shines with its vibrant red and orange leaves.
2:00 PM — Tea at the Pendray Inn and Tea House
Afternoon tea has been woven into Victoria’s culture since the 1840s. A tradition introduced by the British, it was a moment of respite for laborers after a hard day’s toil. Embrace the practice of relaxing and refortifying yourself at the Pendray Inn and Tea House.
The charming heritage home gives you an inside look at a Victorian-era mansion with an atmosphere that’s both elegant and welcoming. You’ll be treated to delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream, and an array of pastries, all paired with a selection of fine teas.
4:00 PM — Stroll to the Ogden Point Breakwater Lighthouse
Stretching 762 meters (just under half a mile), the Ogden Point Breakwater was completed in 1917. Constructed from more than 10,000 granite blocks, each weighing up to 33,069 pounds, the seawall cost $1.1 million dollars. To help extend the seawall’s life, it was capped with solid concrete — which forms today’s walking path.
At its furthermost point stands a block-style lighthouse to which you can stroll. The coastal views here are stunning, with the Olympic Mountains providing a breathtaking backdrop. Be sure to bring a jacket though, as the wind can pick up quickly.
6:00 PM — Savor a Late Dinner at Ferris’ Upstairs Seafood & Oyster Bar
It’s said that the narrow staircases and quirky entrances in Europe make restaurants all the more charming. The same can be said of the steep ascent to Ferris Upstairs Seafood & Oyster Bar. (If stairs aren’t your thing, take heart. Perro Negro, Ferris’ tapas and winer bar, has a secret elevator that will take you to the second story location.)
Lofted ceilings. Brick walls. Exposed ceiling joists. Like a sultry aphrodisiac, Ferris skips the pretense of fancy decor and gets right down to the brass tacks succulent seafood. Menu favorites are hard to pick. Is it the aromatic Bouillabaisse loaded with mussels, clams, prawns, halibut and trout? The trio of baked oysters? The local clam linguine with leeks and bacon?
Really, it’s hard to go wrong.
8:00 PM — Go on a Ghostly Walk
Journey through Victoria’s haunted past on a Ghostly Walk. Guided by a knowledgeable storyteller, you’ll explore the BC capital’s historic streets and buildings rich with eerie legends and supernatural tales.
The tour weaves together chilling accounts of ghosts, mysteries, and local folklore, bringing Victoria’s spooky history to life. As twilight falls, the atmospheric setting adds to the thrill, making for a captivating and spine-tingling adventure through the city’s ghostly lore.
Sunday in Victoria this Fall
8:00 AM — Start Slow with Breakfast at Aura
Enjoy a leisurely morning with breakfast at Aura. The waterfront restaurant offers the perfect view of the Inner Harbour’s comings and goings — including seaplanes, ferries, and water taxis. The menu features a range of sweet and savory options, including an inventive twist on Victoria’s beloved eggs Benedicts — the Aura Benny. A smoked salmon okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) is topped with prawns, poached eggs, and a kimchi hollandaise.
10:00 AM — Explore Downtown Victoria’s Shops
Thanks to Victoria’s commitment to Heritage Conservation, the city is rich with historic buildings. Offering eclectic storefronts, creative merchants sell a wide variety of local and regional goods. Explore the quaint stress lined with unique boutiques offering everything from handcrafted jewelry and local art to used books and cutting edge fashion.
In addition to classic hot spots like Munro’s Books, Roger’s Chocolates, and Silk Road Tea, these are some of the hidden shops include:
- Bastion Books – Rare and Second Hand Books in Victoria
- The Regional Assembly of Text
- Victoria Olive Oil
12:30 PM — Veranda Lunch at The Fairmont Empress
Opened in 1908, the Fairmont Empress has been a symbol of Victoria B.C.’s elegance for more than 120 years. The historic building has welcomed countless dignitaries and celebrities — offering a destination worthy of royalty. Visitors are invited to enjoy the grandeur that’s been preserved among the gardens and restaurants — not the least of which is the Veranda. While the Fairmont’s most informal dining destination, the menu is still rooted in elegance.
Chicken liver mousse comes with milk bread and apricot preserves. Mac and cheese is infused with black truffle. Mussels from Salt Spring Island are served with fresh sourdough. And the chilled seafood tower comes with a succulent election of local seafood and shellfish.
3:15 PM — Check In
Head to the Victoria Harbour Airport to check in for your international flight. You don’t want to be late getting your passport scanned, as this can delay departure. But have no fear, the floating terminal is spacious and offers stunning waterfront views.
Plus, if you’re still feeling a little peckish after lunch or want a pre-flight cocktail, the Flying Otter Grill is just steps from the terminal. Weather permitting, the grill also offers service to the patio seating surrounding the airport.
