Victoria Coffee Spots are a treat! In Victoria, there is no end to the amount of activities and attractions you can do and see and sometimes, it’s nice to take a day off your vacation schedule. Instead of waking early to dash out the door for a full day of sightseeing, take a cup of coffee, grab a snack. Enjoy one of the many parks around Victoria where you can kick back and enjoy a spectacular view.
While there’s no lack of gorgeous parks in the area, there’s something special about a really magnificent view. Whether it’s at the top of a mountain or beside the ocean, an unobstructed view is something to marvel at.
Mt. Tolmie
There is no Victoria Coffee Spots on Mt Tolmie. This is a spectacular spot to find gorgeous 360 degree views of Victoria, the Saanich Inlet and beyond. The best part is that you can drive to the summit so you can skip the hike, take your coffee and just enjoy. To make the most of the views, from the parking lot, take the short walk to the railing and enjoy the sweeping southern views of Victoria, the Strait and on a clear day, the Olympic range.
Crossing the street behind you, you’ll find a few steps up to a large concrete slab from which you can see panoramic views of Mount Douglas, across the Saanich Peninsula, the Saanich Inlet and beyond. On your way to Mt. Tolmie, stop by Cafe Misto on Foul Bay Road. This unassuming local java joint serves excellent coffee and always has delicious, fresh pastries, snacks and sandwiches. Just a five minute drive away from Mt Tolmie, means that your coffee and panini will still be piping hot when you get up there.
Highrock Park
In the beautiful suburb of Esquimalt, you’ll find Highrock Park. Aptly named, this park is the highest point in Esquimalt. It offers 360 degrees of west oriented views of the Capital Region, downtown Victoria, the Sooke Hills, the Salish Sea and the Olympic range beyond. Here, you can wander over rocky knolls covered with beautiful blue camas flowers, knotty Gary oaks and auburn arbutus trees. For one of the most excellent Victoria Coffee Spots west of downtown, you’ll want to stop in at Esquimalt Roasting Company. You’ll find it just three minutes from Highrock on Esquimalt Road. Even the pickiest coffee connoisseurs will be impressed with the coffee from ERC.
This neighbourhood micro roastery is serious about the quality of their coffee. They are always trying new ways to make the best, most delicious brew. It’s the perfect place to grab your favourite jolt. Consider one of their fresh pastries to savour under a Gary oak while enjoying the view.
Anderson Hill Park
Oak Bay is known for its beauty. From the picturesque Oak Bay village to the incredibly idyllic surrounding neighbourhood streets, it’s just one of those places that is the perfect blend of peaceful and vibrant. It’s little wonder then that one of the city’s most stunning hidden gems is tucked away in this little neighbourhood. Anderson Hill Park is a small, undeveloped natural area. It features rocky outcrops, native and non-native plant species and the signature rough hewn Gary oaks that populate the South Island. Despite not having lengthy trails to meander or any historical sites to see, this residential park is unmatched when it comes to spectacular views.
To the south you will see the Trial Island ecological reserve. In addition you’ll have unobstructed views across McNeil Bay to the west. For the best coffee, light snacks and pastries in the neighbourhood, you’ll want to stop in at the incredibly charming, Demitasse Cafe. You can then a bench to set up on to enjoy your food and the view.
Uplands Park
One of the oldest suburban neighbourhoods in Victoria is Uplands. Designed in 1908, this picturesque area embraces the natural elements of the area. You can see it in the gently curving streets and generous, irregular land plots and plentiful parks. One of the most beloved of these is Uplands Park, a large natural area and important ecological area. Uplands Park is made up of rocky knolls, paths through fields of wildflowers and Gary oaks. This is all overseen by a somber but beautiful nine foot cenotaph. This stunning natural area is a beautiful place for an easy stroll through the wildflower fields and to take in the stunning views.
To the east, you can see the Chatham Islands, Discovery Island and watch the colourful sailboats drift along the water. For the best neighbourhood coffee to-go, make a pit stop at Pure Vanilla Bakery & Cafe. Try their yummy paninis or one of their infamously decadent desserts to nibble alfresco.
Holland Point Park
At the edge of the peaceful but hip downtown neighbourhood of James Bay you’ll find Holland Point Park. This waterfront park is a perfect place to watch sailboats skim over the ocean. Enjoy colourful kite surfers sail through the sky. See the sun sparkle on the Strait while the Olympic range shimmers in the distance. This popular city park is an idyllic place to sit on a bench on the edge of the grassy meadow. You can also spread a blanket out on the beach. If you’re strolling on Dallas Road, pop into Breakwater Cafe for some delicious coffee and food to-go. If you’re coming from the Inner Harbour, stop in at James Bay Coffee and Books on Menzies for some great coffee and classic cafe fare to enjoy in the sun.