Any self-respecting singer knows how important it is to stay hydrated! And we know you’ll be drinking plenty of water throughout Chorfest, but let’s face it – there’s much more to life than pure H2O. Whether it’s a caffeine jolt you’re after or a glass of dry apple cider, we’ve got you covered with a list of places to visit during your stay in Victoria during May Long Weekend!

Coffee Shops

You already know what Starbucks tastes like, so why not try something local:

• Serious Coffee (they’ve made a donation to Chorfest)
• Discovery Coffee (while there, you MUST have a Yonni’s gourmet donut)
• 2% Jazz (on the way to Adult choir rehearsal)
• Union Pacific (on Herald Street – a very funky location with great Americanos)
• Hide and Seek (close to the BC Youth Choir’s rehearsal venue)
• Habit, Caffe Fantastico, Hey Happy Coffee, or Shatterbox (all great choices)

Tea Houses & Shops

There is arguably no more appropriate place in this province to drink tea than Victoria. (When in Rome, right?!) Any one of these places will hit the spot:

• Venus Sophia in Chinatown (also a vegetarian restaurant)
• Silk Road Tea (right by Chinatown on Government Street)
• SpecialTeas on Johnson (loose leaf teas you can take back to the hotel)
• Murchie’s (check out the pastries, and stock up on great servingware)
• White Heather Tea Room in Oak Bay (known for their own high tea options, including the Big Muckle)
• Or, if you have $75 burning a hole in your pocket, try Tea at the Empress (a rite of passage for anyone visiting Victoria!)

Craft Breweries

Victoria’s craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, giving you many new styles to sample. Sit down for a pint at a local brewpub such as Spinnakers (the oldest in Canada!), Swans, Canoe, or Moon Under Water; or do a tasting flight at one of several fantastic microbreweries – Hoyne, Phillips, Driftwood, Vancouver Island and more! All (except for Spinnakers) are within walking distance of one another, allowing you to ditch the car at the hotel and enjoy an afternoon of exploring.

Bars & Pubs

When it comes to pubs, there’s the traditional (Bard and Banker, Irish Times), the hipster haven (The Churchill, The Drake), and the quirky (Big Bad John’s with its full-on hillbilly theme!) Dozens more can be found all across the city. And hey, as long as the beer is cold, it doesn’t much matter which one you choose, does it?

Wine & Cocktail Lounges

Sprinkled throughout the downtown core, you will find several great places for a glass of wine or spirits. Little Jumbo, Olo, and Stage Wine Bar are all solid choices. Or, if you prefer a good old-fashioned hotel bar, try Q at the Empress (they have the BEST outdoor setting, overlooking the Inner Harbour – a great way to end an evening out with dessert and specialty coffees), Clive’s Classic Lounge (Chateau Victoria), Catalano (The Magnolia), or Veneto (Hotel Rialto).

Cideries & Distilleries

If you’re willing to take a drive out to Saanichton for Sea Cider and DeVine Spirits, Sidney for Victoria Distillers, or Shirley for Sheringham Distillery, all would be well worth a visit. You’re also likely to find their handcrafted products on the menu at most local establishments.