Recommendations
We only put things here that we have tried and heartily recommend to our visitors. Enjoy!
Things to do
Dallas Road Waterfront Pathway - Hop on this oceanfront pathway only a few steps from our front door. Go left to walk past a large off leash dog area (a must for all dog lovers where there is always lots for frolicking going on!). Continue on to Clover Point. If you instead go right, you walk towards the cruise ship terminal. It is really interesting to watch the cruise ships come in and dock from the end of the breakwater, that juts out into the ocean. From May to September, there are up to 3 cruise ships coming and going almost every day.
Restaurants
These restaurants are all walking distance away, in or around downtown Victoria. We love them all!
10 Acres Bistro - farm to table, local and sustainable food
Green Cuisine - very casual, plant-based
Virtuous Pie - pizza, plant-based
The Coriander Restaurant - Indian cuisine
Pizzeria Prima Strada - wood-fired pizza
The Flying Otter - West Coast cuisine, right on the waterfront at the Inner Harbour
Beacon Drive In Restaurant - Located just around the corner from us on Douglas Street, no visit to Ashcroft House in the summer is complete without an ice cream cone from this place!
Bakery/Cafe
Marthas Delectables - this is where we get our delicious shortbread cookies!
Coffee Shops
Moka House - easy walking distance to Cook Street
Discovery Coffee - There are multiple locations around Victoria but the closes one to Ashcroft House is about 15 minute walk through the lovely residential streets of our James Bay neighbourhood to James Bay Village. They also have another location in downtown Victoria, near the Royal Theatre and Christ Church Cathedral, approximately 30 minute walk from Ashcroft House.
Habit Coffee - two locations: Atrium and Chinatown
Pubs, Clubs, Cideries, Craft Breweries and Distilleries
These pubs are all within walking distance away, in downtown Victoria:
Bard and Banker - one of the coolest places in Victoria for ambience, good food and drink
Irish Times Pub - great Irish pub
Phillips Brewing and Malting Co.
Victoria Distillers - Home of the delicious, purple Empress Gin