My hometown of Victoria, British Columbia, is known for many things — quaint architecture, a temperate climate, stunning gardens, and being the backdrop for hundreds of Hallmark holiday movies.
When I moved back after years of “big-city life” in Toronto, it felt like I was living out the plot of a Hallmark movie.
While Victoria is charming and picturesque, there’s so much more to the city than what’s captured for the small screen.
Fernwood Square is a popular hangout spot.
Fernwood Square is an off-the-beaten-path, cobblestone-lined town square that’s become a favorite filming location for holiday-market scenes.
When the cameras aren’t rolling, locals grab coffee at Little June, enjoy a romantic night under the twinkle lights at Stage Wine Bar, or shop for dreamy vintage finds at Cream.
The charming Fernwood Inn is a popular neighborhood pub.
At the heart of Fernwood Square is the Fernwood Inn. The charming neighborhood pub serves local brews in an inviting, festive atmosphere reminiscent of a small-town inn.
Unfortunately, the kind-eyed innkeeper with a heart of gold from half the Hallmark movie plots is not included — the pub looks like an inn but doesn’t have rooms for rent.
Oak Bay Village is the perfect place to live out your Hallmark fantasies.
Oak Bay Village is set up to feel like a quaint, small town featuring artisanal shops, independent restaurants, and seasonal decorations.
The Oak Bay Beach Hotel combines Hallmark-worthy coziness with jaw-dropping views.
The luxurious spa at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel features stunning, heated mineral pools that are accessible year-round, making it the perfect escape from the stress of the holidays.
Pro tip: Locals love this place, so make sure to book treatments in advance.
Our annual Christmas-tree festival is not to be missed.
Our local mall never looks better than when it hosts the Festival of Trees, an annual event that features 70 one-of-a-kind Christmas trees.
You can make gourmet s’mores at the Fairmont Empress hotel.
The iconic, fairy-tale-like hotel is a holiday favorite for tourists and locals alike.
The Empress is mainly known for its afternoon tea, but in the evenings, you can head to the veranda bar to roast s’mores over an open fire and sip on hot buttered rum.
My town’s light displays are delightfully over the top.
What we lack in (real) snow, we make up for in holiday lights.
Every year, Butchart Gardens transforms its 55-acre display garden into a holiday wonderland full of colorful string lights.
We love whimsical small businesses and a good pun.
Tucked away in the woods is the award-winning Shirley Delicious, a popular café and brunch spot.
But if you’re in the mood for seafood, head to Shuck Taylor’s, another playfully named spot known for its fresh oysters and on-tap cocktails.
There’s stunning Victorian architecture everywhere.
My hometown lives up to its namesake (Queen Victoria). You’ll find plenty of beautifully preserved Victorian homes and businesses all over the city.
You can also visit two castles in one day.
Step back in time at Craigdarroch Castle before heading over to Hatley Castle — a popular filming location featured in the “X-Men” film series.
Victoria is home to North America’s second-oldest Chinatown.
Named a national historic site in 1995, Victoria’s Chinatown is now home to a diverse collection of restaurants, artist lofts, and even the design studio of the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Jimbo.
Behind San Francisco’s, it’s the second-oldest Chinatown in North America.
It’s also home to North America’s narrowest commercial street, Fan Tan Alley.
Named after the Chinese gambling game fan-tan, the alley was once notorious for its opium factories.
Now, it’s home to boutiques, cafés, and record shops.
There’s a bustling food scene with diverse dining options.
Victoria has more restaurants per capita than any other Canadian city.
Whether you’re craving Vietnamese subs, El Salvadoran street food, or ethically sourced seafood sold out of a shipping container, you’ll find it all within a five-minute walk of the city center.
In addition to being a foodie’s paradise, Victoria has several award-winning cocktail bars and craft breweries.
Tucked-away cafes are our specialty.
Independent-coffee-shop culture is big here, and residents love a good tucked-away café that most tourists can’t find.
A favorite, the aptly named Hide + Seek Coffee, is in the “backyard” of a pharmacy.
We’re known for our incredible beaches and mountain views.
Hallmark movies are usually set in winter, but my hometown thrives in the summer.
No matter where you are, you’re always within an eight- to 10-minute drive of a fantastic beach and an incredible view.
You may run into a film crew or two.
It’s not unusual to stumble across a movie set while going about daily errands.
Summer is peak filming season, so don’t be surprised if you arrive for a beach day and see a film crew setting up a Christmas-tree display or come across a city street flooded with fake snow.
It’s moments like these that make me smile and remind me how unique it is to live here.
Believe it or not, there are palm trees in Victoria.
Palm trees aren’t indigenous to the area, but Victoria is one of the warmest cities in Canada and one of the few spots in the country where they can grow.
Peacocks roam freely about the town.
Depending on the neighborhood, it’s not unusual to see a peacock walking down the street or enjoying some birdseed outside a convenience store.
There’s something for everyone.
In Hallmark movies, there’s always a juxtaposition between “big city” and “small town” life.
After moving back here, I have a deep appreciation for what makes Victoria unique. It’s not a small town or a big city — it’s something in between.
Whether you’re looking to experience the charm of your favorite holiday movies, get a taste of the city’s foodie culture, or enjoy a beach getaway, you can find it here. You just might need to step over some fake snow now and then.
The post I live in a Canadian town where hundreds of Hallmark movies are filmed. Here’s what it’s like, fake snow and all. appeared first on Business Insider.
