Experience Victoria’s local events with perks you’ll only find at Coast Hotels
If you live on Vancouver Island or are already visiting nearby, Victoria might feel like a familiar spot. It’s close, comfortable and easy to reach. No ferries, no flights, just a short and scenic drive that brings you to a city full of waterfront charm, local events and more great restaurants than you could ever cover in one weekend.
What often starts as just a day trip can quickly become a refreshing weekend getaway. Stay at Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA and you’ll enjoy the perks of a waterfront location, a harbor-view pool, and easy access to Fisherman’s Wharf, the Inner Harbour and local markets.
Whether you’re catching live music, visiting a festival or winding down with a sunset drink while float planes pass by, Victoria gives you that getaway feeling without going far. Keep reading for our favourite ways to turn a regular visit into something that feels like time away.
5 Reasons You’ll Love Staying at Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA
Here’s how a stay at Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA can help you make the most of your next Victoria trip. Whether you're coming for a quick weekend escape, planning a romantic getaway or tagging along for one of the city's many festivals, this waterfront hotel puts you in a prime spot to experience it all.
Upgrade to a waterfront room
Treat yourself to more than just a place to stay. Book a Coast King with Ocean View room and start your mornings with coffee and calm marina views. Watch the harbor come to life, then end the day with sunset skies and float planes gliding by. It’s a front-row seat to everything you love about summer in Victoria and a worthwhile upgrade for a more memorable stay.
Explore Victoria on foot
One of the best parts about staying at Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA is how close you are to everything. Fisherman’s Wharf is just a five-minute stroll from your room. This colourful waterfront spot is full of floating homes, fresh seafood, ice cream stands and curious seals that often swim by for a visit. It’s a great place to grab a bite, watch the boats or enjoy the easygoing atmosphere of Victoria’s Outer Harbour.
Keep walking and you’ll find yourself downtown, surrounded by boutique shops, local cafés, galleries and lively street performers like the well-known Darth Fiddler. With so much to explore just outside your door, you can park the car and leave it for the weekend. Slip on your comfiest shoes and start exploring like a local.
Swim with a view in Victoria’s only indoor-outdoor pool
This is your own hidden oasis, complete with harbor views, sunny lounge space and the freedom to dip in and out as you please. Stretch out in the sun, cool off with a swim, then unwind in the hot tub while the kids splash and play. As Victoria’s only indoor-outdoor hotel pool, it offers the best of both worlds in a private, relaxed setting. It’s the perfect way to make the most of a warm afternoon or wrap up a day of exploring with the whole family.
Bring Your Furry Plus-One
Pets are welcome here, so your four-legged companion can be part of the getaway too. Take in the ocean breeze along the Dallas Road Waterfront Trail, or head to Whistle Buoy Brewing where both humans and pups can relax on the patio. Pet-friendly rooms come with easy outdoor access, and you’ll find water bowls, treats and plenty of tail wags at check-in. With so many local spots to explore together, this trip is sure to get two paws up.
Enjoy Perks Just For Staying
Make every stay count by signing up for Coast Rewards. It’s free to join, and you’ll start earning points right away from your weekend getaways to Victoria. Members enjoy exclusive rates, preferred room upgrades, early check-in and late check-out when available, plus special offers sent directly to your inbox. Whether you stay once a year or once a month, it’s a simple way to get more out of every trip.
8 Local Victoria Events Worth Planning a Weekend Around
There’s always something happening in Victoria, especially in the summer. From live music to local markets, these events are the perfect reason to extend your usual day trip into a full weekend stay. As British Columbia’s capital city, Victoria blends coastal beauty with vibrant culture, offering everything from historic architecture and seaside charm to world-class dining and lively festivals. It’s a destination that feels both laid-back and full of life, making it the ideal spot for a quick escape that still feels like a true getaway.
Northwest Deuce Days
Watch Victoria come alive with classic cars during Northwest Deuce Days. This weekend event draws hundreds of vintage hot rods and custom builds to the Inner Harbour, making it the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll and memorable photos.
Art Gallery Paint-In
Also known as the Moss Street Paint-In, this is Victoria’s biggest outdoor art party. Dozens of local artists set up along Moss Street with easels, demos, and work for sale, turning the entire stretch into one long, colorful, creative celebration.
Symphony Splash
Picture a floating stage in the Inner Harbour with thousands gathered on the lawns, in boats, and on paddleboards. It’s a one-of-a-kind night that mixes classical music with that easygoing Island vibe, ending in an electric fireworks display.ArtisTree Festival
Part festival and part garden party, the ArtisTree Festival transforms the historic Government House Gardens into a laid-back art hub for the weekend, with installations, live music, hands-on workshops and local vendors to explore.
Dragon Boat Festival
During the Dragon Boat Festival, thousands gather around the Inner Harbour to cheer on teams of boats as they cut through the water. Between races, you’ll find cultural performances, pop-up food stalls, and plenty of reasons to linger by the docks.
Tour de Victoria
Held each summer, Tour de Victoria offers everything from a 15 km route to a 160 km challenge. Beyond the rides, it raises money for causes like BC Cancer Foundation and Opportunity International, adding purpose behind every pedal.
Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival
Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival brings local and international musicians right to Victoria’s Inner Harbour. With an open-air stage and a mix of free and ticketed shows, it’s easy to wander in, find a spot to relax, and stay as long as the music keeps playing.
Classic Boat Festival
Every September, Victoria’s Inner Harbour fills up with beautifully restored wooden boats, from sailboats to old working tugs, each with their own story. Wander the docks, chat with the owners, or just admire all the polished wood and nautical charm.
Proof a Night in Victoria Beats a Day Trip
For so many Islanders, staying at our waterfront hotel turns a simple trip to Victoria into something easier and more comfortable, whether it’s your first visit or you’ve been coming for years. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, celebrating a birthday or just looking for a change of pace, being right by the harbour with walkable access to downtown makes all the difference.
Why Rush Home? Make It a Victoria Weekend
So next time Victoria’s on your mind, give yourself more than just an afternoon. A night or two by the water lets you slow down, take in the city’s charm and enjoy the moments that don’t always fit into a quick visit. From local events to quiet harbour mornings, it’s a simple way to turn a familiar spot into a refreshing escape. Book your stay today and make the most of your next trip to Victoria.
Guest Experience
“It was our first time staying at this location and it was perfect! Fisherman’s wharf, Ogden point and the legislature area all within walking distance! The indoor/outdoor pool was a highlight for my daughter.!” - C. Affolter
“The location was perfect and extremely walkable, but they also offered a shuttle service that could bring you into town if you need. Our view of the harbour was fantastic and because of the glass doors and large window, there was tons of natural light in the room during the day!” - S. Glasgow
“From check-in, the front desk staff went above and beyond—giving us helpful details about the local marathon and how it might affect our plans, especially if we were driving. That kind of insight made planning our day so much easier.” - D. T.