By 
There’s a reason Travel + Leisure ranked Victoria the #3 city in Canada (1): People from all over the world hope to one day make their way to this beautiful BC capital city. But what about those who already live here? When you live in a place that so many people want to see, it almost seems like a shame to pack your bags for a new place. It’s time to play tourist in your own city. Here are some reasons to book a stay in Victoria, BC and tips on how to do it in a wallet-friendly way.
Reasons to plan a vacation at home
1. Home away from home
How often can you feel at home in one place and have someone else do the dishes, clean the toilet, and make the bed? Surround yourself with your favorite sights and sounds with a touch of luxury. It can be as simple as staying in an Airbnb loft whose rent you could never afford in the long run, or as luxurious as splurging a few nights at a resort and spa.
2. Remember how to enjoy your city
When you’re busy and stressed with work, life, and responsibilities, it can be easy to forget the reasons you fell in love with where you live in the first place. Staying in Victoria while she’s on vacation gives her a chance to fall in love all over again. Enjoy the glow of the harbor at night without feeling guilty about the paperwork on your office desk. Relax; you’re on vacation.
3. Get to your Victoria checklist
If you’re like most people, you’ll have a list of things to do in Victoria that you’ve never had time to see. Unlike visiting another place, living somewhere gives you the chance to assume you’ll see that exhibit, visit that gallery, or try that restaurant at another time. Planning a vacation at home gives you the perfect opportunity to get out there and put some ticks on that neglected list.
4. You won’t get lost
A lot of time can be spent while traveling (especially for those who have direction problems) just trying to get their bearings. You will wander the streets, have no time for activities due to getting lost, and sometimes you may end up in the wrong part of town. However, if you’re playing tourist in your own city, chances are you already have a good idea of how to get to your destination. Plus, you already know some great secret spots.
5. Playing tourist is fun
Grabbing your camera and equipping yourself with a map or guide to things to do in Victoria can be a surprising amount of fun. Especially in summer, you will mingle with the thousands of tourists that flood the streets. Once you get into the tourist mindset, it’s amazing how many things there are to do. Especially things you would never consider doing as a resident: a scenic seaplane tour or whale watching, for example.
Tips for planning your stay
1. Book accommodation out of season
Accommodation in Victoria can be a fashionable commodity. The fact that it is a top destination on Vancouver Island is reflected in the prices, especially for the luxury resorts or hotels along the Inner Harbour. However, booking out of season can cut the cost by up to half.
2. Look for last minute deals
If your schedule is flexible and you don’t really care when to steal those days off, booking something last minute could be a rewarding option. Often tours and accommodation will be looking to fill seats and rooms, especially if they had a late cancellation.
3. Look for deals from the locals
Places that see a large influx of tourists, like Victoria, will find businesses that also hope to cater to their local crowd. Look for places that offer local rates and discounts. Another option is to check out Groupon or Island Daily Deals.
4. Think about what you would suggest to someone coming to Victoria
Do you find it hard to think about what you would do on your vacation at home? Try to think of what you would suggest to a friend who is coming to visit. Chances are hundreds of things come to mind, many of which you’ve probably never done. Curiosity is key.
5. Treat it like a vacation
Sometimes it can be hard not to think about work when you’re surrounded by things that remind you of your daily routine. However, being on vacation means getting away from all that. Try to put yourself in vacation mode, even if you are still in your city. Find new places, try new things, push your limits and sign up for tours and activities that really interest you. Once you’ve “returned” from vacation, your knowledge and appreciation of Victoria will likely have increased.
A vacation stay can be just as luxurious or affordable as any other type of trip. Even more so if you choose to stay in your own home and just explore like an avid tourist. You can take the money you save on accommodation and splurge on a meal at a restaurant you’ve always wanted to eat at, or a spa treatment at a resort. The opportunities are endless. With such a beautiful and tourist-friendly city at your feet, why go anywhere else?