Perched on the west coast of Canada is the picturesque city of Victoria, the capital of the province of British Columbia. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Victoria many times for business and pleasure, and it’s also where I trained to be an accommodation advisor.
As a wellness spaces consultant, I focus on environments that foster well-being, and these are my top seven picks in the Garden City. My recommendations are based on these factors:
- The quality and variety of wellness amenities
- Year-round ease of accessibilty to wellness amenities
- Guest reviews
- My experience at these hotels as a guest or researcher
1) Fairmont Empress
Standing regally at the heart of Victoria’s harbourfront is the lavish Canadian National Historical Site, 110+ year old property and the city’s most famous landmark…the Fairmont Empress. This luxurious 464-room hotel, Canada’s “Castle on the Coast” has an alluring mix of Old World charm, and modern design. Staying at this iconic hotel was an enchanting experience for me! Wellness-forward, it offers the following amenities:
- Fitness centre
- Indoor pool
- 2 saunas
- Whirlpool
- Complimentary BMW bicycles
- “Fairmont Fit” – they provide workout apparel, footwear, a yoga mat, stretch band (conditions apply)
- Fairmont Spa – one of my Victoria favorites, offers a wonderful pre-treatment ritual that includes a sauna, steam room and mineral pool
2) Hotel Grand Pacific
The Hotel Grand Pacific is a wellness standout as it offers the unique hotel amenity of a full-service fitness facility, the Victoria Athletic Club. And, just across the street, you’ll find walking trails skirting the scenic Inner Harbour. The following are their well-being offerings:
- Fitness facility
- Squash court
- 25 m indoor pool
- Scheduled classes: aquafit, yoga, Pilates, zumba, HIIT, nia, and more. ( A drop-in fee applies to all classes and squash games.)
- Sauna
- Steam room
- Whirlpool
- Complimentary bicycles
3) Oak Bay Beach Hotel
One of the top luxury resorts in the Pacific Northwest is the sophisticated Oak Bay Beach Hotel. A 15 minute drive east of the Inner Harbour, this beautiful oceanfront property is built in an English Manor style and offers these wellness amenities:
- 3 outdoor seaside mineral baths
- Sauna
- Whirlpool
- Workout facility
- Boathouse Spa
- Sunrise seaside yoga classes in the summer (for a fee)
4) The Parkside Hotel & Spa
I love how the atrium at the all-suite The Parkside Hotel & Spa greets guests, creating a relaxing ambience. The property is situated less than a 10 minute walk from the Inner Harbour, the gorgeous centre of downtown Victoria, where many hotels are conveniently located. Get your wellness on through these:
- Complimentary bicycles
- Workout facility
- 25 m indoor pool
- Whirlpool
- Parkside Spa
5) Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort
The Delta Victoria Ocean Point Resort is another hotel in Victoria w/ excellent wellness offerings. Nestled along the picturesque Inner Harbourand a short walk to downtown Victoria, this property offers beautiful harbour views. Close to the hotel are scenic walking trails along the water’s edge, plus, you can enjoy these:
- Outdoor tennis courts
- Fitness centre
- Indoor pool
- Whirlpool
- Easy access to walking/running trailis
- Damara Spa
6) Inn at Laurel Point
Boasting magnificent views of Victoria’s famous scenic Inner Harbour is the Inn at Laurel Point. It’s situated in a quieter area of the touristy part of Victoria and a stunning glass-encased lobby facing the water welcomes you. The following are their offerings:
- Workout facility
- Indoor pool
- Easy access to walking/running paths
- Running route maps
7) The Magnolia Hotel
The elegant Magnolia Hotel is consistently ranked as one of Victoria’s finest boutique hotels, and, as a former guest, I can vouch for the excellent service they provide. This lavish property is a short walk to the Inner Harbour and has:
- Workout facility
- Small infrared sauna
- Complimentary bicycles
- Curated cycling, running and walking maps
- Spa Magnolia
Want to discover more wellness spaces?
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Check out my video on Victoria’s Top Wellness Hotels:
I’m thankful you dropped by and I wish you a healthy week!
