Summer Travel News from Victoria, BC, Canada

For those with a more flexible schedule September is such a great month to travel, and Victoria is rolling out a (literally) warm welcome with lots of great openings and milestones. In this edition, discover updates about exciting openings including Rosemead House, Ærth Saunas, Songhees Tours, and Hotel ZED’s Love Nest, plus milestone anniversaries for Rifflandia and Beacon Hill Children’s Farm. Let’s dive in!

What’s Happening:

Celebrating Greater Victoria

Accommodations – Anniversaries and Openings

Rosemead House

Rosemead House is a meticulously restored 1906 Edwardian estate in Esquimalt’s Saxe Point neighborhood, designed by Samuel Maclure and reinvented by Aragon Properties and architect Paul Merrick. This boutique hotel features thoughtfully curated interiors with antiques and art from over 50 UK estate auctions, blending British heritage with fresh design. Within Rosemead House, Janevca Kitchen & Lounge offers immersive, seasonal dining and curated wines in a warm, refined setting—perfect for memorable experiences.

Ærth Saunas

Opening September 4th, Ærth Sauna is located between the Huntingdon Hotel & Suites and the Pendray Inn. Ærth is inspired by forest ecosystems, with leaf-like structures, cold plunges, and an edible garden of herbs like lavender and elderflower for seasonal teas. Thoughtfully crafted using neuroarchitecture principles, every detail is designed to enhance well-being and relaxation. At its core, Ærth champions radical inclusivity as Canada’s first outdoor sauna sanctuary with full wheelchair accessibility and a living-wage model for staff.

Rifflandia Celebrates 15 Years

Rifflandia celebrates 15 years in 2025, uniting international headliners, emerging artists, and local talent across Victoria’s venues to create unforgettable experiences for all ages. This iconic festival not only showcases the city’s creative energy and rich music scene, but also gives back—donating 15% of every ticket to local charities supporting education, music, sports, the environment, housing, health, and social justice. Ticket buyers can even designate their contribution with a special code. September 12-14

Beacon Hill Children’s Farm

The Beacon Hill Children’s Farm celebrated its 40th anniversary this summer on June 12. For years, the farm has been a treasured part of the community—providing a safe home for animals, bringing together staff and volunteers to learn and grow, and offering visitors of all ages a place to create lasting memories.

It’s a time to honour the farm’s roots, celebrate its present, and look forward to many more wonderful years ahead together.

The Love Nest at Hotel Zed

Hotel Zed Victoria officially opened booking for The Love Nest, a retro-inspired, sex-positive suite designed for guests to explore connection and wellness in a stylish and inclusive setting. Featuring unique furnishings, curated essentials kits, and optional private coaching sessions, The Love Nest offers a welcoming space to celebrate intimacy and self-discovery.

Songhees Tours

Songhees Tours is now welcoming guests and selling tours from a dedicated counter at the Visitor Centre, supporting the relaunch of their immersive Indigenous-led canoe and walking tours of Victoria’s Inner Harbour this summer. This initiative meets the growing demand for authentic Indigenous experiences and enriches the city’s tourism offerings for all.

Drift – A Floating Sound Meditation at The Parkside Hotel

Experience a unique path to wellness at The Parkside Hotel & Spa in Victoria, where the 60-minute Floating Sound Meditation blends crystal alchemy bowls, gongs, and sacred instruments with the gentle sensation of floating in a warm pool. This immersive experience uses sound waves moving through water to soothe the mind, release tension, and leave guests feeling renewed—an innovative approach to sound healing perfect for travelers seeking holistic relaxation and inspiration.

Future Events

Intention Wellness 2026

Intention Wellness in 2026 will take place January 5-18, 2026 and is an event meant to help you begin your year with mindful practices to carry you throughout the year and your life. Curate a wellness getaway in Victoria by joining a cooking class, guided workout, or attend one of the speaker series events.

Air Travel

More flights out of YYJ

Victoria International Airport has added several flights, boosting its non-stop capacity with Toronto and Seattle. Now it’s even easier to access Victoria.

New Departures:

WestJet added direct to YYZ 3X weekly

Air Canada 1 additional to YYZ for total of 3X daily

Alaska SEA to YYJ now 5X daily instead of 4X daily

Pacific Coastal Airlines celebrated 25 years of continuous service at Victoria International Airport (YYJ). The airline has provided an essential transportation link between Vancouver Island and key destinations across B.C. since 2002, supporting regional connectivity, tourism, and business travel.