From hikes to coffee shops and thrift stores, Victoria has something for everyone this reading break!
Photo by Sage Blackwell.
It’s that time of year again, when students flood the buses and head home for reading break. But what is there to do for the students who stay in Victoria? Have no fear; the ultimate Victoria Reading Break Guide is here to cover cheap and accessible options for holiday fun in Victoria.
Outdoor Adventures
Reading Break is a great time to get outdoors and explore what the city has to offer. Take a hike up PKOLS (previously Mount Douglas) and admire the surrounding views of the ocean and Downtown Victoria; accessible by a short bus ride from UVic, this hike is perfect for students!
The Galloping Goose Regional Trail is great for biking; it winds its way from Downtown Victoria all the way to Sooke, and even just doing part of it feels like a perfect escape from the busyness of the city. Alternatively, Beacon Hill Park is a great spot for a fall picnic, some peacock spotting, or a rainy walk, with its lush gardens and proximity to Dallas Road Beach.
Sweet Treats
For a cozier and more studious reading break, or simply a delicious stop on your other adventures, Victoria is filled with cafes. Some great options are Rise and Grind downtown, James Bay Coffee House in James Bay, and Discovery Coffee, which has several locations across the city. All of these are accessible by bus and are filled with great coffee and treats!
Shopping Hauls
If you’re looking to upgrade your wardrobe on a student budget, tour some of the wonderful downtown thrift and vintage stores. Popular spots include Cherry Pick Vintage’s POUNDS, where you can buy a pound of clothing for $9, and the WIN Resale Shops, where students can get 25 per cent off on Saturdays! A thrifting tour can be a great activity with friends; pick each other’s outfits and offer fashion advice, or go solo and tie in a trip to a coffee shop for an extra treat.
Educational Excursions
Looking for something to keep your mind open during the time off from school? Well, look no further than the Royal B.C. Museum; their rotating exhibition is currently Ancient Egypt-themed, and the rest of the museum includes a variety of learning opportunities! They even have student tickets, which cost $19 if you show a valid UVic ID.
Another fun trip is the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, which is free for all people under 25 and hosts a wide range of different art styles and eras. This is a fun trip for everyone — even if you aren’t an art history major!
Live Entertainment
On Nov. 7, the SJ Willis school building is hosting a free all-ages and all-abilities Open Mic Night, which includes karaoke, guest performers and a singalong. Also, that weekend, on Nov. 8, is the Little Fernwood Book Fair, which hosts local authors and is a perfect free-of-charge event for readers or aspiring writers to spend their reading break.
UVic’s own Cinecenta is showing several movies over the break: Coyote Vs. Acme from Nov. 6 to Nov. 7, Queen at Sea on Nov. 8 and Nov. 9, and the classic School of Rock on Nov. 10. Their reduced student prices make this a super affordable and easily accessible option for a fun night; grab some popcorn from the Munchie Bar and catch an evening or matinee screening.
Whether you’re heading up a mountain, taking a coffee break from studying, or catching a movie, Victoria is full of things for you to explore. So, grab some friends and make some memories all over the city this reading break!
