Luxury living on Vancouver Island goes well beyond the front door. I use this section to share the hotels, restaurants, wineries, golf, getaways and property experiences that make Victoria and the Island such an appealing place to live.
Luxury here is tied to place
Victoria's version of luxury is rarely about one thing. It can be a Beach Drive waterfront home, a vineyard in the Cowichan Valley, dinner overlooking the Inner Harbour, a quiet spa weekend in Oak Bay or a golf course that becomes part of your weekly routine.
I keep the stories regional and specific. There are already plenty of general luxury magazines online. I would rather write about places and experiences you can actually enjoy here in Victoria and around Vancouver Island.
When an article names a real hotel, restaurant, winery, resort or golf course, current details are checked against the business's own information at publication. Hours, menus, access and packages can change, so confirm them directly before making plans.
New: places to stay, dine and explore
Hotels, dining, wine, getaways and golf all add to the experience of living well around Victoria and Vancouver Island.
Luxury Hotels in Victoria
Four distinctive stays, from Inner Harbour history and boutique downtown service to oceanfront wellness.
Special Occasion Restaurants
Five very different choices for anniversaries, birthdays, client dinners and a memorable night out.
Waterfront Restaurants in Victoria
Harbour patios, marina dining and an Oak Bay ocean view where the setting is part of the meal.
Vancouver Island Wineries to Visit
Six estates in Cowichan and Brentwood Bay, plus a calmer way to plan a wine-tasting day.
Luxury Weekend Getaways
Oak Bay, Sooke, the Malahat, Tofino and remote Clayoquot Sound for five very different escapes.
Golf Around Victoria
Historic oceanfront golf, two Nicklaus courses, gardens, waterfalls and elevated West Coast scenery.
Property & ownership
These stories look at what it is actually like to own and use some of Vancouver Island’s most distinctive property types.
Waterfront Living in Victoria
Shoreline, docks, exposure, privacy and the details that can change how a waterfront home lives.
Why Uplands Stands Apart
Large lots, curving streets, design controls and the character behind one of Victoria’s best-known estate areas.
Living on a Vineyard Estate
The appeal and practical realities of combining a home, agricultural land and vines on Vancouver Island.
Equestrian Property Living
Land, barns, arenas, drainage and location choices for buyers who want horses at home.
Victoria Penthouse Living
Views, terraces, privacy, elevators, parking and the tradeoffs of high-end condominium living.
Private Island Living
Access, docks, utilities, weather and the logistics that deserve attention before an island purchase.
Written from a Victoria real estate perspective
Luxury Living is written by Don St Germain, Associate Broker with Sotheby's International Realty Canada. Don was born and raised in Greater Victoria and has worked in real estate for 16 years. The articles are intended to add local context, not replace legal, tax, engineering, environmental or other professional advice where a property raises those questions.
I will keep adding stories gradually, with the same focus on Victoria and Vancouver Island rather than generic luxury topics that could be published anywhere.