Victoria in November

If you are planning a trip to Victoria in November, then you’ve probably got questions like:

what’s the weather going to be like
what to pack and what to wear while you are here
what’s happening in Victoria in November
what are some things to do
and most importantly, what food is in season

Scottish Regiment marching back to the Armouries after a Remembrance Day service at the Victoria Cenotaph.

If you’re coming in November, you are going to experience some of nature's wild moments, arts and craft shows and sales everywhere, and a city buzzing with energy as we gear up for seasonal festivities. While the abundance and variety of summer foods is behind us, we are still fortunate to enjoy a nice variety of fresh, local foods.

November 11 is Remembrance Day and is observed to commemorate the lives of those lost and those that served in the wars since the First World War.

Victoria is home to Canada's Pacific Naval Fleet and as a proud military town, we have several Remembrance Day services throughout the region. Wearing a poppy and attending a service at a local cenotaph are two ways Victorians mark this sombre occasion.

Most shops and activities will still be open however they may operate on reduced hours. Banks and Provincial and Federal offices will all be closed.

Poppy rocks painted for Remembrance Day

Cruise ship season has ended by now and the crowds have thinned out. What that means for you is you probably don't need a reservation in order to enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride or the finest dining locations. Victoria in November is fairly quiet.

Indoor markets are popping up everywhere and people are generally happy to spend a bit of time indoors. This is a time of year the sunny days are fewer and grey, overcast skies are the norm.

Victoria is in the Pacific time zone and on November 3, 2019 we turn our clocks back one hour as Daylight Savings Time ends.

Weather in November

The weather in Victoria in November is cooler and wetter than October. The average high during the day is 10 C and cools down to a chilly 3-4 degrees at night. The average precipitation is 165 mm - almost all of which will come down in the form of rain.

Dressing for the Weather

OK, even I have put my sandals away for the year by now!

As we approach winter here in the Pacific Northwest, it's time to pull out those woollies, toques and sweaters and gloves and scarves. It is time to start dressing in warm layers and it is definitely time for the waterproof footwear, a 3-in-1 waterproof jacket and a wind-resistant umbrella. Because it can get fairly windy at times, many people choose a waterproof hat or forgo the umbrella altogether and just accept the fact that they will get wet :).

Wool toque

Waterproof boots

Waterproof gloves

Not sure what a 3-in-1 jacket is?

A waterproof outer layer (honestly don't even bother if the jacket is not waterproof) that can be worn on its own as a light to medium-weight jacket.
A warm, insulated inner layer - sometimes down (or a synthetic insulating material) or polar fleece that can be worn on its own for warmth.
A warm, waterproof coat when you attach the inner layer to the outer layer - usually via a zipper or snaps.

I personally wear a 3-in-1 by Columbia although if I could find one to fit, I’d likely wear an Arc’teryx jacket. They are stylish, functional jackets designed and tested here in British Columbia.

Columbia jacket

Arc’teryx jacket

What's in Season

Several of our local restaurants reinvent their menus seasonally to take advantage of local seafood, meats, cheeses, breads, beers, wines and produce. November sees less variety than the summer but still a great selection of local produce and seafood is available:

Fruits & Veggies

Beets
Broccoli
Brussel Sprouts
Cabbage (green)
Cabbage (savoy and red)
Carrots
Cauliflower
Chard
Kale
Leeks
Lettuce
Mustard Greens
Mushrooms
Onions (red/yellow)
Parsnips
Potatoes
Pumpkin
Rutabagas
Salad Greens
Squash (winter)
Turnips

Apples
Kiwi
Pears
Quince

Seafood & Herbs

Clams
Cod: Pacific
Crab
Crab: Dungeness
Flounder/Sole: Pacific
Lingcod
Mussels
Oysters: Pacific
Prawns: Jumbo
Sablefish (Black Cod)
Scallops
Shrimp: Side Stripe
Shrimp: West Coast
Tuna: Albacore

Bay Leaves
Chervil
Cilantro
Dill
Fennel
Lemon Verbena
Mint
Oregano
Parsley
Rosemary
Sage
Savory
Sorrel
Thyme

Things to Do in Victoria in November

For the ultimate West Coast experience, head to Goldstream Provincial Park for the magnificent old growth trees - some estimated to be approximately 800 years old and the annual salmon run. From mid-October until early December each year, approximately 30,000 (mostly Chum) salmon return to the river at Goldstream to spawn and die. This is an incredible natural phenomena and if you're lucky enough to be here in Victoria in November, I encourage you to get out to Goldstream Provincial Park.

Fallen tree at Goldstream Provincial Park

Another quintessential Canadian bucket list item is a visit to Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park. This is about a 4-5 hour road trip from Victoria (although you could fly in a fraction of the time with Tofino Air) but well worth it if you've never been to the area. You may have missed surfing season at Tofino but what you are just in time for, is storm watching season! From the beginning of November to the end of February, visitors from all over the planet arrive in Tofino to watch the dramatic skies and impressive swells! A favourite destination is the Wickaninnish Inn.

If you enjoy live sports, the Victoria Royals regular hockey season is in full swing and there is lots of high calibre BC Premier League rugby being played in the region.

Other highlight activities include Butchart Gardens, a tour of Craigdarroch Castle or Hatley Castle (or both) and a visit to China Town.

Fan Tan Alley in China Town

Festivals and Events include:

Mid-October until early December - Salmon Run at Goldstream Provincial Park
2-Nov-19 to 14-Dec-19 - Artisans 2019, ArtSea Gallery in Tulista Park
2-Nov-19 to 3-Nov-19 - Strawberry Vale Christmas Craft Fair, Strawberry Vale Community Centre
3-Nov-19 - Daylight Savings Time Ends, clocks go back one hour
11-Nov-19 - Remembrance Day Parade & Service, Esquimalt Memorial Park
11-Nov-19 - Remembrance Day Parade & Service, Langford Veteran's Memorial Park
11-Nov-19 - Remembrance Day Parade & Service, Sidney Cenotaph
11-Nov-19 - Remembrance Day Parade & Service, Victoria Cenotaph
11-Nov-19 - Remembrance Day Statutory Holiday
15-Nov-19 to 31-Dec-19 - Toys 'n Teddy Bear Exhibit, Sidney Museum
16-Nov-19 to 17-Nov-19 - Winter Fair, Tillicum Centre
17-Nov-19 - Bear Mountain 10K & Half Marathon, Bear Mountain Resort
21-Nov-19 to 6-Jan-20 - Festival of Trees, Bay Centre
22-Nov-19 to 24-Nov-19 - Out of Hand Modern Market, Crystal Garden
23-Nov-19 - Santa Clause Parade, Douglas Street
30-Nov-19 - Breakfast with Santa, Mary Winspear Centre