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If you are planning a trip to Victoria in November, then you’ve probably got questions like:
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.
Cruise ship season has normally ended by now however in 2022, Victoria will see one ship dock on November 3rd bringing the final 3,000 visitors of the year. After that and until April of 2023, the crowds will thin out and 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 6, 2022 we turn our clocks back one hour as Daylight Savings Time ends. Many British Columbians hope this will be the final year of clock changing however we are waiting for neighbouring provinces and states to collectively agree.
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. Lately colder weather seems to come earlier in the year and we have occasionally seen snow in November also however it usually only lasts a few hours to a few days.
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 :). I recently discovered this hairbrella and think it is a genius way to protect your head and all your hair in the rain.
Not sure what a 3-in-1 jacket is?
I personally wear a 3-in-1 by Columbia similar to this one although if I was buying a new one, I’d likely get an Arc’teryx jacket. They are stylish, functional jackets designed and tested here in British Columbia.
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. To enjoy a good variety of the foods available here in Victoria, consider a food tour. These are an increasingly popular way to see some local sights as well as enjoy local cuisine.
Fruits & Veggies
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Seafood & Herbs
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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.
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.
I truly hope you enjoy your visit to Victoria in November.
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