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Victoria in November
Discover the Spectacular Things to See and Do During Your Visit

Updated for 2022

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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 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.

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. 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.

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 :). 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?

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 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.

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. 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

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.

Nearly 30,000 salmon return to this stream at Goldstream Provincial Park every year.

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

Annual Festivals and Events in Victoria in November

18-Jun-22 to 28-Feb-23 - Heart & Home Exhibit, Robert Bateman Gallery, Inner Harbour
04-Nov-22 to 06-Nov-22 - Strawberry Vale Christmas Craft Fair, Strawberry Vale Community Centre, View Royal
04-Nov-22 to 05-Nov-22 - Victoria Quilters Guild Christmas Sale, Emmanuel Baptist Church
05-Nov-22 - Christmas at the Lake Craft Fair, Prospect Lake Community Hall
05-Nov-22 to 06-Nov-22 - Spectrum Band Christmas Market, Spectrum Secondary School, Saanich
05-Nov-22 to 06-Nov-22 and 10-Dec-22 to 11-Dec-22 - Sooke Christmas Craft Fair & Artisan Market, Sooke Community Hall
05-Nov-22 to 06-Nov-22 - Annual Craft Fair, Juan de Fuca 55+ Activity Centre at Westshore Parks & Rec complex
05-Nov-22 to 06-Nov-22 - Oak Bay Artists Studio Tour, self-guided studio tour, pick up brochure/map at Oak Bay Recreation Centre
05-Nov-22 and 19-Nov-22 - Homemade Village Craft Market, North Douglas Church
11-Nov-22 - Remembrance Day
11-Nov-22 - Remembrance Day Parade & Service, Esquimalt Memorial Park
11-Nov-22 - Remembrance Day Parade & Service, Langford Veteran's Memorial Park
11-Nov-22 - Remembrance Day Parade & Service, Sidney Cenotaph
11-Nov-22 - Remembrance Day Parade & Service, Victoria Cenotaph
11-Nov-22 to 17-Nov-22 - The Studio 30 Art Club Show, Sidney ArtSea Gallery, Sidney
11-Nov-22 to 13-Nov-22 - Christmas Craft Fair, Pearkes Recreation, Saanich
11-Nov-22 to 13-Nov-22 - Nomad Holiday Market, Songhees Wellness Centre
11-Nov-22 to 13-Nov-22 - Yuletide Market Series at Bilston Creek Farm, Metchosin (visit their website for additional market dates in November and December)
12-Nov-22 - Ruth King Elementary Annual Craft Fair, Ruth King School, Langford
12-Nov-22 to 13-Nov-22 - Calico Christmas Market, Spectrum Secondary School, Saanich
13-Nov-22 and 04-Dec-22 - Indigenous Pop Up Shop YYJ Christmas Market, Fernwood Community Centre, Victoria
15-Nov-22 to 31-Dec-22 - Light Up the City, various events and locations throughout Greater Victoria
17-Nov-22 to 03-Jan-23 - Festival of Trees, Bay Centre, Victoria
18-Nov-22 to 20-Nov-22 - All Sooke Arts & Crafts Christmas Show, Sooke Community Hall
19-Nov-22 - Arts & Industry Open House, Rock Bay Square on Bridge Street in Victoria
19-Nov-22 - Christmas Bazaar, St. Luke's Church, Saanich
19-Nov-22 - Scandinavian Craft & Bake Sale, Norway House on Hillside
19-Nov-22 - Annual Christmas Craft Fair, Church of the Advent, Colwood
19-Nov-22 - Saanich Peninsula Hospital Auxiliary Annual Christmas Bazaar, Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney
19-Nov-22 to 20-Nov-22 - Magic of Christmas Artisan Market, Eagle Ridge Community Centre at City Centre Park in Langford
19-Nov-22 to 20-Nov-22 - Victorian Christmas Craft Fair, Commonwealth Place, Saanich
19-Nov-22 to 20-Nov-22 - Annual Christmas Arts & Crafts Sale, Metchosin Hall
20-Nov-22 - Christmas Vintage, Retro & Collectible Show/Sale, Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney
20-Nov-22 - Highlands Winter Craft Fair, Caleb Pike Heritage Park and Highlands Community Hall
20-Nov-22 - Early Bird Holiday Market, The Arts Centre at Cedar Hill Recreation Centre
25-Nov-22 - Marina Light Up, Inner Harbour
25-Nov-22 to 27-Nov-22 - Out of Hand Modern Market, Crystal Gardens
26-Nov-22 - 40th Peninsula Santa Claus Parade, starts at Belleville and Government Street in Victoria
26-Nov-22 - Holiday Market & Silent Auction, Cook Street Village Activity Centre
26-Nov-22 - Cheeky Birds Christmas Market, Colwood Children's Hall
26-Nov-22 - Doncaster School Holiday Craft Fair, Doncaster Elementary
26-Nov-22 - Holiday Gifts Galore, Luxton Hall (2022 cancelled due to problems with venue)
26-Nov-22 - Craft & Gift Fair, Wishart Elementary School
26-Nov-22 to 02-Jan-23 - Gingerbread Showcase, Parkside Hotel, Victoria
26-Nov-22 to 27-Nov-22 - Christmas in the Manger Annual Christmas Craft Fair, Main Hall RCMP Barn, Saanich Fairground