Eat
Victoria has the 2nd-most restaurants per capita of any city in North America. It actually doesn’t, but we like to pretend we do – and there’s enough around to do a decent job of faking it.
For breakfast, the options are almost endless. Jam Cafe (542 Herald St) features meals bordering on the ridiculous (in a good way). Its a must-visit, but maybe don’t bank on being able to ride your bike the rest of the day. Equally good, Mo:Lé (554 Pandora) might seem slightly more reasonable, just in case you’re feeling classy or whatever. While you inevitably wait in line get a coffee next door at Habit (552 Pandora), and ogle the who’s who of Victoria hipsterdom. For the best coffee in town, breakfast bagels bordering on the divine, and that ever-present patchouli smell, The Parsonage Cafe (1115 N Park) is a perennial favourite. If you’re from a country other than this one, however, ignore everything else and experience a Canadian cultural juggernaut: Tim Horton’s (1410 Blanshard St & eveywhere).
Lunch time? Tacofino (787 Fort), La Taquisa (1017 Blanshard) and Hernande’z Cocina (737 Yates) are all very good, if you like burritos. Uchida Eatery (633 Courtney), a local secret until RIGHT NOW, has the best and freshest Japanese food you’ve ever had. No, its not sushi, grow up. If a traditional Italian sandwhich is more to your liking, try La Tana Italian Bakery (101-3 Fan-Tan Alley) or Italian Food Imports (1114 Blanshard).
For dinner, how about pizza? Standard Pizza (1515 Cook Street) is new in town and everybody’s favourite. Or ride down to Cook Street Village for Pizzeria Prima Strada (230 Cook Street). OR for a quick slice and drink(s), and hopefully some rap music, try our favourite alley cat finish line: The Brickyard (784 Yates). The best hamburger you’ve ever had is at The Pink Bicycle (1008 Blanshard), seriously. Plus it has bicycle in its name – you like bikes, right? Otherwise, try Stir it Up (760A Yates) for cheap and killer Caribbean, or Part and Parcel (2656 Quadra) for cheap and killer …uh… food.
Drink
Time for a drink? For best results, fill up a growler at Hoyne and go to a park, or go to Logan’s. There’s a reason we’re so into these places – they’re the best.
But, there’s other options too. First, on the way to the main race there’s a giant liquor store called Liquor Planet and there’s dinosaurs there and they have PREHISTORIC PRICES (2317 Millstream). Closer to town try Garrick’s Head (1140 Government), Smith’s (777 Courtney), Swan’s (506 Pandora), or whatever other bar that attractive member of your prefered gender just walked into. Don’t go to the Cactus Club (1125 Douglas), its fucking terrible.
Getting Here
Victoria is on an island, so it takes a little getting to get here. If you’re travelling from far, your best bet is to fly directly. It might be (slightly) cheaper to fly into Seattle or Vancouver, but factor in time/ferry costs/yada yada and you might as well just go the distance. From the airport a 30 minute cab or shuttle, or slightly longer bike ride, will get you into town.
Driving from the Pacific Northwest gives you a couple of options. The Coho ferry runs daily from Pt. Angeles, WA to downtown Victoria and carries vehicles, while the foot/bike passenger-only Clipper. will get you here from Seattle. Another option is crossing the border into Canada on the mainland, and taking BC Ferries from Tsawwassen (just outside Vancouver) to Swartz Bay (just outside Victoria). If driving from mainland Canada, you’ll want to do that last option.
Or sail!
Accommodation Details
Paul’s Motor Inn
Located in the heart of downtown Victoria within blocks of Saturday’s multiple events, Paul’s Motor Inn has 77 motel style rooms, and a popular diner locally known for its home-style cooking. Guestrooms are divided into two main categories: city and courtyard rooms. Both options provide a clean, comfortable home base while you enjoy all the great activities, sights, and excitement of downtown Victoria. WIFI and parking are complimentary.
To reserve, either call 1-866-333-7285 or email to reservations@paulsmotorinn.com and ask for the “Single Speed Cyclocross World Championships” pricing.
- Standard Rooms $63.00
- Courtyard Rooms $78.00
Please note that guest room rates will be offered, based on availability of the group rate category, so it is recommended to book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
The rates listed are based on single or double occupancy and do not include taxes, currently set at 15%. (Taxes are subject to change). Children 18 and under are no additional charge when sharing with their parents. For a 3rd and/or 4th adult in a room, there will be an additional $10.00 per person/day.
Please note that Paul’s Motor Inn is 100% non-smoking, check in time is 3pm, check out time is 11:30am and parking is included.
The Accent Inn Victoria
Welcome SSCWXC Riders. Accent Inn Victoria offers great rooms, fast free Wi-Fi and a cool bike friendly program. Park your bikes in your room, bike repair stand with professional tools to borrow and on-site laundry because we know you’re going to get dirty. Hungry? Bin4 Burgers on-site.
To book your room call 1-800-663-0298 or go through their website and use promo code “SSWC”.
Hotel Zed Victoria
Hotel Zed Victoria is thrilled to offer a special rate to all SSCWXC riders. Great free Wi-Fi, fun amenities like our ping-pong lounge, pool, hot tub and the Zedinator waterslide. Ride one of our VW shuttle buses and enjoy our vinyl listening station. Bike friendly program in place. The Ruby restaurant on-site.
To book your room call 1-800-997-6797 or book through their website and use promo code “SSWC”.