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For our 40th wedding anniversary, we decided we deserved something special. We had wanted to visit Victoria for years, and when we discovered Fairholme Manor’s Penthouse suite, I knew we’d found our perfect getaway.
Fairholme Manor is in the Rockland area, a 30-minute walk from downtown Victoria but worlds away from the tourist hustle. It is ideally placed, next to the elegant Governor’s Mansion, with its glorious grounds. Built in 1886, Fairholme Manor has been lovingly restored into an intimate boutique hotel that immediately makes you feel like welcomed houseguests rather than anonymous travellers.
The moment we stepped into the lobby, we were struck by the attention to detail. Original hardwood floors gleamed under crystal chandeliers, while carefully chosen antiques added to the classic ambiance. The owners, Ross and Sylvia Main, and assistant Kristina were very friendly, helpful and welcoming.
But the real magic happened when we reached the Penthouse suite on the third floor.
The suite spans the entire top floor, with soaring ceilings and windows on three sides that flood the space with natural light. The sitting area features a gas fireplace perfect for Victoria’s occasionally cool winter evenings, with views of the Olympic Mountains.
Stay in a hotel and you get comfort, but not space and peace and quiet. Fairholme Manor, which has six generously-sized suites, provides all three. Deer wander through the garden.
One of the joys of travelling in your 60s is the freedom to explore without rigid schedules. Victoria proved perfect for this more relaxed approach. From Fairholme Manor, we could easily walk to most attractions.
The Inner Harbour was our main focal point. Unlike cruise ship ports that feel overwhelming, Victoria’s harbour maintains an intimate scale that invites leisurely exploration. We spent hours people-watching from the various cafes, admiring the street performers, and simply soaking in the maritime atmosphere.
The harbour walk itself is beautifully maintained and accessible, with plenty of benches positioned at scenic viewpoints. We particularly enjoyed the early morning walks round the Inner Harbour Trail, watching float planes take off against the backdrop of the Empress Hotel and taking in the unique float homes on Fisherman’s Wharf.
Our tour of the British Columbia Parliament Buildings exceeded expectations and the 45-minute free guided tour was fascinating. Our guide, a knowledgable BC media student, brought the building’s history to life with stories about early British Columbia politics and the building’s impressive architecture.
The evening illumination ceremony, when over 3,000 light bulbs outline the building’s exterior, creates a magical atmosphere The best viewing spot is from the Causeway, where you can photograph the lit buildings with the Inner Harbour in the foreground.
Victoria’s water taxis proved to be an unexpected delight. Rather than just transportation, they offer a mini-cruise experience with commentary about the harbour’s history and wildlife. The drivers are local characters who have been plying these waters for decades, full of stories about famous visitors and local legends.
We took the water taxi to Fisherman’s Wharf, home to Victoria’s famous floating houses. These aren’t just houseboats – they’re genuine residences ranging from modest cottages to elaborate multi-story homes, all bobbing gently with the tides. The community has its own floating gardens, walkways, and even a floating ice cream and food shops.
The boat tours from the Inner Harbour cater well to mature travellers. The whale-watching excursions use comfortable vessels with indoor seating and washroom facilities – important considerations for three-hour trips. We were fortunate to see a pod of orcas, an experience that reminded us why we chose to prioritise travel experiences over material possessions at this stage of life.
What made this trip particularly special was how Victoria and Fairholme Manor seemed designed for travellers who appreciate quality over quantity. Instead of cramming our days with activities, we had the luxury of truly experiencing each moment. Whether it was the delicious daily breakfast cooked by Sylvia, who has written the Fabulous Fairholme: Breakfasts & Brunches cookbook, the leisurely harbour walks or evenings wandering through the gardens, everything felt perfectly paced.
Fairholme Manor provided the ideal base for this approach – spacious enough to feel like a home away from home, luxurious enough to feel special, and located perfectly for exploring Victoria’s charms.
After forty years of marriage, our stay at Fairholme Manor, reminded us why good things are worth waiting for.
Find the best prices for Fairholme Manor on its website.
